SPORTING legends past and present came out in force to remember tennis ace Elena Baltacha, who died from liver cancer at the age of 30.

Andy Murray, Martina Hingis, Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski, Victoria Azarenka and Ross Hutchins were just some of the big names to take part in yesterday's the Rally for Bally event.

The three star-studded matches in London, Birmingham and Eastbourne were held to raise charity funds and to honour the Scots ace, who was known affectionately as 'Bally'.

The former British No 1 died on May 4 - less than six months after marrying her former coach Nino Severino and retiring from the game.

Fans cheered as Andy Murray and brother Jamie teamed up for a game.

Those who could not make the events were invited to donate to the event's Just Giving page, which has already attracted thousands of donations and raised more than £50,000.

The money will be split equally between the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and the Elena Baltacha Foundation, the charity attached to the tragic star's Academy of Tennis, which she set up to help children from all backgrounds play the sport.

Ms Hingis said: "It's the perfect way to remember her and also to raise money for causes that mattered to her."

rachel.loxton@ eveningtimes.co.uk