In a move to counter the tournament's frequent rain delays, matches on Centre and Court 1 will be scheduled to start at 1 p.m., rather than the traditional 2 p.m., the All England Club said Thursday.

Exempt from the change are the two finals, which will retain their 2 p.m. start times. Play on courts 2-19 will continue to start at noon on at least the first eight days.

``The start of play has always been about balancing the best interests of the players, spectators, media and the championships themselves,'' All England Club chief executive Christopher Gorringe said.

``Having consulted widely on the subject, we believe that there are a number of sound reasons for bringing forward the start of play on Centre and No. 1 Courts for the first 11 days to 1 p.m.''

Gorringe said the earlier start time will offer beneficial playing conditions, with better light and less risk of the courts becoming slippery from dew.

The change also will reduce the risk of top singles matches remaining unfinished at night, and provide the chance to schedule a wider variety of matches on the show courts, he said.

From 1877-1914, the scheduled start of play each day varied from year to year, and sometimes day to day. Since 1919, play has been scheduled to start on Centre Court and Court 1 at 2 p.m.

But rain frequently has played havoc with the Wimbledon schedule. Many times, playing conditions have been ideal in the morning and early afternoon, only to become wet when Centre Court matches were due to start.