Trial starts for WorldCom head

JURY selection opens today in the highly charged trial of Bernie Ebbers, the former head of WorldCom who presided over the largest bankruptcy in US corporate history.

Ebbers faces charges of securities fraud, conspiracy and filing false financial reports in connection with the telecom company's 2002 implosion.

Leading the prosecution is assistant attorney David Anders, who helped win a conviction against banker Frank Quattrone for obstructing justice and witnessing tampering.

Anders's case is expectedto rely on testimony-from Scott Sullivan-WorldCom's former chief financial officer, who pleaded guilty last year to similar charges now faced by Ebbers.

Ebbers has consistently proclaimed his innocence and his lawyers won a two-month delay in the start of his courtroom showdown, claiming they needed more time to prepare.

The trial is expected to last up to eight weeks, with the two sides' opening statements likely next week.