THE decline in numbers entering the City of York Tennis Championships seem directly linked to the decision four years ago to change the venue from Rowntree Park, along with the name change from the "municipals".

Most players refer to the tournament as the municipals and now that they are back at the park, I believe we have to do something positive to increase numbers.

We have lost people's interest, and it will need encouragement to reassure people that the tournament is once again worth entering.

I propose the following suggestions, and welcome others' comments.

1, Much more publicity is needed in the month before the event. Newspaper articles are not by themselves sufficient. We need posters in all the city's parks. Forms need to be available at all the clubs, and all the parks, well in advance.

People also need to know which weekend morning or afternoon their event will be held, before they enter, so that they know they don't have to keep the whole weekend(s) free.

Evening play should be kept to a minimum. The atmosphere at the weekends is so much better.

2, Round robin format. One of the major drawbacks of the current knock-out format is that half the entrants only get one game. Many people would like better value for their money. The current cost is £6 pounds per couple, with no balls provided, which is an expensive game of tennis, especially if you happen to be drawn against a top pair, and don't even get a decent game.

If we had a round robin format guaranteeing three matches, instead of the early rounds, this would encourage players of all standards to enter, rather than just those at the higher levels. Those games which are at present played over best of 19 games could be shortened to a short set in order to keep to the time constraints. Very rarely is a result changed from being behind after a set, to winning in a first to ten anyway.

3, Over 35s event. There are many players like myself, between the ages of 35 and 45, who are still competitive, but not willing to pit themselves against the young lions anymore, especially in singles.

An over 35 singles event I am sure would be very popular, especially if it was a shortened format, such as single sets, again in a round robin format.

Richard Ekers,

Beckwith Head Road

Harrogate

North Yorkshire

Updated: 11:54 Wednesday, July 17, 2002