YORK'S top bowls tournament faces rolling into oblivion if players do not jack up their interest.

So far entries are down by more than a third for this year's York Open Bowls Tournament due to be held at the Clarence Gardens greens from July 26 - 31.

Unless there's a significant increase in interest by next Monday's May 17 deadline, then the event could become extinct ending nearly four decades of competitive play.

The dire warning was made by tournament secretary Ian Farrar.

He told the Evening Press: "Now in its 37th year, the tournament is under threat and facing extinction due to the lack of support."

He attributed the shortfall in entries to an increasing apathy to the sport and in particular to a competition that a mere ten years ago was so popular that entries had to be in just after Christmas the previous year to guarantee a place.

Added Farrar, who is saddened by the decline: "Entries for this year's competition are drastically reduced. They are down by more than 100 on last year's total. Unless there is a substantial increase before May 17, next year's tournament is likely to be in jeopardy.

"It would appear that a general apathy to bowls is taking place.

"The tournament committee wish to ask the bowlers of York and the surrounding area whether they wish the tournament to continue or do we let a wonderful week's bowling slip into obscurity.

"The choice is with the bowling fraternity of York. Once a tournament of such value falls into oblivion it is unlikely to be resurrected at some future date."

Farrar also appealed to the thousands of bowlers who play in York for ideas on how best to re-invigorate the Open tournament, which in the past has drawn entries from across the north of England and into Scotland. "The committee would only be too pleased to investigate," he said.

Anyone yet to enter this year's competition can still get an entry form before next week's closing date. For details ring Farrar on York (01904) 632159.

Updated: 10:50 Tuesday, May 11, 2004