The huge interest also means a record payout in prizes has been reached in the three weeks of the event so far.

Tournament director Lionel Dowling said it was the first year that all lanes at Warwick had been utilised each week.

And he added: "Should this degree of participation continue throughout the tournament, we should reach a total prize record of around $12,000.'' Competitors can bowl in either the handicap division or both the handicap and scratch divisions.

The format requires that they bowl in a minimum of six of the nine weekly tournaments. A place in the top 15 in any week will qualify them for the finals, with the grand prize in each division a round-trip airline to London with the title sponsor. A second prize of a round trip to anywhere within the continental United States is also available.

Other cash prizes are up for grabs and such bowlers as Bobbie Ingham, Winnette Wellington and Mike McCallum have already claimed a share. Bowlers also performing consistently include Albert Botelho, Michael Lambe, Earl Smith, Steven Harvey, Conrad Lister, Glenn Tuzo, Dean Lightbourn, Kathy Clarke and Howard Francis.

Dowling said a bowler entering for the first time next week could still qualify for the finals. But he advised early registration for anyone interested.

Play commences on Tuesday at 7.00 p.m. with the registration desk opening 45 minutes earlier. Entry fees are $15 and $20 for the respective divisions.

TRIATHLON TRI Organisers have announced a new date for the 10th annual Gibbons Company Iron Kids triathlon which was postponed last weekend due to bad weather.

It will now be held on July 11 and additional entries are being accepted at Gibbons' Children's Department up until July 8. Entry forms are also available from Winner's Edge and Sportseller. The fee is $8, for which children get either $10 or $15 paid into a savings account, various other goodies and a chance to win a new bike in a prize draw.

The race is not challenging and children do not have to be strong swimmers. A total of 56 trophies and medals are up for grabs.

BMX CYCLING CYC A team of crack BMX cyclists, the Gotham Trio City Daredevils from Pennsylvania, will perform in Bermuda early next month.

Hosted by the Loyal Hill BMX Club, the Daredevils will visit from July 1-4, appearing on Front Street during Harbour Nights on Wednesday July 1, at summer day camps on July 2 and 3, and at a meet at Loyal Hill's North Shore track on July 4.