working at a feverish pace in a last-minute bid to attract some of the biggest names of the local game.

With the deadline for entries fast approaching, Sonesta tennis pro Cal Simons was still hopeful of signing up Michael Way, Billy Way, Ricky Mallory and Gregg Frigerio to join Donald Evans, who has already confirmed his presence for the week-long tournament. The competition begins on Saturday with deadline for entries tomorrow night at 6.00.

The Way brothers and Mallory, however, said last night that they would be unable to play. Mallory said that school commitments would make it impossible for him to return to Bermuda while Michael Way will be off the Island.

Billy Way, although visiting here from his home in New York this weekend, will not be able to make a return visit later in the week.

But the tournament -- a last-minute addition to the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association calendar -- is gaining notice for its unusual format and prizes.

With a block seedings system in both men's and women's divisions, weaker players will not have to face powerhouses until later rounds.

Also, players will be vying for a top prize of a three-night stay of their choice at a Sonesta hotel in either Key Biscayne, Florida, Boston, New Orleans or Bermuda. Runners-up will receive a one-night package at the Southampton hotel.

The tournament is expected to become a BLTA fixture, joining the five other sanctioned tournaments already on the BLTA list. Simons hinted that next year's tournament could be switched to early spring.

Michael Way's inability to play spoils any chances of a rematch with Evans.

The two squared off at last month's Pro-Celebrity Day at the Tennis Stadium with Way being declared champion only after Evans was forced to withdraw following a freak accident.

"My hand is still a little sore,'' said Evans yesterday. "But it's 98 percent there.'' Evans is anxious to impress Davis Cup selectors, who will potentially be using tournament results as a basis for which players are chosen to go to the Dominican Republic next spring.

Results could also be a determining factor for any team selected to go to next year's Pan Am Games. BLTA vice president Allan Simmons said yesterday that Bermuda may be sending a squad to Argentina.

"I've been thinking about the Davis Cup and Pan Am Games,'' said Evans. "I'm thinking about the long term implications. A good showing now should help solidify my case for an opportunity to represent Bermuda.'' Said Simmons: "I think all of the tournaments that players play in, results will certainly be looked at for final selection. But players who don't play in the tournament, that won't hurt them.'' Not counting last year's XL Classic, the Sonesta tournament will mark Evans' first tournament play in Bermuda since November, 1992.

"I'm coming to win,'' he said.

The women's field, although not confirmed, could include Kim Simmons, Sheila Gomez, Gill Butterfield, Jacqui White, Ailsa Campbell and Barbara Lambert.

"I'm looking forward to having a really good tournament,'' said Simons. "I know we're going to have good players, I just hope we have excellent weather.'' DONALD EVANS -- rare local tournament appearance.