BOWLS legend Tony Allcock has entered next years Bournemouth Open Tournament.

Coming so soon after the Bournemouth International Language College agreed to sponsor the event, Allcock's presence gives this annual championship a second major lift.

The Bournemouth Open in 2002 is on August 4-10 - and Allcock will be hoping that he arrives on the south coast in triumph after leading England's bowls teams to Commonwealth Games glory in Manchester the week before.

Allcock is one of the greatest bowlers ever to grace the green and during an illustrious career he has won 13 world championships indoors and outdoors as well as a Commonwealth Games silver medal.

His international career started indoors in 1976 and outdoors two years later but at Manchester he will not be in action on the green as he is the team supremo or, to give him his full title, the performance co-ordinator not only of the men's side but the ladies as well.

The Gloucestershire-based celebrity, whose dedication to bowls has earned him the MBE, said: "The Bournemouth Open has been for many years been the most prestigious open bowling tournament on the calendar and it's still one I enjoy winning.

"I am looking forward to returning there and am delighted that it has received the backing of the Bournemouth International Language College."

Allcock has a fine record in the tournament having won the singles title twice (1990 and 1999), the pairs (1982) and the inaugural mixed pairs (2000) though he did not compete in this summer's Open.

Tournament secretary Ron Barclay, who is shortly to be installed as the Bournemouth and District BA president for 2002, said: "Tony is a long-standing supporter of the event and we are delighted that he will be back next August - and if his entry can influence others to play in the tournament, then all the better."

All of this summer's winners have already joined the line-up for next year and bowlers keen to enter now can phone Ron Barclay on 01425 650465, email him on ronbandd@msn.com or alternatively entry forms can be found on the

BILC website at www.bilc.co.uk/open2.html