features 134 entrants, only three less than last year but more than any of the other Island tourneys.

This year's version at Pomander Gate is missing a few key players -- including the defending men's and ladies' champions -- but other big names are entered and see their first action today.

Number one ranked men's player -- and top seed -- Michael Way meets David Geraghty at 1.00 p.m. today while third seed Gregg Frigerio plays Eric Lemieux at 5.30 p.m.

Their task is made easier by the absence of Ricky Mallory, who won last year's tournament, although new Pomander Gate pro Dean Mello -- seeded fourth -- and James Collieson -- seeded number two -- may surprise.

Others to watch include youngsters Jensen Bascome (number five) and Chris Watson (number eight), each of whom won their first round matches on Wednesday.

On the women's side, Kelly Holland who defeated Jill Finnigan in the final last year is injured. Finnigan just had her second child and is also not playing but teenage sensation Zarah DeSilva is.

BOWLING BOW Bobbi Ingham was the star on opening night of the American Airlines Bowling Spectacular at Warwick Lanes on Tuesday evening.

Fresh from participating overseas, Ingham won the handicap series prize with a 713 score and shared the top prize in the scratch division with Howard Francis with a 641 series. She also won the second high handicap game prize with a 264 game and then a high scratch game prize with a 240.

Other top prize winners for the night in the handicap division were Earl Smith, second with a 710 series, June Dill, third on 699, and Lloyd Evans, fourth on 695. Angela Stovell placed fifth with a 689 series and Earl Smith also had a high handicap game of 279.

In the scratch division, Conrad Lister and Dean Lightbourne won the two remaining high game prizes with 225 and 235 respectively. Over $1,000 was paid out on opening night with Ingham receiving more than a third of that as the top nine bowlers received cash prizes.

Bowling will continue for an additional eight weeks during which participants will try to qualify for the finals. Handicap and scratch bowlers are invited to compete. Play commences every Tuesday evening at 7.00. A maximum 110 bowlers hit the lanes on the opening night and such was the interest that bowlers were turned away due to lack of lane space.

The tournament is living up to its reputation as being the most popular for local bowlers. This year there is additional excitement as the event is celebrating its 20th anniversary and is offering prizes of round trip airline tickets to London as well as to anywhere within the continental USA.

TRIATHLON TRI Youngsters are being urged to show their steel by taking part in this year's Ironkids Triathlon.

The event, on June 20, has been designed so most children can finish without special training.

All participants will receive a race T-shirt and a certificate and there are 56 trophies and medals up for grabs.

And as an extra bonus, Gibbons Deposit Company will open a savings account of behalf of each child who takes part.

Seven to ten-year-olds will receive a $10 deposit and 11 to 14-year-olds will receive a $15 deposit.

Participants will also be entered in a draw for two brand new bikes from New Winners Edge.

The theme for the event is "Everyone is a winner'' and entry forms are available at Gibbons Company, the New Winners Edge and Sportseller. Entries must be returned to Gibbons Company by 5.00 p.m. on June 16.