ARMED combat is to come to an end for York's Rob Thomas - but not before a final crack at ruling the world.

The judo ace is aiming for a Canada high as he seeks to make one last assault on the World Masters championships in summer.

The event in the Canadian city of Toronto will be the fourth time the 40-year-old Thomas has entered and he revealed to the Evening Press that it will be his last attempt.

But he is determined to take his leave by seizing a place on the medals' rostrum after going agonisingly close in the last Masters, the world championships for veteran judo experts.

He was sixth in the 100 kilogram class, but then just missed out on a bronze medal in the open category when he was beaten into fourth place by a Brazilian opponent. That followed on from his sixth place in 2003 when the World Masters were held in Japan, the spiritual home of martial arts.

Said Thomas, who before taking to the Masters circuit was Britain's top-rated judo heavyweight for more than a decade: "Even if I don't win then I have decided this will be my last crack at the world championships.

"It will be my final international competition. These days it takes so much hard work in getting yourself into shape and also in trying to attract the sponsorship you need just to compete that I feel the time is coming for me to call it a day."

To help in his cash-raising drive Thomas' family have organised a special fund-raising night at the Groves Working-Men's Club on Friday, May 28, starting from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £3.50 and include a supper and disco.

Anyone who can help with donations or raffle prizes, or other forms of sponsorship, can contact Rob's brother Fred Thomas at Fred's Bakery tel York 640046.

Updated: 08:41 Wednesday, May 18, 2005