OLLIE Gardner is to defend his York Municipal Tennis Championship men's singles title in August.

The York-based soldier won the crown for the first time last year at Rowntree Park.

The former St Peter's School pupil, an Army operations officer, could face a stiffer test this summer as the championships have been opened up to include clubs who have teams in the three main York leagues - IT Sports Mixed, Fulford Ladies' Invitation and Tyke Men's.

Previously only players based within the City of York Council catchment area were eligible to play.

With entry numbers dwindling in recent years, particularly in women's events, it is hoped that by expanding the catchment area entries will increase.

No women's events were held in 2001 and women only competed in the mixed doubles last year.

A minimum of eight women will be required to enable the singles to be played this year, but championship referee Tony Precious is confident he will get more than that.

Because of the poor surface at Rowntree Park the championships are being held at three centres this time round - Wigginton, Dunnington and Clifton Park, York.

The championships run from September 6-13 and entry forms have been distributed to all clubs in the York area.

Entry forms can also be obtained from Tony Precious, c/o 83 Newland Park Drive, Hull Road, York. He can be contacted on 07870 498144.

Although the first day of the York championships clash with the finals of the Fulford Ladies doubles competition, Precious stressed that players entering the Fulford competition would still be able to enter the York one.

Only one day of the competitions overlaps and Precious said that he would be able to put together a schedule to enable players to compete in both.

Updated: 09:03 Tuesday, July 15, 2003