TITLE pressure goes on a roll next week when the 44th York Open Bowls Tournament is staged.

The popular annual event will be graced by all last year’s winners during the week-long event from July 25 to July 30 at greens at Clarence Gardens, West Park and Glen Gardens.

Men’s singles winner Malcolm Bruce, who also won in the mixed pairs but failed to add the men’s pairs success, will be bidding for a hat-trick, while Scott Burrell and Josh Cahill will again team up to defend their men’s pairs title.

Having reached the age of 18, Burrell is too old to reclaim his championship in the junior competition which is held on Friday, July 19, and for which players can turn up on the day.

The event will be opened at Clarence Gardens by the Lord Mayor of York Coun David Horton on Monday at 9.45am.