GLYNN Cookson is gunning for a perfect 10 in this summer's Guardian Cup.

The Wharton Cons crown green bowler vowed to return to try to win the title again after claiming a record ninth victory last year.

And he can't wait for the latest edition to get under way.

"I'm ready and I've got a good chance," he said.

"But I know I'll have to be on top of my game."

Last year, more than 200 people crammed into Comberbach Bowling Club when Cookson stole the show in edging out Jon Gurney 21-19 in the final.

It capped a thrilling climax to a competition in which Frodsham Red Lion's Nicola Dolby become the first woman to reach the finals night.

Winsford bowler Cookson says Dolby's debut is proof the challenge is getting tougher every year.

"I don't think I'm going to improve, but the younger players can and I wouldn't be surprised to see three or four new faces in the final," he said.

But Cookson does feel he has an advantage over them, with the first victory always the hardest.

The star of the Mid Cheshire Merit lifted his first Guardian Cup exactly 30 years ago - and it remains his most memorable moment to date.

Aged just 17, he beat Keith Birkett at Lostock to clinch the first victory in his record-breaking run.

"I was a Winsford whippersnapper and nobody knew who on earth I was," he said.

The understated Cookson remains charmingly modest, remarking that this year's competition is as open as any in recent memory.

He said: "When I win, people tell me they knew all along I would.

"But even if I don't lift the Guardian Cup again, I think I've left my mark on it".

The three female entrants, Dolby (Frodsham RL), Val Dale (Owley Wood) and Julie Green (Beech Tree), have avoided meeting in the early stages.

Qualifying rounds begin on Monday, with 71 bowlers taking part.

An intermediate round follows on July 3.

The eight best will compete in the final on Friday, August 4 for the £1,000 first prize.

For the full draw see right.