THIS year's Southend Men's Open tournament, will celebrate the event's 75th anniversary but will almost certainly be the last.

The competition, staged at Priory Park, has been a resounding success over the years.

But in the past three or four years, the numbers of applications have been getting fewer and fewer.

And even after a number of different initiatives, numbers have continued to go down rather than increase.

"The decrease in applications have made the tournament less competitive and meaningful," said tournament secretary Trevor Bason.

"The drop in numbers has also contributed to a very difficult financial situation. In addition, some of the existing committee will not be seeking re-election."

Unless someone comes forward to take on the responsibility of running the tournament with a new committee and fresh ideas, the end will be signalled in July.

On the 15th of that month the annual general meeting takes place and it will be recommended that the 2008 tournament will be the last and that affairs be wound up.

This year's tournament will run from June 29-July 12.