FORMER champions Mark McMahon and Noel Kennedy go into this week's revived Hong Kong Classic knowing that the tournament's future could lie in their hands.
McMahon and Kennedy generated huge local interest when they won the event in 1988 in their first international venture as a pair.
And organisers are hoping another good run by the duo, and the other local teams taking part, will help raise the tournament's profile and secure its future through sponsorship.
Lack of sponsorship forced the Hong Kong Lawn Bowls Association to cancel last year's event.
Bob Gartan of the event's organising committee, said: ''It costs about $500,000 to put on the event.
''The association are paying about half the costs, while the rest is coming from entry fees and the Sports Development Board.