As the 2023 World Bowls Championship concludes its first week, it’s definitely been worth the wait after originally being scheduled in 2020.
The atmosphere around the Gold Coast is buzzing, with over 43 nations from across the world participating. The host country Australia have put on a world class showcase with the five bowls clubs being Broadbeach, Helensvale, Paradise Point, Mudgeeraba and Musgrave all dressed up with nation flags and beautified greens. All clubs have engaged their volunteers, who ready to go and are either marking, umpiring, servicing players with a friendly smile each day or giving out lunch to over 540 players and coaches.
The week has shown a number of countries step up their performance. The top two from each section are selected to go into the final series. The disciplines in the first week have been the men’s pairs, men’s triples, women’s singles, women’s fours, para men’s pairs, para women’s pair and para vision impaired mixed pairs.
As we head into men’s pairs final tomorrow at Club Helensvale Aaron Teys and Aaron Wilson (AUS) against Adam Mckeown and Gary Kelly (IRE).
Men’s Triples final Paul Foster MBE, Derek Oliver and Alex Marshall MBE (SCO) against Corey Wedlock, Aron Sherriff and Carl Healey (AUS).
Women’s singles semi-finals Ellen Ryan (AUS) against Tayla Bruce (NZL), Katherine Rednall (ENG) against Kelly McKerihen (CAN)
Women’s fours final Kristina Krstic, Dawn Hayman, Lynsey Clarke and Kelsey Cottrell (AUS) against Sophie Tolchard, Jamie-Lee Marshall, Lorraine Kuhler and Amy Pharaoh (ENG)
Para men’s pairs final Damien Delgado and James Reynolds (AUS) against Deon van der Vyer and Gareth Rees-Gibbs (RSA)
Para women’s pairs final Julie O’Connell and Teri Blackbourn (NZL) against Rosemary Lenton and Pauline Wilson (SCO).
Para vision impaired mixed pairs final May Homer and Hermanus Scholtz (RSA) against Jacky Hudson and Jake Fehlberg (AUS).
