As the countdown continues to the World Bowls Champion of Champions, one player looking to rewrite the record books at the event is Anne Nunes from the USA.

Nunes was crowed women’s singles winner 12 months ago in Australia and she’ll be back to defend her crown when the tournament is staged at Browns Bay Bowling Club, Auckland, New Zealand, November 25-30.

Can she make history by becoming the first player since the competition began in 2003 to retain one of the most sought-after world titles?

It should be noted that New Zealand’s legendary Jo Edwards has won the event twice – in 2011 and 2018.

Nunes spoke to World Bowls about her hopes for the event.

“I am really looking forward to the Champion of Champions next month,” she said.

“Last year was just amazing.”

Let’s find out more.

WB: How has life been since winning the World Bowls Champion of Champions women’s singles in 2023?

AN: Being able to say that I’m a world champion, after so many years of competing, has really been a dream come true. Obviously, the US bowlers recognised the accomplishment. And, of course, there is a target on my back any time I step onto the green because everyone wants to beat a world champion!

But also, my Boeing coworkers were thrilled, along with several of my friends. Not many people can say they know a world champion of any sport.

WB: How did you celebrate?

AN: My home club, Newport Harbor, threw a party for me the week I got back from Australia last year. And I was recognised at our US Nationals and US Open last year. Even my hometown recognised my accomplishment with a city declaration. And I can say that I proudly took the Taylor Bowls Quaich to a couple dinners with me to show off.

WB: How does it feel to be returning to compete for a chance to retain your title?

AN: I feel a bit lucky. Most bowlers don’t get the opportunity to defend their title. I am hoping that I’ll be able to do something no other woman has done yet and bring the trophy back home with me this year.

WB: How has your form been this year?

AN: Honestly, I spent the first half of the year working a lot! I had planned to retire from Boeing in June and wanted to finish up as many projects as possible before leaving. As a result, my bowling suffered. But I am now retired and have spent the summer bowling, competing and training, and feel like I’m back in shape.

WB: How are you preparing for New Zealand?

AN: We have a couple artificial surfaces in southern CA which are a little faster than our grass greens. I’ve been bowling at those clubs in preparation. Also, our US Open will take place the first two weeks of November, so I will have plenty of competition to sharpen my game.

WB: What are you looking forward to most at the event?

AN: The Champion of Champions tournament is very unique. Singles players don’t bring a huge entourage, so there is more opportunity to ‘mingle’ with the other players. It’s nice to spend time with players from so many countries and get to know them a little bit or catch up with friends.

For more information about the event, see www.worldbowls.com

It’s the sixth time New Zealand has hosted the prestigious tournament.

The Champion of Champions is one of the forthcoming World Bowls Series events and is carries platinum points. Nunes is currently ranked 132nd.

This is an exciting era for bowls globally and the WBS is an important element to help grow the profile of the sport.

WBS is the official year-long calendar of sanctioned events connecting to the official world rankings. It is a joint venture between World Bowls and Tier 5 Ventures. The sanctioned events occur across the globe and will feature a mixture of existing and new events.

WBS currently has 29 sanctioned events. Each WBS event will belong to a different tier having different ranking points based on the size, location, and stature it presents for the sport.

The purpose of WBS is to build the profile and brand of bowls, showcase the best players in the game, accelerate the legitimacy of the sport on the global stage and launch world rankings that will help create clarity and interest in the sport of bowls.

For more information regarding the World Bowls Series, contact: Neil Dalrymple, CEO, World Bowls, [email protected]

Author: Ceris Hewlings, World Bowls media officer