WBT stars ready for Matchplay

The World Bowls Tour’s leading eight bowlers are gearing up for the third annual Co-operative Funeralcare World Matchplay Championship at Ponds Forge in Sheffield.

Taking place from July 16-17, the event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and will see former World Indoor Singles champion, Andy Thomson, trying to defend the title he won in quite thrilling fashion 12 months ago.

Scots-born English international Thomson defeated world No.1 Alex Marshall in the final last year to succeed Greg Harlow as champion, and he opens his defense this year against the 2005 World Indoor Singles champion Mervyn King. Marshall, meantime, has a very tricky opening match with Welshman Jason Greenslade.

In the other first round matches, Harlow takes on Paul Foster, whilst Mark Royal, the new world No.2 from Stowmarket, takes on David Gourlay.

Marshall admits that he is keen to get back to winning ways after having a poor year last year.

"I've had a very poor season, the worst I've had in my career for ten years," admitted the Scot. "My form hasn't been that great, but I picked up a new set of bowls so I'm confident."

George Tinning, meanwhile, the Operations Director of The Co-operative Funeralcare, added: "We are pleased to link with the WBT again in what has become a very successful partnership. Bowls is a sport enjoyed by hundreds of communities throughout the UK, many of which we serve. The championship is an excellent way of demonstrating our support for the sport and we're looking forward to an exciting event."

Tickets, at £5 per day, are available via the City Hall box office on 0114 2 789 789

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