Written by Daniel Etchells for Inside the Games
Home favourite Jeremy Henry made a winning start to the defence of his World Cup indoor bowls title today, but was made to work hard by Malaysia’s Mohammad Soufi Rusli at the Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club in Shellharbour in Australia.
The four-time defending champion dropped a set in a 9-2, 5-7 (6-0) victory over his opponent as the 13th staging of the World Cup event got underway.
Among Henry’s principal rivals is New Zealand’s Ali Forsyth, who started his campaign with a 12-3, 5-5 win over Australia’s teenage debutante Curtis Hanley.
Other winners today included The Netherlands Frans Roberts, a 9-8, 8-4 victor at the expense of Malta’s Shaun Parnis, and South Africas Pierre Breitenbach, who overcame Guernseys Matt Le Ber 5-5, 8-8 (5-4) after an extra-end tiebreak.
In the women’s competition, double world champion Natasha Scott of Australia came from a set behind to defeat Spains Carol Broomfield in a tie-break 7-11, 10-7 (3-0).
Next up for her is a meeting with defending champion Carmen Anderson of Norfolk Island on Thursday (March 16).
Scott is making her first-ever appearance in the World Cup having qualified by winning the Australian Indoor event held last August.
“Its on the bucket list – another one ticked off,” the 26-year-old told the Illawarra Mercury.
“I’ve always wanted to play in this event.”
“I’s one of the biggest tournaments anywhere in the world.”
Keep Up With Results here! – Ali Forsyth- Men’s Div 2, Jo Edwards- Women’s Div 2
