5/5 wins and a place into the finals was the outcome for us kiwis on the green today!
Dean secured three wins today to seal his third-place position and play off for the semi-final tomorrow. With three tough games today, Dean played phenomenally to secure a total of 6 set wins against Wales, Singapore and Malaysia.
Dean's first match against David Kingdon from Wales who was sitting in first position on the leader board going into today, was worthy of a final. The first set concluded with an 8 all draw, so into the second both men were looking to take the win to secure the game. Dean only let the lead slip from his hands once on the 6th end but that would be the last, scoring a 1 on the 8th and 9th end saw Dean take the win from Wales 7-5.
The second match for our mens national champion was against Singapores Thomas Leong. Dean opened the game strong scoring 3 shots in two ends, but struggled to get off the number 3 for four consecutive ends putting Singapore 5-3 in front with 3 ends to go. Dean fired off into the last third scoring a total of 6 shots in those last 3 ends to take the first set win 9-5. Dean backed the impressive first set up by winning the second set 10-5.
The last match of the day was against the Malaysian champion Izzat Dzulkeple. Knowing that Dean had a chance to sneak into the top 3 with a win in this game and some results going his way, he gave it his all going into his last sectional game in the World Champion of Champions. Both sets came down to the wire but Dean was always in the lead winning the first and second set 8-6.
And just like that after 13 games, our Taranaki superstar has cemented his place into the finals matches tomorrow at 10am!
My day today was a matter of all in or nothing. Playing the current section winner and second place holder in my last two rounds for the day, saw me having a good opportunity to secure my spot in the finals if I could come away with the wins.
My first match was against Norfolk Islands Petal Jones. Starting strong in the first set I took the win 14-4. Into the second Petals conversion shots and draw improved and made me work harder for the shots. But keeping calm and carrying on, I came away with the second set win 8-6.
My last game of the day was a battle for the top section position against Laura Daniels from Wales. With us both only being 8 game winners, whoever won this game would seal their position into the semi-finals. Playing the first set Laura held the lead all the way up until playing the last end. I was holding one shot on the last, knowing I needed a 2 to draw or a 3 to win the set. Playing with a touch of weight into the head I got a touch on the jack and moved it to my 2 back bowls collecting the 3 to take the set win from behind. I managed to hold onto the lead throughout the second set winning 9-7, taking the game and the semi-final position.
What an exciting day it was for Dean and I and no doubt it will be another exciting day tomorrow as we head towards the finals!
Today's results:
Selina
- Win against Norfolk Island 14-4, 8-6
- Win against Wales 8-7, 9-7
- Sectional Overall Position: 1st
Dean
- Win against Wales 8-8, 7-5
- Win against Singapore 9-5, 10-5
- Win against Malaysia 8-6, 8-6
- Sectional Overall Position: 3rd
