2023 World Bowls Championships: Day 9 recap
Sectional play is nearly all but over as the second week of finals action approaches at the 2023 World Bowls Championships on the Gold Coast.
Men’s Singles
Just two rounds of sectional play remain for three sections in the men’s singles competition, while one section is done and dusted ahead of knockout play.
2022 Commonwealth Games singles champion Aaron Wilson made his way out of the sectional rounds without a blemish, but nearly came undone in the final round.
Taking on Dutchman Frank de Vries, Wilson trailed 19-20 before collecting a two on the final end and take out a one-shot win to keep his unbeaten record.
Hong Kong China’s Tony Cheung also progressed to the knockout rounds in thrilling fashion.
Coming down to either Cheung or Welshman Daniel Salmon, the duo went toe-to-toe in the penultimate round of play.
It was Cheung that took the narrowest of wins however, winning 21-20 to book his place in the quarter finals.
Two rounds remain in the other three sections, with the top two in each section taking shape.
Ireland’s Gary Kelly can’t be caught in section one, as he remains unbeaten, while New Zealander Andrew Kelly sits one game clear of India’s Putul Sonowal.
Sam Tolchard also remains unbeaten in section two, while Canada’s Ryan Bester has kept his hopes alive of a second world title, one win ahead of Japanese star Kenta Treacher.
Malaysian Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple is in the box seat of section three also with an unblemished record, with Iain McLean looking to hold onto second place.
Women’s Pairs
Reigning Commonwealth Games pair Ellen Ryan and Kristina Krstic are out of the women’s pairs, as a gallant Malta pair hold on to advance to the quarter finals.
After defeating Australia earlier in the week, Rebecca and Connie Rixon (Malta) held their nerve to secure three wins and exit the section into the knockout phase.
England’s Sophie Tolchard and Amy Pharaoh exit the section on top, in the hunt of turning their 2022 Commonwealth Games silver into world championships gold.
Norfolk Island’s Carmen Anderson and Shae Wilson topped section one unbeaten, with Wales finishing second to get through to the quarters.
England will do battle with the Welsh, while Norfolk Island meet Malta in the first round of finals.
New Zealand will take on Scotland after progressing from section two on top and section three second respectively.
Malaysia held on to top of section three by shots difference, meeting Ireland in a quarter final.
Women’s Triples
Just one round of women’s triples play took place on Thursday, with ladders remaining mostly unchanged.
England advance undefeated from section four, followed closely by South Africa.
Australia also move on without a loss after a big win over Israel, setting up a quarter final against the Proteas.
India meets Canada after securing seven wins, while New Zealand take on Malaysia having also gone without a loss.
The second place of section one was decided on the final round, with Hong Kong China going head-to-head with Ireland.
The Irish needed a win, draw or to lose by two shots or less, while Hong Kong China needed to secure a three-shot win to advance.
It could not have been any tenser on the final end, with the Irish trailing by two shots. Ireland picked up two shots, drew the game and locked in a quarter final against England.
Men’s Fours
Three section winners in Australia, Ireland and Scotland progressed from the men’s fours competition without a loss to their name ahead of men’s fours finals action.
New Zealand topped section one with just one loss to their name, dropping their final game to India.
That win was not enough to secure a quarter final spot for India, as the Cook Islands secured a memorable spot in the quarter finals.
Wales looked strong to lock in second place of section two, as did the USA in section three. Hong Kong China secured a crucial final round win over Canada, edging out England for second place in section four.
They face off against New Zealand, Scotland meet the Cook Islands, Australia takes on the USA and Ireland takes on Wales in the men’s fours quarter finals.
View the day nine results HERE
Day 10 of play commences from 8.30am AEST across the Gold Coast on Friday.
The 2023 World Bowls Championships is proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland and Major Events Gold Coast.
