Bowls: Amalgamation becomes worldwide

By TERRY MADDAFORD

New Zealand's pathfinding role in bringing together men and women lawn bowlers is going global.

By the middle of next year, or January 2002 at the latest, the sport will be governed by one body worldwide. New Zealand was the first country to bring both associations together as Bowls New Zealand after years with separate bodies.

Meetings at recent world championships in Australia and South Africa gave the International Women's Bowling Board and the men's World Bowling Board the green light to form one amalgamated body.

"New Zealand led the charge at both meetings," said Bowls New Zealand chief executive Kerry Clark yesterday. "The women voted 37-4 in favour and men 24-7."

After the 2004 championships in Aberdeen (men) and Kuala Lumpur (women), the first real show of the far-reaching decision will come at the 2008 world championships to be played in Christchurch, with the both the men's and women's championships being played in one place at one time.

"We expect to have 34 countries playing in both championships," said Clark.

It will be the biggest bowling tournament ever staged.