Bowls: NZ pair, triple still on course

The New Zealand men's bowls team remain on course to emulate the double gold medal-winning efforts of their women counterparts, as they maintain their unbeaten record at the world championships in South Africa.

The triple ended the third day on top of section B with Zimbabwe and Australia after victories over Singapore, 29-9, and Norfolk Island, 20-8, in Johannesburg.

Andrew Curtain, Rowan Brassey and Peter Belliss face their biggest obstacle so far when they play Zimbabwe today.

New Zealand team manager Peter Kean said he expected the unbeaten Zimbabwe, Australia and England - who are a game behind the Kiwis - to be their major opposition.

In the pairs, Russell Meyer and Paul Girdler are also unbeaten, although they had to orchestrate a comeback from 4-10 down to overcome Guernsey 18-16.

The duo, also on top of their group, face a doubleheader against Malaysia and Fiji today.

Kean said the New Zealanders, Australia, Ireland and Hong Kong were likely to fight out the pairs medals, although he was wary of taking any opponents lightly.

"We've prepared ourselves pretty well," he said. "It's like a test match every time we step out on the greens over here. There have been a lot of upsets.

"A lot of lesser-known teams have beaten the name teams. We prepare to beat the teams we play, regardless if they're from Jersey or anywhere else in the world.

"At the end of the day, if you lose those games it makes it very tough to go forward."

The fours and singles competitions start next week.

- NZPA