Bowls: Omens are just right for the superstitious Castle

LONDON - Superstitious New Zealand bowler Marlene Castle has got the hotel room and the greens she wanted for her defence of the world indoor title in Northern Ireland.

Castle is back in room 254 of the Belfast hotel, the same room she had when she conquered the world last year.

"I especially asked for that," she said. "I'm very superstitious."

She opens her defence today against Welshwoman Rita Jones, runner-up in the world outdoor championships last year.

She comes into the tournament in good form, having beaten world outdoor champion Margaret Johnston three out of three in the home test series against Ireland.

"Let's hope I can put that into practice," Castle said.

She beat Johnston in an epic final last year. After trailing two sets to one, she rallied to win 7-1, 1-7, 5-7, 7-3, 7-1.

Millie Khan and Mike Kernaghan will also see action for NZ at the championships.

Khan meets an English opponent in the opening women's singles round and Kernaghan plays the men's singles and combines with Castle in the mixed doubles.

The women's final is on Sunday and the men's and mixed finals on Monday.

- NZPA