Bowls: Walton wins singles final

New Zealand's Dwayne Cameron was beaten 8-8, 9-1 by Englishman Mark Walton in the world singles Champion of Champions bowls tournament final in Christchurch yesterday.

The Auckland bowler made a huge comeback in the first set, drawing 8-8 after being down 3-7 at the end of the fourth end but lost his composure in the second to go down 1-9.

"I'm pretty disappointed, but he was just better on the day. Mark played the good shots at the right time," Cameron said.

The Englishman, 39, had a vocal support group in the crowd at the Fendalton Bowling Club and said it certainly helped him.

"Support always helps and keeps you going when you've come a long way from home."

Meanwhile, New Zealand will mount another strong challenge on the greens of Melbourne next March after the announcement of the 12-strong Commonwealth Games bowls team. Included are 2004 World Champion Jo Edwards and 2004 World Championship bronze medallist Russell Meyer, who will fill the singles spots.

Rowan Brassey, who appeared at his first Commonwealth Games in Brisbane in 1982, will join two-time national champion Jamie Hill in the men's pairs.

In the women's pairs, 2002 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jan Khan will line up with sister Marina Khan.

Asia Pacific Games gold medal-winning trio Gary Lawson, Justin Goodwin and Richard Girvan will contest the men's triple, while three-time world champion Sharon Sims is joined by Val Smith and Serena Matthews for the women's triple.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY