Bowls: World title gilds Edwards' exit

In possibly her last appearance for New Zealand, Jo Edwards tasted glory at the Bowls World Cup indoor women's singles final in New South Wales yesterday.

Edwards produced two stunning shots in a tiebreak to beat Australian Karen Murphy 7-2, 3-9, 2-1, prompting emotional scenes at Warilla.

The result makes it double success for New Zealand women at the event after teammate Genevieve Baildon, 23, won the junior women's title on Wednesday.

It is the first time New Zealand have claimed both women's titles.

"I am just over the moon," Edwards said.

"It really was a bonus just coming into this tournament. Val Smith should have been playing but was out of contention due to her knee injury.

"And to beat my old rival, Karen Murphy ... it's just great finishing on top before I take a break from the game."

The double world champion recently said she was leaving the sport indefinitely after this week because she did not have the desire needed to compete at the highest level.

- NZPA