Bowls: Forsyth set for Asia-Pac champs

Ali Forsyth has an ideal opportunity to press for a Commonwealth Games place in the New Zealand bowls team when he makes his full international debut at next week's Asia Pacific championships in Melbourne.

He is one three players making a full international debut in the 12-strong New Zealand team scheduled to arrive in Melbourne today.

"I can't wait to get over there, it's something I have been waiting on for a while so it will be good -- it's a dream come true," Forsyth said.

"I'm not nervous just yet, but that could all change when I put that black shirt on and get out there for my first game."

Forsyth, 25, is the world champion of champions singles title holder and finished second at the World Junior Cup in Hong Kong earlier this year.

The New Zealand team comprises Forsyth, Russell Meyer, Rowan Brassey, Richard Girvan, Justin Goodwin, Gary Lawson, Jo Edwards, Sharon Sims, Jan Khan, Marina Khan and Jessie Ann Law for the championships at the Darebin International Sports complex from November 7-16.

For New Zealand and Australian bowlers, the championships is seen as a precursor to the Commonwealth Games.

The competition is generally dominated by the trans-Tasman rivals, but gives smaller nations the chance to compete against some of the big names and gain some international experience.

New Zealand campaign manager Ashley Light said this year's team had a chance of bringing home a number of medals.

"I think this is potentially one of the best prepared teams we have ever sent away," he said.

"The amount of fitness work and preparation the players have been doing through their regional high performance coaches gives all 12 competitors a real shot at a medal."

The championships have been held only twice before, and New Zealand had fared well at both tournaments.

The first event in 2001 saw New Zealand win medals in all eight disciplines, while the New Zealanders took three gold and two silver medals in 2003.

Girvan, Goodwin and Forsyth are set to make their full debut at the championships.

Forsyth will compete in the singles, and Girvan and Goodwin in the triples, skipped by current Asia Pacific triples champion Lawson.

New Zealand will face Malaysia first up on Monday in the 16-nation championship, which includes China, the United States, Japan and Hong Kong.

- NZPA