Croquet: End of era as champion tumbles

There is a new king of New Zealand croquet.

Wellington bank clerk Toby Garrison, aged 23, yesterday won the national open singles title in Wanganui.

For long-time champion Bob Jackson, of Auckland, it was a case of unlucky No 13.

The 70-year-old, who was shooting for his 14th singles crown, was beaten in three games in the final.

Garrison, the second seed, took the opening game 26-0, but Jackson, who has dominated the sport since 1975, smartly claimed the second game 26-0.

In the decider, Garrison pulled off a triple peel to win 26-3.

"The greatest thrill of my career, it has finally come," said Garrison, who will contest the world championships in London in June and looks a certainty for the transtasman test in Brisbane in October.

He had earlier teamed with Dennis Bulloch, of Nelson, to win the open doubles.

- NZPA