2023 World Bowls Champion of Champions - Day One Round Up

The 2023 World Bowls Champion of Champions singles got underway overnight at Robina Bowls Club, Gold Coast, Australia. Scotland are represented by Darren Gualtieri and Natalie McWilliams, who have both completed their opening matches in the men’s and women’s events.

For this year's competition World Bowls are trialling a new format which see’s games consisting of 3 sets, with each set played over 5 ends. If matches are tied at the end of the 3 sets, a 1 end tie break will be contested to determine the winner.

In the Men’s Singles, Darren Gualtieri received a bye in the first session so only featured in one group match on Tuesday against Canada’s Pat Bird. Darren put in a dogged display as he narrowly missed out 1-2 after drawing two of the three sets and losing the second set.

Tomorrow sees Darren take on Angel Raul Pollet of Argentina and Switzerland’s Thomas Walti as he looks to bounce back in Section 2.

Meanwhile, in the Women’s Singles, Natalie played Switzerland’s Marianne Kuenzle in her first of two matches on day one. Like Darren, it was a close fought match throughout with both players winning a set each and the second set being tied. This meant the game was decided on a nail-biting one end tie break which Natalie unfortunately lost out on.

In her second game, Natalie bounced back in the best way possible by producing a 3-0 straight sets victory over Herriette Partridge from Namibia. This commanding win ensures Natalie is currently sat in second place in Section 2. Natalie will take on Malaysia and Canada in more vital group matches tomorrow.

Keep up to date with all the scores and standings for the 2023 World Champion of Champions here: https://results.mc.worldbowls.com/event/55c6ac0b-56b0-48fb-bee3-31d096bf6c86

A full breakdown of Scotland’s scores from day one can be found below:

Session 1:

• Men’s Singles: Darren Gualtieri received a bye
• Women’s Singles: Natalie McWilliams lost to Switzerland 1.5–2.5 (4-4, 2-6, 5-3 & 0-1)

Session 2:

• Men’s Singles: Darren Gualtieri lost to Canada 1-2 (5-5, 2-6 & 4-4)
• Women’s Singles: Natalie McWilliams beat Namibia 3-0 (7-1, 9-1 & 6-4)