Open Singles Circuit joy for Willgress

Wayne Willgress enjoyed perfect preparation ahead of the World Indoor Bowls Championships by winning the Open Singles Circuit Grand Final at Potters Resort.

Willgress defeated Martin Shepherd in a very tight final of a high standard played at the International Arena at theHopton-on-Sea venue.

The Norfolk man secured his place at the OSC grand final event by finishing 26th on the 2021-22 OSC ranking list, despite only competing in two events during the season.

Drawn in a group of three for the round robin stage, Willgress was defeated by Martin Selway in his opening match, but he bounced back beating Colin Stevenson 2-0 to ensure his progression into the knockout stages.

In the last 16, Willgress overcame Glenn Williams on a tie break, before enjoying straight sets victories over Andy Moore and Adam White to reach the showdown match against Shepherd.

Shepherd also lost his opening round robin match to Tom Smith, but victories over Andy Ware and Jeremy Russell put him through to the knockout stages.

Tie break wins over Mark Royal and Paul Sharman preceded a 1.5-0.5 defeat of Ed Elmore in the semi-final.

Greg Harlow, bowls ambassador for Potters Resort, said: “We were delighted to once again host the Open Singles Circuit Grand Final at Potters Resort. There was an incredible display of bowling throughout the weekend, especially the final between Wayne Willgress and Martin Shepherd when the opening four bowls of the last end of the final saw four front touchers.”

Knockout results
Last 16: Adam White bt Tom Smith 2-0; Ed Elmore bt Lucy Smith 2-1; Scott Edwards bt Pat Briscoe 2-0; Paul Oke bt David Baxter 2-0; Paul Sharman bt Andy McIntyre 2-0; Andy Moore bt Martin Selway 2-1; Wayne Willgress bt Glenn Williams 2-1; Martin Shepherd bt Mark Royal 2-1.

Quarter-final: Willgress bt Moore 2-0; Shepherd bt Sharman 2-1; Elmore bt Oke 1.5-0.5; White bt Edwards 2-1.

Semi-final: Willgress bt White 2-0; Shepherd bt Elmore 1.5-0.5.

Final: Willgress bt Shepherd 2-0.

—

Bowls International is the World’s No.1 bowling magazine, established in 1981.

A six-month print subscription to Bowls International is priced at just £19.90, or a 12-month subscription is £35.99 – that’s less than £3 per month and includes FREE POSTAGE. Subscribe today to save up to 40% on the cover price