Bowls

Convenor: Christian Huang | Article by: Christian Huang

NATIONAL 7-7-1 SINGLES

The search for a representative at the World Bowls Indoor Championships in Bristol this coming April saw nine men and four ladies represent SCC at the recently concluded inaugural National 7-7-1 Singles. This new adopted format brings a whole new twist to the game, ensuring you have to be sharp right from the go, and gave underdogs a chance to upset the more seasoned competitors. Six out of the nine men progressed into the knockout stages, causing some major upsets along the way. Edmund won his group undefeated, taking Anthony Loh, the winner of the 2021 National Singles out in the process. Fellow finalist Thomas Leong needed a win against Christian to progress. After claiming the first set comfortably, a mid-match slump allowed Christian into the game, eventually surrendering the second set and the thrilling one end tiebreak to bow out of the tournament. Meanwhile, Melvin and Srini went through undefeated while Zoher and Alan progressed as well. After the round of 16, Zoher, Srini and Edmund survived their way into the quarterfinals. Edmund’s unbeaten run came to an end against Pang HH from ELBC, but Zoher claimed a semifinal berth with victory against LBAD’s Khirmen, while Srini delivered some last bowl magic to snatch a win against Bernard from an almost impossible position, leaving his opponent devastated. They both went on to win their semifinals to set up an all-SCC final. The Section was thrilled that this inaugural tournament is going to be won by an SCC Member and cheered both bowlers on. Zoher’s experience eventually saw him defeat Srini in straight sets to claim his first-ever National Singles title. All our ladies - Mary, Josephine, Anne Marie and Amira - qualified from their groups, with Jo and Anne Marie the only all-SCC match in the quarters . Mary, Anne Marie and Amira all won their games in straight sets to ensure there were three SCC bowlers in the semifinals.

An exciting SCC semifinal saw Mary and Amira up against each other. Amira took the first set, but Mary came back strongly, leading 7-5 going into the last end of the second set. A stupendous last bowl by Amira overturned the set, awarding her a spot in the finals. In the other semi, Anne Marie was unable to regain her form from the previous day and dropped her match to May in straight sets. Even though Amira put up a strong fight, May was ultimately the better bowler in the final and deservedly won the title and her ticket to the World Indoor Championships with Zoher. Well done to all participants!

From top: Srinivasan pipping his Tanglin Club opponent Peter on the measure; Some friendly banter before serious action; Veteran bowler Mary Lim in fine form throughout the whole competition.