Siblings ready to take on the world

IT IS a family affair for Guernsey as the world indoor bowls under-25 championships open at Hougue du Pommier today. Brother and sister Kris and Lianna Bichard, along with Craig Dorey, will be flying the flag for the island as they pit themselves against most of the best young bowlers on the planet.

Kris and Lianna's father Steve was the manager of the Guernsey team that took on the British Select side at the weekend when Kris and his 17-year-old brother, Shaun, featured for the home side.

'I'm very proud obviously,' said Bichard senior.

'With two of them, Kris and Shaun, playing at the weekend against the British Isles Select and now Lianna and Kris in the U25 World Championships, I'm the proudest dad in the world.'

Bowlers from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Jersey and Malaysia are at the Guernsey Indoor Bowls Centre which hosts the prestigious tournament for the second year in a row.

For Dorey and Kris, today marks their debuts in the competition while for Lianna this will be her fourth appearance.

Kris took Guernsey's wildcard place after finishing runner-up to Dorey in the local qualifying event.

'I'm nervous, it's a tough competition,' said Kris, who will be celebrating his 19th birthday tomorrow.

'I don't hold out much hope. I'm looking to win a couple of games, that's all I'm hoping to do.

'But I'm excited. It will be an excellent experience.'

The 23-year-old Dorey is setting his sights higher than his young team-mate. He has been in this type of arena before.

Dorey played in the Under-25 World Cup in Australia earlier this year, beating New Zealand along the way.

'You've got to fancy getting through the groups,' said the 23-year-old.

'I would be happy to qualify through the groups but obviously I'm going out there to try to win.'

The tournament starts with today's mixed pairs and players are matched up with bowlers from different countries.

Dorey partners Nor Iryani Azmi from Malaysia, Kris is with Welsh bowler Kelly Packwood and Lianna finds herself with Scotland's Ian Bone. Later on today, the singles get under way.

Lianna, who turned 21 on Saturday, made it to the quarter-finals two years ago in Jersey. Unfortunately for her, last year was not as good.

'I had a horrendous tournament,' she said.

'I had just recently changed my bowls and I wasn't happy with my game. I'm hoping to do better this year.

'I'm feeling a lot happier and I think I've got a reasonable group.