Guernsey Press

'Cruel' format criticised as CI starlets suffer

THE curse of the crazy format that denied Lianna Bichard and upset her supporters at Hougue du Pommier on Saturday struck again yesterday - but this time the victim was Jersey's Lindsey Greechan.

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THE curse of the crazy format that denied Lianna Bichard and upset her supporters at Hougue du Pommier on Saturday struck again yesterday - but this time the victim was Jersey's Lindsey Greechan. The Caesarean had beaten Bichard in the semi-finals despite the Guernsey girl's great start that saw her score the first 17 shots.

'In a traditional 21-up match, a 17-shots lead is enough to guarantee victory 99 times out of a hundred,' said an unbiased spectator.

'This format is dramatic and exciting, but it is often cruel and sometimes desperately unfair.'

In the final, Greechan had to experience a taste of the same medicine. Winning the first set convincingly, she was unable to close down the game and gave best to Welsh star Kerry Packwood, who returned a topsy-turvy 1-11, 11-6, 2-0 scorecard.

Ironically, Kerry and twin sister Kelly, who are disco dancing champions, enjoyed the same roller coaster ride in their semi-final.

Kelly won the first set 12-2, Kerry the second 11-2, before the latter edged home with a single on the last end of the seemingly inevitable tiebreak.

England junior champion Jamie Chestney defeated Malaysian Safuan Said 7-5, 7-2 in the men's final.

Brian Davies, speaking on behalf of the World Indoor Bowls Council, revealed that next year's championships would be staged in Malaysia, where an impressive indoor facility was recently opened in Klang.

Davies said: 'As usual, we received a warm welcome in Guernsey and I think the players all enjoyed the experience. We had some marvellous bowls, but the social side is also an important part of the event.'

He added: 'Naturally, we're disappointed that some of the world's top bowling countries, like Australia and New Zealand, have opted out of the WIBC, but the event continues to hit new heights in terms of skill and fellowship.'

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