Le Ber to face Jones in opener

POPULAR Sarnian Matt Le Ber received a special cheer when he stepped up to receive his commemorative badge during the opening ceremony of the World Bowls Champion of Champions singles event in Cyprus yesterday.

And his partner Lucy Beere was mentioned in dispatches for her new role as Vice President of Bowls Guernsey.

Players from all over the world – 51 champions from 30 countries, to be precise – who had already rolled up on the artificial outdoor rinks at the Athena Beach Hotel, expressed their surprise at the way the greens were running.

Those who had participated in the European team championships a few years back, or in the 2011 Atlantic championships, knew what to expect – but competitors who play outdoor exclusively on grass greens face a steep learning curve.