World players on Toowoomba greens
BOWLS: The top bowlers in the state converged at Toowoomba Bowls Club at the weekend for the inaugural Prestigious Mixed Pairs Carnival.
There were at least 12 Australian or Queensland players including four-times world champion Ian “Shoey” Schuback.
He said the tournament was a huge success, not only for the sport but also for the region.
Twenty-eight teams competed for the title with Alby Gibbs and Pat Graham taking home the win.
“It was the first time I’ve played here. I have never really known of a major competition tournament in Toowoomba,” Schuback said.
Until now, with this Mixed Pairs Carnival which Schuback hoped to bring back in the future.
He said having competition at this calibre helped raise the standard of play.
Although he said there were already some very strong players in the region like Warwick’s Tracey Foster, who is a Queensland champion, and the Keipe family.
Shaun Keipe placed second in the event with Teresa Tomas.
“I was fortunate enough to coach his brother Anthony (and) his dad Allan also represented the Queensland over 60s,” Schuback said.
The world champion said the top bowlers enjoyed the friendly and relaxed yet highly competitive atmosphere at the carnival.
“When you have players like Kurt Brown who skips with Queensland playing with Easta Regan... it’s great.”
Brown plays on the pro tour in England and placed third in the Toowoomba Mixed Pairs event with Regan.