Shanghai may drop from national bowls finals
IT has been a part of the PBA National Finals for the past decade, but when play gets under way in this year’s final of the Shanghai singles in Hastings tonight, it may be for the last time.
The threebowler quickfire variant to PBA competition was introduced as warmup competition to Scottish, international and world indoor qualifying competition by Dunedin regional coordinator Ken Walker 10 years ago, but the time has come for someone else to front and promote the Shanghai competition.
With noone coming forward to replace Walker, it is in danger of no longer being part of the national final.
Walker said that if it was to fall away, it would be a real shame, as the two southern regions (Dunedin and Invercargill) will be represented by three very talented bowlers at this years national final in Hastings.
Qualifying from the Dunedin Region is Oliver Mason (24), who will take on Colin Rogan (Auckland) and Kerry Heffer (Invercargill) in the first semifinal when play starts tonight.
Joining Mason in Shanghai competition tonight are two Southern Region bowlers, Brent Webster (44) and Heffer (20).
Webster, now of Invercargill, is a past member of Dunedin’s Kaikorai Club, while Heffer gained a wildcard entry into the Shanghai finals as the highestranked debutant playing in competition at Hastings this weekend.
But it will be somewhat of a family affair for Mason this weekend, as twin brother Elliot will be contesting the international singles. The winner of the national final will be clipping a ticket for the world finals in Blackpool, the UK.
With Andrew Kelly — Dunedin’s highest New Zealand ranked bowler, at No 4 — representing the Dunedin region in the Scottish open singles and Duane White (Forbury Park) in the world indoor singles, the Dunedin region is well represented this weekend.
Kelly will gain automatic entry into the Scottish open singles, to be held in Scotland in November, should he win the national title.
Victory for White, meanwhile, will secure him the chance to be New Zealand’s representative at the World Indoor Singles, held alongside the World Indoor Pairs, at Potters Leisure Resort at HoptononSea, in the UK, in early January.