Bowls: Tenth title within grasp

Gary Lawson. Photo / NZ Herald

Double world champion Gary Lawson cannot rely on the singles competition providing a record-equalling 10th national title after he joined high-profile casualties on a windswept day in Wellington.

Lawson, who contests the pairs final with Shaun O'Neill tomorrow, bowed out before the last 16 when a member of his fours combination Kelvin Scott (Blenheim) defeated him 21-11 in blustery conditions.

The Wellington-based Lawson started the day promisingly, thrashing Wanganui's Michael Bishop 21-7. He then beat Steve Beel (Mt Maunganui) 21-17.

But Lawson found former national singles champion Scott too controlled and now shifts focus to tomorrow's decider.

Shannon McIlroy (Stoke) also made a surprise exit when he was beaten by Ryan Bester 21-6. The Australian-based Canadian also wiped out last year's pairs champion Ray Boffa (Paraparaumu) 21-10.

Australia-based Black Jacks Richard Girvan and Ali Forsyth both fell to Barrie Andrews, who won 21-14 and 21-8.

But defending champion Richard Collett (Stoke) is still on track for back-to-back titles, while Peter Belliss remains in the reckoning.

The women's pairs title is wide open after favourites Jan and Marina Khan were beaten by Lepparton's Lois Ritson and Cathy Andrews 19-12. Highly-fancied mother and daughter combination Leigh and Kirsten Griffin were also culled.

Jan Khan will play Jan Shirley in the singles final tomorrow.

National representatives Karen Coombe (Wanganui) and Genevieve Baildon look capable of lifting the crown, while Dale Lang (Tawa) and Hayley May are also in fine form.

- NZPA