Shaun Scott from Dunedin's North East Valley club and Papakura's Richard Collett are the likeliest contenders for the men's singles title after the first day of the national club bowls championships in Rotorua yesterday.
Both have three wins from as many games and the title could be decidedwhen they face each other in the fifth and final match of the championships today.
Scott won an epic struggle with Les O'Donovan from Featherston in a match of 26 ends.
The women's section could also be decided in the final match today if Pam Phair of Elmwood, Canterbury, and Wanganui's Karen Coombe continue their domination. Phair had a classic encounter with dual national champion Jo Babich of Carlton/Cornwall, sneaking home 21-20.
Phair could also count herself a little fortunate to survive another late onslaught from Daphna Hynes of St Clair, with Hynes unlucky with her final bowl which knocked the jack and gave Phair two shots for the win.
Like Phair, Coombe was unbeaten but not without surviving a gallant fightback from Elaine McLintock of Mt Maunganui in her third match.
McLintock, who had won both previous matches, clawed her way back from 11-18 down and then held three shots on the final end but a superb last draw by Coombe nudged her to a 21 -18 win.
