Some fancied Kiwis stumbled early on the opening day of the world croquet championships in Christchurch yesterday.
Wellington teenager AJ Reid was caught out by the speed of one of the lawns at the St Martins club and lost 10-26 to Australian Jeff Newcombe. Auckland's Robert Lowe lookedsure to complete a routine triple peel but broke down and fell 21-26 to Ireland's Andrew Johnston.
Defending champion Reg Bamford, of South Africa, survived a strong opening by the Czech Republic's David Hajn to post three wins, including posting the event's first sextuple peel.
World No 2 Chris Clarke, of Christchurch, rolled out two triples but squeaked home 26-24 in his last game against Welshman Chris Williams, while wife Jenny scrambled to her wins.
Christchurch's Paddy Chapman notched two triple-peel wins only to be whitewashed by Englishman David Openshaw.
Wellington's Paul Skinley was steady at two for two and Timaru's Peter Landrebe posted two triples in his three wins on the United greens.
