The World Indoor Bowls Tour descends on Perth in the first week of November for an incredible “Lucky for someone” thirteenth consecutive year at the Dewars Centre. And another star stacked line up will be live on show at the Scottish venue.
Defending Champion David Gourlay will be hoping to have a successful title defence before he hot foots it the following week to Buckingham Palace to pick up his MBE. A tricky first round game is lined up for Gourlay against regular Israeli qualifier Zvika Hadar who will be looking to upset the World No 2.
Could it be a repeat of the International Open final back in March where Gourlay faced World No 1 Greg Harlow? Harlow has been one of the most consistent players in the top 16 for the last few years and he openly admits he feels at home in Perth. He faces the Carlisle qualifier in his first game in Perth.
New into the top 16 is Scottish International Michael Stepney, he faces Australian qualifier Dean McWhinney in his first seeded game on the portable rink. Stepney was runner up here last year. Can he go one better?
Sports Scotland awarded Alex Marshall MBE the Lifetime Achievement award at their annual awards. Marshall is now the most decorated Commonwealth Scottish athlete of all time. But can he lift the first tournament of the World Bowls Tour season in Perth? Marshall faces the New Zealand qualifier Murray Glassey, who is no stranger to the portable rink so this could be a tough opening test.
Games start on Saturday 3rd November and run to the grand final on Saturday 10th November. Tickets are still available via the WBT website or direct from the Dewars Centre in Perth. Follow Worldbowlstour.TV for all the latest scores and tournament information.
Full draw: David Gourlay (1) v Zvika Hadar (Israel): Les Gillett (12) v Graeme McDougall (Wild Card): Andy Thomson MBE v Perry Martin (Poole Q): Darren Burnett (5) v PBA Ranked 1: Nick Brett (6) v Dan LeMessurier (USA): Mark Dawes (9) v James Rippey (Lincoln Q): Michael Stepney (16) v Dean McWhinney (Australia): Paul Foster MBE (4) v South Africa: Robert Paxton (3) v TBA: Mervyn King (11) v Belfast Q: Alex Marshall MBE (10) v Murray Glassey (New Zealand): Stewart Anderson (8) v Clive Adams (Australia): Jamie Chestney (7) v Mike Bester (Canada): Mark Royal (13) v TBA: Jason Greenslade (14) v Chris Chau (Hong Kong): Greg Harlow (2) v Carlisle Q.