Today (Wednesday) saw six sessions of singles played at the World Bowls Junior Indoor Championship at Hong Kong Football Club, Hong Kong, China.
And it was a day to celebrate for Philippines’ players James Andia and Angeleca Abatayo.
James, 22, who is mute and deaf, beat Scotland’s Paul Innes on a tiebreak, while Angeleca, 19, chalked up two wins beating Malaysia’s Nur Ain Kemilia Sukri and Emmy Luk, of Hong Kong, China. She’s now won three out of her four games and tops section two, followed by her Malaysian opponent.
James, who communicates with officials and fellow players via his coach Ronalyn Greenlees using sign language, started playing three years ago after a community initiative encourage children to take up bowls following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Playing bowls has really helped James,” said Ronalyn.
“It really has brought him out of himself and he’s far more confident with people.
“It’s a really good experience for James and Angeleca to be playing in this championship and meeting all the other players from around the world.”
In the other groups, Sophie McGrouther, Scotland, tops section one, with auld enemy rival Ruby Hill, England, in second place, while fellow British Isles’ competitor Wales’ Lauren Gowen leads section three with Hong Kong China’s Abbie Chan in second.
In the men’s event, South Africa’s Alwyn Martignome and Hong Kong China’s Quenton Ip are the only two players to maintain 100 per cent records. Martignome heads section one, with Ireland’s Jayden Kyle in second, while Ip is out in front in section two, with Wales’ Cory Davies next. England’s Aaron Johnson holds prime spot in section three, Australia’s Kane Nelson in number two spot.
Co-sanctioned by World Bowls and the International Indoor Bowls Council (IIBC), 42 of the world’s best young bowlers, all 25 or under, who hail from 21 countries, are playing in the seven-day event.
Round robin matches in all three tournaments continue until Friday. The quarter-finals and semi-finals take place on Saturday, with the finals on Sunday.
Live streaming will commence from the quarter-finals. World Bowls YouTube Channel
For results from day three and current standings, see:
Event information:
Caption: The Philippines’ James Andia and Angeleca Abatayo
For more information regarding event, contact: Neil Dalrymple, CEO, World Bowls, [email protected]
Author: Ceris Hewlings, World Bowls media officer
