Tiebreak losses prove crucial as Kirkintilloch bowler exits World Cup

Lenzie bowler Gavin Ansari has narrowly missed out on his bid to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in Australia.
Bowler Gavin Ansari in action at the World Cup against Jun Koyama of Japan (pic by lawnbowls.com)Bowler Gavin Ansari in action at the World Cup against Jun Koyama of Japan (pic by lawnbowls.com)
Bowler Gavin Ansari in action at the World Cup against Jun Koyama of Japan (pic by lawnbowls.com)

The 27-year-old Lenzie Bowling Club player won four matches in the competition at Warilla in New South Wales.

But two key defeats suffered in tie-break deciders proved crucial as he finished in fifth place in the nine-player pool and failed to make it into the semi-final play-offs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ansari opened against Hong Kong’s Kevin Fung and got off to a great start by taking the opening set but lost the second and the Hong Kong player edged the tie-break 4-2.

Another defeat followed at the hands of Australian three-time winner Jeremy Henry before Gavin got off the mark with victory over Canada’s Vincent Mai.

After losing to Fiji’s Samuela Tuikiligana Ansari again came back with a fine win 10-4 3-11 4-1 over South Africa’s Rudi Jacobs.

Next up was a crunch match against Spain’s Peter Bonsor but after both regulation sets had ended in 6-6 ties the Spaniard took the tie-break 4-2.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

An 8-4 14-2 demolition of Turkey’s Ozkan Akar gave Gavin his third win but he then went down 8-5 11-7 to Homer Mercado of the Philippines to end his hopes of reaching the play-offs for a semi-final spot. However his competition on a high note with a 10-3 11-2 win over Japan’s Jun Koyama.

Related topics: