2023 World Bowls Championships: Para Preview
For the first time in World Bowls Championships history, para bowls will be included in the schedule as the sport continues on its way as a pioneer of inclusivity.
Like the Commonwealth Games, there will be three disciplines of men’s pairs, women’s pairs and vision impaired mixed pairs that will add more chances for participating countries to accrue medals.
Scotland were the dominant force in the para events in Birmingham last year, taking a clean sweep of all three events, and five of the six participants will be back in their quest for more international glory.
Robert Barr and Melanie Inness return in the vision impaired discipline as they look to be the first pair in history to achieve the Commonwealth and World double in the event, while the women’s pairs will see Rosemary Lenton and Pauline Wilson fronting up again for the Scots.
Garry Brown will be back for his nation as well, with his men’s pairs partner Danny Porter looking to etch his own name into international folklore for the first time.
Australia won two silver medals at the Commonwealth Games last year, and most of the Jackaroos will return as well, headlined by Serena Bonnell and Cheryl Lindfield in the women’s pairs.
Both are in sensational form following brilliant Australian Open campaigns, as is vision impaired star Jake Fehlberg who will look to add to his illustrious list of accolades with a maiden World Bowls Championships gold as he partners up with Jackie Hudson.
Birmingham runner up Damien Delgado will partner up with Manchester 2002 bronze medallist James Reynolds in what looks to be one of the most exciting partnerships of the tournament.
England’s men’s duo will be Fynn Kyser and Jack Pullin, while Birmingham bronze medallist Alison Yearling returns for the English in the VI event to partner Stephen Hartley.
The women’s pairs squad consists of Michelle White and Jennie Sandford.
New Zealand’s squad will also take some stopping as Darron Wolland and Mark Noble take to the green in the men’s competition, with Julie O’Connell and Teri Blackbourn in the women’s event.
The VI representatives for the Blackjacks will be Kerrin Wheeler and Jayne Parsons.
Wales and South Africa will also bring forth solid teams as they look to improve on strong showings in Birmingham.
The Para program at the 2023 World Bowls Championships runs from August 29 to September 3, 2023.
