Bryant to miss singles

Press, 28 November 1983, Page 40

Bryant to miss singles

PA Auckland The world bowls champion, David Bryant, who

finished third-equal in the Epsom professional tournament on Saturday, has decided to miss the classic

singles event to be played in Wellington in February. Bryant, who had planned to return for that tournament, found it clashed with

the world indoor championships in Glasgow, Scotland. “It’s the most important title in the British Isles now,” said Bryant. “The prize money is not that large, but the tournament has considerable television coverage and winning carries more prestige than the outdoor world championship.”

Bryant was beaten 29-31 in the National Mutual semi-final yesterday by Robbie Robson, of Tokoroa. Robson went on to beat Ivan Botica (Mt Albert), 3126, in the final.

Byrant and Robson, aged 65, battled out a fine semifinal which featured many tight heads. Three times Bryant got a break on Robson and three times the Tororoa man made up the leeway. The Englishman looked to have the match won at 2820, but Robson did not give in.

Botica, a triple Auckland champion with two pairs titles, and one in fours, and Robson, eyed one another up over the early ends, but the Tokoroa veteran’s great consistency on the draw gave him a win. Botica put good shots on the head, but Robson often outdrew him. He boosted his prize money to $1270 for two days Play-

Scores: Semi-finals: R. Robson (Tokoroa) 31, D. Bryant (England) 29; I. Botica (Mt Albert) 31, W. Wrack (Kaitaia) 25. Final: Robson 31, Botica 26.