Bowlers battle to be champion

A battle of skill and experience was being played out in Wolverhampton today as Britain's premier bowlers fought to be crowned the best in the country.

The sport's leading stars were competing for £4,000 prize money at the city's bowling club in Coalway Road, Penn Fields.

The knockout event, expected to last nine hours, pulled in the crowds with around 1,000 spectators as organisers thanked the gods for the fine weather when it got under way this morning.

The contest is part of a double triumph for the club, as one of its members, Brian Chamberlain, has also been appointed president of the British Crown Green Bowling Association (BCGBA) this year.A total of 64 crown green performers were going for the senior individual merit winner for 2007. A special 200-seater grandstand has been built to house fans who have travelled from as far afield as the Isle of Man, Cumbria and Wales.

Speaking as the competition got under way at around 10am, Mr Chamberlain said: "The organisers have done a fine job.

"The crowds are rolling in and the bookies are doing a roaring trade." He also praised the work of green keeper Colin Mattox.

Mr Chamberlain said: "Last week the top green was under water. Today both greens are in excellent condition. It is absolutely marvellous to be hosting this event, a real honour for the club."

The tournament is the one every player wants to win but this year is extra special because it is the British Crown Green Bowling Association's centenary season.

John Crowther chief executive of the of the BCGBA, said: "Spectators have come along to see some of the best bowling in the country. There was a lot of local interest, with four of the five Staffordshire bowlers winning their first matches and one beating the Manchester favourite Gary Ellis."