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Mbachi Mutukula-Maregere Sports Reporter
ONE of Zimbabwe’s top bowlers Roy Garden says he is ready for the World Singles Champion of Champions Bowls tournament in New Zealand later this month. The tourney, to be held at Burnside Bowling Club in Christchurch, is expected to start on November 25 and end on December 1.

There are more than 14 countries taking part with Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and South Africa providing the African contingent.
Zimbabwe has been drawn in a very competitive pool.
Garden is hopeful he will do well.

“I have been practicing hard and playing against the world’s top bowlers will be tough but I will definitely give it my best shot,” said Garden. “In the section of 14 only the top three countries will go through to the quarter and semi-finals and I will try my best to be among the top.”

In the women’s section Zimbabwe will be represented by Kerry Craven.
Craven feels she is ready for the challenge after spending months on the practice greens although the conditions in New Zealand could be tricky.

“I am ready although the playing conditions there are completely different, their greens are very quick.
“In my section, among the bowlers that I am playing against will be the world number two singles bowler, Karen Murphy of Australia, and I am looking forward to that.

“I love competition and playing the champion will be a good experience,” said Craven.
Craven and team manager Heather Singleton are set to leave for the tournament on November 15.
Garden is scheduled to leave earlier than the duo.

It’s the first time Craven will be taking part at the World Singles but she has been a big force on the tournaments on the continent and has won dozens of medals at the Africa States Bowls tournament from 2007 to 2012.

Zambia will be represented by Matimba Like in the women’s category while Christie Kapata is their male representative.
Lebogang Mascarenhas and Patrick Cairns will represent Botswana.

Kerry Craven Profile
Town/City & Country of Birth: Harare,  Zimbabwe
Occupation: Marketing Executive
Hobbies: Bowling, Fishing, Reading
Favourite Food & Drink: Steak & Coke
Left/Right handed: Right
Year first started bowling:1998
Outdoor Club Name: Highlands
Make & Model of Bowls being used: Drakes Pride, Professional
First Major Bowls Achievement: 2007 Africa States Tournament Pairs – Gold medal
International Appearances/Achievements:
2007 African States Tournament – Gold, Silver x2
2010 African States Tournament – Silver x3
2011 African States Tournament – Gold, Silver x2
2012 African States Tournament – Silver, Bronze x3
Other major bowling achievements:
International Pairs – Gold x 2
2012 Zimbabwe Nationals – Gold x3