Katherine Rednall has progressed to the final of the Women’s Singles in the World Bowls World Cup, battling through tough playing conditions and defeating some of the world’s best players to get there.
Rednall defeated Malaysia’s Alyani Jamil in the semi-final, sweeping both sets to remain undefeated so far in the tournament.
In the final, she will face Emma Firyana, who is also representing the World Cup’s home nation.
There was also success in the Para-Mixed Pairs, as John Greaves, Sally-Ann Lewis-Wall and Director Elizabeth Shipley secured a bronze medal, reaching the semis after a brilliant performance in the group stages.
Rednall Shines in Singles
In a strong field of international bowlers, England’s Rednall and Emily Kernick were drawn in separate groups, both facing players representing Scotland, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Kernick began Day One brilliantly, defeating South Africa’s Bridget Herselman 9-4, 7-2 in a dominant win, however losses to Malaysia and New Zealand saw the Warwickshire player needing two wins in her remaining matches to progress to the knockout stages.
Despite a clutch win over Scotland’s Sophie McGrouther, a nail-biting tiebreak loss to Lara Reaney of Ireland placed Kernick fourth in her section.
Norfolk’s Rednall finished top of her group, six points clear of her nearest competitor after only dropping two sets in the entire group stage.
She took that momentum into the knockout rounds, comprehensively beating India’s Ruparani Tirkey 11-1, 9-6 in the quarters before a tight 6-3, 5-3 in the semis.
Speaking to World Bowls at the end of Day Two, Rednall described her feelings on reaching the final:
“It feels really good. There have been some incredible games over the past couple of days and I’m pleased to have played so consistently. I’ve been taking each end as it comes, trying not to drop any more than one shot and capitalising on a good end.”
She also gave her thoughts on the inaugural World Cup:
“It’s amazing! I’ve never been to Malaysia before and it’s brilliant to be competing against some of the top nations in the world.”
Rednall and Kernick will join up to compete in the Women’s Pairs before the former contests the Women’s Singles final on Saturday November 8.
Para-Mixed Pairs Secure Brilliant Bronze
England’s first medal of the World Cup 2025 came in the form of a bronze after the trio of Greaves, Lewis-Wall and Shipley (Director) blitzed their group before falling to a 3-6, 3-6 defeated to Scotland in the semi-final.
They were masters of the tiebreak in the five group games, showing nerves of steel to defeat South Africa, Australia and Malaysia in extra ends in between two set victories over the USA and Ireland.
Speaking after the semi-final, Para Team Manager Helen Lewis-Wall had this to say:
“I couldn’t be more proud of our Para team for bringing home a World Cup Bronze. It’s a remarkable achievement that reflects their grit, talent and unwavering spirit. While I know they are gutted not to reach the final, I want to remind them that standing on the podium is something to be celebrated. Bronze may not have been the dream, but they made their mark on the competition.”
The team will now switch their focus to Para-Singles action, aiming to reach the knockout stages over the next couple of days.
Men’s Pairs Find It Tough
The England duo of Sam Tolchard and Jamie Walker unfortunately failed to reach the knockout stages in the Men’s Pairs after scoring two wins from a possible five.
Featuring on the World Bowls Livestream in their first game, the pair opened their account strongly, defeating Ireland 4-3, 9-3 in an impressive display.
However narrow losses to Canada, Wales and a 1-5, 2-6 defeat at the hands of India stymied any chance of qualification to the knockout rounds.
Tolchard and Walker did finish with a tiebreak victory over the USA and will be looking to carry that momentum into the Men’s Singles which begin tomorrow.
The Draws
The Schedule
Information on the full schedule can be found here.
Follow the Action
Find daily reports, results and other updates on the World Bowls website.
World Bowls are also providing live coverage of the event on the World Bowls TV YouTube channel.
The England Team will feature during the week at the following times:
- England vs Hong Kong | Para Men’s Singles | November 6, 12:30am.
- England vs Ireland | Women’s Pairs | November 7, 6:30am.
Daily updates will also be available on the Bowls England social channels throughout the World Cup.
Pictures: World Bowls