The international bowls calendar travels east this week to Kuala Lumpur, where the Bukit Kiara Arena will play host to the inaugural World Bowls World Cup.

Billed as a prelude to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year, the tournament will see players from 12 nations competing across seven disciplines: Men’s Singles and Pairs, Women’s Singles and Pairs, Men’s and Women’s Para Singles and Para Mixed Pairs.

Team England comprises of six experienced bowlers who are all hoping to go deep into the tournament.

The Devon duo of Sam Tolchard and Jamie Walker will be competing in the Men’s Singles and Men’s Pairs, both on the back of Aviva National Bowls Finals success in August. Ahead of tomorrow’s Men’s Pairs competition getting underway, they said:

“We are really looking forward to challenging ourselves against such high-level competition here at the World Cup. This competition will also prove to be great preparation for the Commonwealth Games, as the showpiece greens provide a close comparison to the ones planned for Glasgow.”

They are joined by Emily Kernick and Katherine Rednall in the Women’s Singles and Pairs.

Rounding out the England team are John Greaves and Sally-Ann Lewis-Wall, alongside her Director Elizabeth Shipley, looking to go well in the Para Singles and the Para Mixed Pairs.

They were busy practicing in the Bukit Kiara Arena today, and has this to say about their preparations:

“We’re making sure to practice on both the portable rinks and the covered outdoor greens which gives us the best chance to be as prepared as possible ahead of tomorrow.”

Greaves, Lewis-Wall and Shipley also had kind words to say about the hospitality they have received so far in Kuala Lumpur:

“We received a brilliant welcome, full of warmth, and to be a part of such a wonderful opening ceremony today was an honour and a privilege.”

The Draws

The Schedule

Below is the Day One 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 at least three times during the week at the following times:

• England vs Ireland | Men’s Pairs | November 4, 12:30am.
• 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: Sporting Highlights