When did you realise you would become a bowls player? By the time I turned 25, I had managed to improve dramatically as a bowler and was beating established players. At this point I set a target to play for England before the age of 31. I achieved that ambition, having progressed with each year
What is your sporting highlight? Nothing gives me more satisfaction than playing against, and beating, the men. I consider my win over Mark McMahon in November, which was the first time a woman has beaten a man in a major world indoor tournament, as my greatest achievement
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Do you have any regrets? Sometimes I regret the negative publicity that surrounds me, such as the focus on my tattoos and jewellery. It’s much nicer to read stories about my bowling ability, although the publicity has not damaged my career or me as a person
What are your hobbies or interests? Shopping. I am a proper bargain hunter. I enjoy playing cards as well. Apart from that, I don’t have time to do too much. All my annual leave is spent travelling to bowls events. I have had one holiday in the past nine years
What are your ambitions? If I knew I was going to die, I would make sure I swam with dolphins first. I have to find somebody to go with, though
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What is your favourite book? The Chronicles Of Thomas Covenant series, written by Stephen Donaldson
What is your favourite film? 9 1/2 Weeks, starring Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke
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What car do you drive? I have two, a Land Rover Freelander for work and a Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet for pleasure, but I try to keep the mileage low on that
When you retire, what will you do? Well, I have been thinking about taking a year or two away from bowls. Whether I will come back, I’m not sure. I’m a business development manager for an office equipment firm and it costs me too much money to play all the tournaments on the circuit. It is not as if my career is on a downward slope, but it’s difficult juggling everything. It’s a big decision — and one I have yet to make. I’ll see how I feel after the mixed pairs