MARGARET JOHNSTON, from Ireland, retained the women’s world outdoor singles title at Royal Leamington Spa yesterday, when she defeated Lorna Trigwell, of South Africa, 21-9, in the final.
In doing so, the 61-year-old from Ballymoney became the first player to win the title three times and confirmed her reputation as the greatest woman bowler.
Johnston was 6-0 up after four ends, before powering into a 19-8 lead after 18 and sealing victory with a single on the 22nd end.
Asked if she would be around to defend her title in Christchurch in 2008, Johnston said: “Four years is a long time and selectors seem to favour younger players these days but, if they decide to ditch me, I wouldn’t turn down the chance to be team manager.”
England won the fours title through Jayne Christie, Ellen Falkner, Jean Baker and Amy Monkhouse, who overwhelmed a Jersey quartet skipped by Suzie Dingle, a last-end count of seven for the Channel Islanders making the score respectable at 23-10.
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Three countries tied with 99 points at the top of the overall team championship, based on performance in singles, pairs, triples and fours, but England retained the title thanks to superior shots difference, ahead of Australia and Wales.