New Zealand lawn bowls star Jo Edwards had to fight hard to begin her Commonwealth Games singles tournament on a winning note today.
Edwards, a former world singles champion and the gold medallist in the singles at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, met dogged resistance from experienced Indian player Pinki and only pulled away late in their match to win 20-16.
When the draw was made it was felt Edwards faced some testing times in pool play and that has already proved to be the case.
“I knew it would be a marathon,” Edwards said. “The Indians have been here training for three months and have improved out of sight.”
Edwards was always ahead, but could not shake off the gritty Indian.
The New Zealander led 10-6, 14-11, 16-13 and 18-15 before finally securing victory.
The other New Zealanders action on the first morning of bowls were the men’s triple. The New Zealand team of Ali Forsyth (skip), Mike Nagy and Paul Girdler were never pressed in beating Singapore 28-6.
“It was good to get that first one out of the way,” Forsyth said. “You always want to get that first win under your belt.”