The weekend saw Norfolk’s AJ Brown and Jack Pye in Belfast competing for the World Masters title. Both bowlers made it safely through their respective groups to qualify for the main competition with Jack Pye top of Group 32 winning four games and losing just one. AJ Brown found himself needing to win his last game in Group 33 after winning two and losing two of his first four games. A narrow 7-6 win against the talented Gerard Moen saw AJ snatch the runner-up spot to make it through. Jack Pye was eliminated in the first knock-out round losing 11-6 to Arwel Morgan but AJ Brown safely made it through with an 11-3 win against Gary Brian. AJ Brown then found himself facing Alex Kley in the next round in a clash between two of the most talented bowlers in the sport and will be disappointed to have lost by just 7-6. Kley’s incredible run of success, that has earned him major title after major title, continued yet again as he reeled off win after win against some big names in short mat bowls. No one could say that his path to the title was an easy one as he played Nathan Haire, Nigel Nicholls, James Trott and Gary McNabb, as well as AJ Brown, on his way to yet another final. In the final Alex Kley faced Rachel McDonnell who exceeded all expectations to reach this stage. Kley is so much at home playing major singles final and made the mat his own as he powered to a 12-1 victory to clinch the SMPT World Masters crown. Sean Trainor beat Mitchell Young 9-5 in the Plate Final while Scott White beat Chris Mcllmoyle 8-7 in the Shield Final.
Alex Kley won the World Masters Championship in Belfast
(photo courtesy of SMPT)