Media release: 10 April 2007

FIRED-UP KIWIS POSE BIG THREAT AT WORLD TEAM CUP

The proud national team of New Zealand is desperate to be the first name etched into the World Team Cup trophy and selectors have picked a skilled side that is more than capable of bringing home the spoils.

Kiwi selectors have opted for an experienced line-up that is packed full of fight to make the trip across the Tasman for the 17-25 May event at Tweed Heads Bowls Club.

The women’s squad includes three players with singles experience on the international stage and the men’s entourage is equally impressive.

Val Smith, Wendy Jensen and ABN AMRO Australian Open 2007 singles runner-up Jo Edwards make up the trio out to defeat the best of the best in the women’s draw.

The men’s assault on this star-studded tournament will be led by Ali Forsyth, Richard Girvan and Andrew Todd.

Edwards, wife of New Zealand national coach Dave Edwards, will be familiar to most Australian fans after her stellar performance at this year’s ABN AMRO Australian Open.

It is expected by the end of this year’s inaugural World Team Cup, however, that the half-dozen heroes of New Zealand will all be well-known here.

“This is a very strong New Zealand contingent,” Bowls Australia chief executive Mark Rendell said.

“The Kiwis are renowned as really determined athletes and this squad looks to have plenty of vigour and talent.

“They’re certainly one of the leading contenders for the event and I think they would fancy their chances of making a real impact.”

Girvan is one of several New Zealanders who made their mark on the Australian grand prix circuit in 2006.

After finishing runner-up in the triples at the Australian Open last year, Girvan went one better at the Helensvale Grand Prix where he won the singles with a dominant display in the final against Tasmanian Mark Strochnetter.

Girvan made his international debut for New Zealand at the 2005 Asia Pacific Bowls Championship where he combined with Justin Goodwin and Gary Lawson to win a gold medal in the triples.

The 33-year-old played in New Zealand’s triples combination at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Forsyth, 27, burst onto the international stage in 2003 when he represented New Zealand at the World Champion of Champions singles event after winning his national singles title for the first time.

Twelve months later he repeated that effort — not only winning back-to-back national titles, but this time claiming the World Champion of Champions crown as well. He will play singles in the World Team Cup and play second in the triples.

Todd has played regularly in the all-black uniform and has been given his chance at this prestigious event. He will lead in the pairs and triples.

The women’s team will also come to town eyeing the top prize.

Jensen recently defeated Irish superstar Margaret Johnston in three matches for the New Zealand development team.

Smith will be easily recognisable by the Australians. She starred at the 2007 Asia Pacific Bowls Championship, winning the singles gold medal against old rival and Australian Karen Murphy.

The 2007 World Team Cup will feature leading nations of the bowls world.

Tickets to the event – to be played indoors – are now available online at www.bowlsaustralia.com.au or by calling (03) 9819-2722.

New Zealand team for the 2007 World Team Cup

Men

Singles: Ali Forsyth.

Pairs: Andrew Todd, Richard Girvan.

Triples: Todd, Forsyth, Girvan.

Women

Singles: Val Smith.

Pairs: Wendy Jensen, Jo Edwards.

Triples: Jensen, Smith, Edwards.

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