STAFF WRITER<\/p>\n
A world-class field of competitors from 33 nations will gather in the region next week for a premier indoor bowling showcase.<\/p>\n
The Ocean Grove Bowling Club will host the 24th edition of the World Bowls Indoor Championship from 11\u201316 May.<\/p>\n
It marks a significant international milestone for the area, being only the second time the tournament has been staged in Australia since it began in 2000.<\/p>\n
The six-day event features 62 players competing for three of the most prestigious titles in the sport: the men’s and women’s singles and mixed pairs.<\/p>\n
The lineup includes six former champions and several reigning medalists, representing talent from Europe, Australia, Asia and the Americas.<\/p>\n
The 2026 event also highlights the sport’s growing reach, with nations such as India, Nigeria and Fiji making their debut appearances.<\/p>\n
Australian defending champion Jack McShane, currently ranked number seven, will attempt to become the first men’s player in seven years to record consecutive wins.<\/p>\n
He faces a deep field, including world number two Corey Wedlock and former champion Shannon McIlroy.<\/p>\n
In the women’s field, Scotland’s Sophie McGrouther is bidding for back-to-back victories against challengers like Australia’s Kelsey Cottrell and six-time winner Julie Forrest.<\/p>\n
Spectators can watch the action for free at the Ocean Grove Bowling Club’s redeveloped undercover dome, with organisers expecting around 4,000 visitors to attend throughout the week.<\/p>\n
The tournament is also set to reach a massive global audience via international livestreaming and broadcast coverage.<\/p>\n
Play officially gets underway on the morning of 11 May, following an opening ceremony.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
STAFF WRITER A world-class field of competitors from 33 nations will gather in the region next week for a premier indoor bowling showcase. The Ocean Grove Bowling Club will host the 24th edition of the World Bowls Indoor Championship from 11\u201316 May. It marks a significant international milestone for the area, being only the second […]<\/p>\n