Tough task ahead for Allcock

Bowls

Bowls

Tony Allcock faces his toughest match to date when he continues the defence of his singles title at the World Championships in Adelaide today.

He meets Hong Kong's Noel Kennedy, with both players boasting 100 per cent records from their three previous section outings in the tournament. Allcock coasted to two 25-9 wins yesterday, first disposing of Western Samoa's Faimanu Amituanai and then Thira Mathai of Thailand. However, he later admitted: "With respect to both my opponents, they were matches I was expected to win. It will be a different story against Noel. He is a top-class player."

Scotland's Commonwealth Games champion, Richard Corsie, beaten by Allcock in the world final at Worthing four years ago, was also in impressive form yesterday. His 25-17 win over Ireland's Sammy Allen - who had beaten New Zealand's Rowan Brassey 25-9 earlier in the day - pushed him into a clear lead at the top of his section. Corsie had fought off a brave comeback by Barry Wilson of Norfolk Island earlier in the day, winning by a 25-22 margin.

"That was two important results - it keeps me in the driving seat with my destiny in my own hands," Corsie said. Allen, meanwhile, will be bidding to get back to winning ways when he takes on Guernsey's Jon Queripel.

The Welsh hope, John Price, surrendered his unbeaten record when he lost 25-20 to Zimbabwe's Mark McCormick. He takes on Tom Dion, of the United States, today.