“It’s great for the sport to have introduced a ranking list which we can all strive to be on.” That’s the view of England star Katherine Rednall who is currently the World Bowls Series #9 female player.

Katherine, current World Indoor Bowls Championships ladies’ matchplay champion, has qualified for five events in the Bowls England National Finals which herald not only national honours and British Isles glory, but also an added bonus of valuable ranking points to push her up the latter as the top UK female.

Bowls England Aviva National Finals are being staged at the home of the 2022 Commonwealth Game in Royal Leamington Spa.

The 18-day festival of bowls runs from August 15-September 1 with 37 different competitions taking place.

Bowlers the length and breadth of England battle it out in regional competitions for five months with the goal of reaching the prestigious greens at Victoria Park and etching their name in history.

World Bowls media officer Ceris Hewlings spoke to Katherine ahead of the event.

WB: How does it feel to be ranked number nine in the world following your World Indoor Bowls Championships ladies matchplay singles win?

KR: “I’m really honoured to be considered number nine in the world on the World Bowls Series rankings. It’s great for the sport to have introduced a ranking list which we can all strive to be on. With the variety of events that enable ranking points to be achieved, it means that the list is constantly changing which is great for the competitive side of the sport. I’m lucky that I feel so at home at Potters and that the ranking points I’ve achieved there over the years have been recognised.”

WB: What’s your thoughts on a world ranking system?

KR: “The ranking system is great at recognising some of the biggest events on the World Bowls Series calendar and showcases these events all around the world. I wouldn’t have a clue about the events that go on in other countries, for example South Africa and Hong Kong so to have them recognised is great and really showcases how bowls is loved globally. I think in time as the organisation of the ranking list finds its feet it would be great to get more events recognised so that everyone gets a fair chance at achieving points. I agree that the Commonwealth and World events should have the most points on offer and be classed as the ‘premier’ events, but it is important that competitors in every country have the opportunity through their national finals to be recognised. Nationally, national competitions are the pinnacle of the season for us before getting to the world stage so this should be a level playing field for everyone.”

WB: What events have you qualified in for the national championships and what does it mean to play in the event?

KR: “I’m in for a busy couple of weeks at Leamington as I’ve qualified in the two-bowl singles, pairs, triples, fours, champion of champions and family pairs. It’s a busy schedule so hopefully it can be juggled so there are no clashes this year so I’m aware I might have some early starts and late finishes if I’m fortunate to do well in the events. I’ve felt the most confident outdoors this season that I ever have so I think it’s about time on a personal level that I win something else and try and compete with my indoor successes, that’s the goal anyway. I’m really looking forward to competing in the national finals especially in the family pairs with dad (John Rednall) as it’s unfortunately the last year of the competition for us anyway with the new rules on exemptions of players. We qualified a few years ago but haven’t got through recently so we’re both pleased we’ve managed to this year. There is something incredibly special about playing with family so hopefully we can do well. I personally love singles so I’m looking forward to those events and playing with mum (Christine), Jenna (O’Hagan) and Bex (Willgress) in the team comps will be great. It’s also a great social opportunity to catch up with friends from all over so I’m looking forward to that too.”

England’s top ranked male player Harry Goodwin #10 features in the singles and fours, while current British Isles triples champions Sophie Tolchard, Nicole Rogers and Harriet Stevens who feature in the top 20 of the women’s rankings have qualified in multiple events – but surprisingly not in the triples this year.

For more information on the event, see https://www.bowlsengland.com/aviva-national-finals-schedule/

There will also be live streaming on all 18 days of the event. Watch on bowlsengland.com/bowlstv

World Bowls Series is the official year-long calendar of sanctioned events connecting to the official world rankings. It is a joint venture between World Bowls and Tier 5 Ventures. The sanctioned events occur across the globe and will feature a mixture of current and new events.

WBS currently has 29 sanctioned events. Each WBS event will belong to a different tier based on the size, location, and stature it presents for the game of bowls.

The purpose of WBS is to build the profile and brand of bowls, showcase the best players in the game, accelerate the legitimacy of the sport on the global stage and launch world rankings that will create clarity, and interest in the sport of bowls.

For more information regarding the World Bowls Series, contact:

Neil Dalrymple, CEO, World Bowls, [email protected]

Photo credit: Bowls England

Author: Ceris Hewlings