Selby Hits The Summit

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday September 10, 2008

Joel Ritchie

ILLAWARRA Academy of Sport graduate Leif Selby won the biggest title of his career when he captured the World Champion of Champions singles in Aberdeen, Scotland on the weekend.

The 36-year-old ex-Warilla bowler came back from one set down to defeat Welshman Mark Weaver 1-12, 9-3, 2-1 in the final.

That victory made Selby, who bowls for Sydney powerhouse St John's Park, the first Australian to win a World Champion of Champions crown.

Selby entered the final as a slight favourite, but Weaver began the better, jumping to a 4-0 lead through two ends before an audacious drive allowed him to pick up a full count and all but secure the first set.

Selby roared back to life in the second set and carried that momentum into the crucial tie-break.

He picked up singles on the opening two ends of the tie-break, before drawing shot with his third bowl on the final end.

Weaver had one last chance to snatch the crown, but when his drive took the jack into the ditch and took his back bowl with it, the Australian was left to celebrate victory.

Selby defeated South African Shaun Addinall in the semi-finals and was expected to meet World number one Safuan Said (Malaysia) in the championship decider.

However, Welshman Weaver upset the Malaysian superstar in the semi-final.

Kathy Pearce of Wales defeated Scotland's Lorraine Malloy in the women's final.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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