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Top bowlers from around the world have descended on Guernsey for one of the biggest events on the sport’s calendar.
The 2024 World Bowls Indoor Championship is being staged at Guernsey Indoor Bowling Association at the Hougue du Pommier until Saturday.
It has been 34 years since the championships came to the island and it has attracted 58 players from 30 different counties to compete in mens and ladies singles and mixed pairs.
Pictured: Alison Merrien.
Those taking part gathered at the Royal Court House last night for an official welcome from Guernsey's Bailiff Richard McMahon.
International Indoor Bowls Council president, Guernsey's Alison Merrien, said that it was "just phenomenal" to host the event in her home island.
"We've had so many good reports, so many friendly faces, saying it's absolutely brilliant. Hopefully the week's going to go well and everybody's going to enjoy themselves," she said.
"We were hoping for 25 countries and we've got 30, which is absolutely amazing. There's so many up and coming countries as well. They want to get the experience behind them and this is the time to do it. There's some great players that have come across, so there should be some excellent bowls this week."
Merrien will team up with Sweden's Lars Olov Backgren in the mixed, someone she met for the first time this week.
"It's going to be challenging to play with somebody I've not played with before, but we're just going to go and enjoy ourselves and see what happens."
In welcoming all the teams, Mr McMahon reflected on what a fantastic opportunity it was for the island to host the World Championships.
Pictured: Bailiff Richard McMahon speaks with players from Norfolk Island and Australia.
"What I really want to do is wish each and every team, of course especially Guernsey, the bets of success in the week ahead. We hope that you have a wonderful week, that you enjoy being in the island and that you really do make the most of it. Bowls is a community... and if you don't know each other yet, you will by the end of the week, and you will form friendships that will last."
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