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Last month the World Number 2 bowls player and current World Indoor Bowls Champion, Alex Marshall visited Pattaya and spent some time at the Pattaya Lawn Bowls Club.
He kindly agreed to take part in an exhibition tournament in which several club members each played 5 ends of bowls against him and the overall winner being the person who scored the most points, assuming no one actually defeated him (no one even came near).
Having been advised of this event I came along purely to take some photos but upon arrival found myself volunteered (thanks Dave) to be one of the players.
After a group photograph of Alex plus the intended combatants, we then took it in turn to be lions to the slaughter.
First up was Jeep, a long standing Pattaya stalwart and excellent c lub player, who managed to take 4 points off the champion.
Then it was my turn.
After a disastrous start which found me 7 nil down after just two ends, I think he must have taken pity on me for I managed to win the next two ends, clocking up 3 points in the process before he comprehensively demolished me in the final end.
I then returned to my more fitting role as photographer to view the remaining contestants.
It became more apparent that my 3 points had been gifted as wh enever any of the more accomplished club players, notably Frank the Dutchman and Dave the club professional placed any ball near the jack, Alex immediately removed it with his next shot.
Around 10 players took part in all, meaning that by the end of the afternoon, Alex had played a total of around 50 ends and he was still going as strong as ever.
The event concluded just as darkness descended and Jeep was declared the winner for his 4 points.
 Alex then presented him with his reward, a prize set of Bowls kindly donated by his sponsors Thomas Taylor Bowls.
Jeep is considering auctioning or raffling these to raise funds for the charity he actively supports, Computers for Kids.
Kevin, one of the club’s owners then presented Alex with a club shirt and Alex in turn signed another shirt which will again be the star prize in a future club raffle.
Alex stated that he thoroughly enjoyed his visit to our club and we very much appreciated his visit and the time he spent with us and hope that he has the chance to come again sometime soon.
To view any of the smaller images in full size, just click on the appropriate one
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