Bowls: Walker within whisker of claiming crown

Fairfield bowler Ken Walker says he was a centimetre away from national glory.

Walker lost a heartbreaker 23-20 to Burnside's Andrew Todd in the singles final at the national championships at the Hutt Bowling Club yesterday.

Walker (63), looking for his first national title since 1987, was down 20-18 after a stirring comeback and had the last bowl on an end where he was already holding two shots.

He drew well but the bowl rolled the wrong way and, instead of gaining three shots and winning the match - the first to 21 is the winner - Walker had to be content with tying the match up at 20-20.

"I was a centimetre off the winning of the game.

"If it had been a centimetre the other way it would have nudged off his bowl and gone the other way and given me three shots.

"But it didn't and that's bowls," Walker said.

"That is the way it goes sometimes.

"I'm not absolutely disappointed.

"I've always been a battler and gave my best against a guy who plays and draws for New Zealand," he said.

Todd went on to deliver three quality shots in the next end to win the match.

Walker said he was outgunned in the deciding end.

That Walker came so close was testament to his experience and calmness under pressure as Todd raced out to a big lead.

At one stage, Todd, who had never won the singles title, was ahead 17-6 and Walker jokingly waved the white flag, although he later said that was only a joke to keep the crowd entertained.

"I always fancy myself when I get back.

"I'm dangerous when I come from behind.

"He was just out-drawing me.

"I've never played so many draw bowls in my life in one game.

"But it was that sort of game."

Walker said the wind, which he described as diabolical at times this week, was very tricky yesterday, and affected much of the game.

After being knocked out in the pairs at the quarterfinal stage with Andy McLean - they lost to Stoke duo David Eades and Jimmy Pugh - Walker is now ranked as the top bowler at the tournament.

He will start fours play today, teaming up with Rob Ashton (skip) from Wellington, Ray Buffa (lead) from Wellington, and Richard Corry (three) from Auckland.

Walker said it was a powerful team but would have its work cut out against some quality opposition, as there was a high standard of bowls at the event.