Glasgow 2014 - Commonwealth Games Sports Guide: Lawn Bowls

By Steven Oldham

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One thing that sets the Commonwealth Games apart from the Olympics is the sports contested at the events.

Lawn bowls, squash and netball are not on the Olympic  programme, yet are all part of the core programme for the Commonwealths.

Bowls has been on every Commonwealth schedule bar 1966, but swiftly returned in 1970. This year sees the introduction of para-sport bowls introduced alongside the regular game.

WHEN?

Bowls runs throughout the majority of the Games with action on every day from July 24 to August 1. Para-sport mixed pairs will be the first gold medal decided on July 26. 

WHERE?

All bowls competitions will take place at the Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Centre, just under two miles away from Glasgow city centre. The facility has been upgraded for the games and has additional seating across five reconstructed bowling greens.

WHO?

Last time out in Delhi, South Africa topped the medals table with three golds, in the men's pairs and triples, and also a triples gold for the ladies. England and Wales also won gold medals.

Nearly half of the competing nations will enter at least one team in to the bowls competitions, and the host nation boast current men's singles world title holder Darren Burnett amongst their squad.

Commonwealth nations are traditionally the strongest in bowls, so the quality is there this summer for a global audience to see world-class action on the bowling green. England, Scotland, Wales, Australia and New Zealand will be the countries to watch.

LET ME SOUND LIKE I KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT...

• The aim of the game is to get your bowls nearer to a small white ball - the 'jack' - than your opponents.
• Points are awarded after all bowls have been taken, with points scored for every bowl closer to the jack than your opponents.
• In singles, the first to 21 points or 'shots' wins. In the team disciplines, it's decided by sets.
• Bowls at tournament level is played in singles, pairs, triples and fours. All four disciplines will be played in Glasgow. The parasport events debuting this year are mixed pairs and open triples.

CAN I STILL BUY TICKETS?

Yes. Click here

England's Ellen Falkner will be in action in Glasgow (@BowlsEng)