Far Eastern success for bowls player (From Gazette & Herald)

Far Eastern success for bowls player

It takes dedication to play a sport for 24 years and not get bored.

Mark Walton, 38, started playing bowls at 14 after watching his dad.

Having honed the art of the sport, Mr Walton entered league competitions and was soon invited to play at the York Open. He also represented Yorkshire in county matches.

"I've been in so many competitions, there are too many to count. I've been at it for 24 years," Mr Walton said, who plays for Ryedale Indoor Bowls Club.

"There are around ten to 14 competitions held a year, at different levels - league, county, national and international."

Mr Walton has recently arrived back from the Far East after winning the Hong Kong Classic Pairs, which was first held in 1981. The competition is one of many which are held by individual countries.

He said: "Two people are picked from each country. I was chosen after winning the National Singles and National Triples. It was a fantastic trip."

Updated: 12:18 Wednesday, January 05, 2005