2026 World Champion of Champions preview
One of the world’s most prestigious titles is on the line next week as Club Barham stages the 2026 World Champion of Champions.
Following their success at the 2025 Nationals, Australia’s Natalie Lewis and Max Kleinig will don the green and gold regalia as they hope to collect their maiden world titles in what promises to be an exciting week on the Victoria-New South Wales border.
Lewis, who claimed the Australian Champion of Champions in Tasmania while pregnant, faces an intriguing section with Malaysia’s Ain Nurnajwa Sam a dangerous prospect, with Switzerland’s Maryanne Kuenzle also bringing a wealth of experience to the field.
Hong Kong China’s Helen Cheung looms large as well, as does Namibia’s Amanda Steenkamp and South Africa’s Sue Tarr.
Rounding out Lewis’ section is Macau China’s Hilda Sim Fong Tan, Sweden’s Ilona Laskai and the Cook Islands’ Tiare Tapita Jim.
In the men’s singles, Kleinig finds himself drawn in the same section as Glasgow 2026 silver medallist and 2022 Champion of Champions runner up Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple in what promises to be a tantalising matchup.
Also in the South Australia’s group are Malta’s Jason Borg, Hungary’s Zoltan Pavelka, Macao China’s Pak Keong, Switzerland’s Pierre Vanderhout, Cyprus’ Robert Manson and the Cook Islands’ Ngatuakana Afho Junior Anthony.
Kleinig is bidding to join Leif Selby (2008), Brett Wilkie (2009), Aron Sherriff (2010), Scott Thulborn (2016), Aaron Teys (2017) and Lee Schraner (2019 and 2024) as Australian males to lift the title.
Lewis is aiming to stand alongside the likes of Kelsey Cottrell (2009), Karen Murphy AM (2013), Natasha Van Eldik (2016) and Kylie Lavis (2019) as fellow compatriots to take out the women’s singles.
The 2026 World Champion of Champions runs from October 6-10, 2026, at Club Barham with live streaming broadcast on the World Bowls YouTube channel.
