Krizanic and Schraner advance to World Champion of Champions semifinals
Australia’s Carla Krizanic and Lee Schraner have directly advanced to the semifinals of the World Champion of Champions event in Naenae following the conclusion of the sectional rounds.
Schraner capped off a sensational pool stage, emerging undefeated from his ten matches, notching up a shot difference of +165 and losing just two sets across his contests, sending a message to the field in the event where he is the defending champion from 2019.
He commenced the morning session with a dominant 10-2 11-2 win over Namibia’s Axel Krahenbuhl before wrapping up his day with a magnificent performance, defeating second placed Welshman Kevin James 9-6 15-1.
Schraner will receive a bye through to the final four as he looks to become the first bowler to successfully defend the World Champion of Champions crown and the first male to conquer the tournament on multiple occasions, with Jo Edwards the only bowler to have achieved that feat so far.
The three-time Australian Champion of Champions winner will face the winner of Malaysia’s Izzat Dzulkeple and New Zealand’s Kelvin Scott for a place in the final.
England’s Sam Tolchard topped the other men’s group and earned his own direct path to the semifinals.
In the women’s group, Krizanic had an interesting commencement to her morning, receiving a walkover victory over Zambian Mildred Chasaya before a tight 6-6 6-9 defeat at the hands of Wales’ Melanie Thomas.
The blemish was not enough to dethrone the former Jackaroo from top spot, as she held on over the USA’s Anne Nunes by half a set on the overall tally, with both directly heading through to the semis.
Krizanic will face either Thomas or Malaysian Ain Tarmizi as she bids for her maiden title at the event.
View the results and standings HERE
View the draw HERE
Keep an eye out on Bowls New Zealand’s social media platforms and website to find out how you can view the knockout phases of the 2022 World Champion of Champions.
