World Champion bowled over by Sheffield sports facilities

The World’s Matchplay Bowls Champion has backed Sheffield’s bid to be a World Cup host, naming it a “fantastic sporting city”.

Ian Bond, 37, from Crediton, Devon, took the Cooperative Funeralcare Matchplay Bowls Championship title in his first attempt at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield.

Ponds Forge has hosted the competition, which attracts the best bowls players in the World, for the last four years.

Ian, who is ranked seventh best in the World, has fond memories of the city from playing in the International Open which was held at the same venue.

Ian said: “I live in a small town but even when I go to nearby Exeter, which is a beautiful city, it seems a bit quiet. When I come to Sheffield I am always surprised by how busy it is. I’ve always enjoyed being in the city.

“It is a fantastic city for sport. In Ponds Forge alone there is the brilliant pool and diving facilities as well as hosting the World Matchplay Bowls Championships and many other prestigious sporting events. I hope to go to the Crucible someday soon too.”

Ian, who is a keen Exeter City football supporter, as well as following Premiership side Liverpool, thinks the England team could benefit from matches being host in their home nation.

Ian added: “I know from experience that it can be very difficult to play in another country and somewhere so far away from home. The surroundings can play a part on how you perform. I have played in Australia a couple of times and I have always found it difficult – the Australians’ mental attitude to the game means they are very determined to win. A home crowd could help the England team.

“It would be fantastic if England won the rights to host the FIFA World CupTM. Everyone is looking forward to the 2012 Olympics but that is mainly in London. The World Cup would be great for the whole country as it will involve everyone, using facilities all over England and giving the whole population the chance to watch world class sport.”

Bond will now travel to Cyprus to play in the Premier League Bowls championship in September.