Jonathan Payne - World Short Mat Bowls

Champion Singles 2018

On Thursday 15th March 2018 a team of 20 Belgian Short Mat Bowlers left for Strömstad in Sweden to participate in the 2018 World Short Mat Bowls Championships. The team consisted of: Singles: A. Dimitri Payne, B. Jonathan Payne; Pairs: A. Martin Theunissen & René Theunissen, B. Romain Papen & Louis Beckers; Triples: A. Freddy Danel, Erwin Vanlangenakker & Tonny Francois, B. Ils Belmans, Paula Geens & Louis Helsen; Fours: Frank Vermoesen, Sibe Laureys, Swa Luycks & Roger Wille; B. Johan Stevens, Dominique Poot, Roby Vannoppen & Pieterjan Stevens.

as possible. Bronagh Toleman had to play the Welshman Michael John who was already certain of qualification to the semi-finals. Jonathan Payne began his last group match very positively and managed to beat the Norwegian Lars Rune Layritzen bij 29-6. Jonathan was now in a virtual 2nd position. A little bit later the English bowler managed to beat the Welsh Bowler but ony by 13-10.  Because of this Jonathan went through to the semi-finals with a six shot advantage over his English opponent. In the semi-final Jonathan Payne had to play against the winner of Group A, Androw Hudson, from Wales. After thirteen of the 15 ends, Jonathan had an unassailable lead of 17-7.

The World Championships are played over 3 days. Both Belgian Fours teams played a great tournament. In the A Group the Fours finished third. Beating Wales 13-7, England 9-8, Sweden 12-8 and Canada 15-3. Unfortunately losing to Norway 5-10 and Ireland 2-10. In the B Group the Fours team also finished third. Winning against Wales 12-7, Sweden 17-4, Norway 11-7 and Canada 18-2. Losing against Ireland 9-13 and England 4-11. Both Belgian Triples finished in sixth in their groups and the Pairs finished sixth and seventh respectively in their groups.

In the A Group Singles, Dimitri Payne finished sixth, unluckily losing two matches on the last bowl.

In the B Group Singles it was mutch closer for Jonathan Payne from Herentals. He stood in third position in his group with equal match points whith the English bowler Bronagh Toleman but with 14 shots less. Their match had already ended as a 10-19 draw on the saturday. Going into the last day, Sunday, winning the last match was the message for Jonathan and with as many shots  

Here are some links to photos and articles from the media

In the final Jonathan's opponent was Alan Paul from Ireland. This final was a real real nail-biter. Both players were equal to each other throughout the whole match and only with his very last bowl was Jonathan able to secure the title and become Belgium's first ever World Short Mat Bowls Champion.  Also the first ever champion from outside of the British isles.

During the closing ceremony and prize giving Johan Stevens, in his role as Chairman of the Belgian Short Mat Bowls Federation, thanked the organizers of these World Championships and invited everybody to come to Belgium in 2020 to take part in the for the World Short Mat Bowls Champioenschips 2020. These are being held from 20 to 22 March 2020 in the Flemish sports Centre "Netepark" in Herentals.
Finally, the presidency of the World Short Mat Bowls Council was passed on to the Chairman of the Belgian Short Mat Bowls Federation by the Mayor of Strömstad. A position which he wil hold until the end of the 2020 World Championship.

On Thursday 15th March 2018 a team of 20 Belgian Short Mat Bowlers left for Strömstad in Sweden to participate in the 2018 World Short Mat Bowls Championships. The team consisted of: Singles: A. Dimitri Payne, B. Jonathan Payne; Pairs: A. Martin Theunissen & René Theunissen, B. Romain Papen & Louis Beckers; Triples: A. Freddy Danel, Erwin Vanlangenakker & Tonny Francois, B. Ils Belmans, Paula Geens & Louis Helsen; Fours: Frank Vermoesen, Sibe Laureys, Swa Luycks & Roger Wille; B. Johan Stevens, Dominique Poot, Roby Vannoppen & Pieterjan Stevens.