Our very own Brianna Smith has conquered the World, capturing the Gold Medal in Singles at the World Under 25 Championships played in Ireland between the 5th & 9th December. Brianna also teamed with Broadbeach & QLD talent Nick Cahill to take out the Silver Medal in the Mixed Pairs event. Nick also took Silver in the Under 25 Men’s Singles.
Brianna won her way through to the playoffs, finishing 2nd in her section with 3 wins from 5 games. In her 1st playoff game, Brianna came through in straight sets against Scotland, despite being behind in the 2nd set 9-0 after 3 ends. In the semi final, Brianna took on Ireland & it was the Irish girl who started the best, claiming the 1st set 11-4. Brianna then fought back to claim the 2nd set 9-5, forcing the contest to a sudden death 1 end Tiebreaker. After a couple of nervy bowls, Brianna drew a great shot with her 3rd bowl, directly behind the jack. The Irish girl then failed to convert, giving Brianna the victory & a spot in the Gold Medal match.
In the Final, Brianna took on Yu Yee Sin from Hong Kong China. Brianna was in control early, claiming the 1st set 11-5. The 2nd set was a nail biter, with scores level with 1 end to play. Despite Brianna’s best effort, the shot went to Hong Kong China, forcing the Final to a sudden death tie break. Brianna was down match with only 1 bowl of hers to play. Forced to change hands & play weight, Brianna played a fantastic shot, ensuring that Hong Kong China had to play her last bowl. After just missing, it came down to an umpires measure, with the result going Brianna’s way, giving her the match, & the title of World Champion. A fantastic effort & just the first of many outstanding achievements for sure.
In the mixed pairs, Brianna & Nick smashed there way through their section, winning all 5 matches with a margin of shots! In their Semi Final, they accounted for the Irish duo, winning the 1st set easily 14-1 & drawing the 2nd set 9 all. The Final against England was a tail of 2 halves, with the Aussies winning the 1st set 14-1, but losing the 2nd set 12-4. The Tie Break end was going to be tough after the English lead sat her 1st bowl right in front of the jack. Despite their best efforts, the Aussies couldn’t dislodge the shot, giving the match & the title to the English duo.
We are all extremely proud of Brianna & We are sure to see her on the big stage for years to come!
