Burnaby's James MacGowan continued to roll his way to victory in international bowls following a thirdplace finish at the first-ever Dutch Open in Haarlem, Netherlands on May 11.
In the accumulated points and shot differential format, MacGowan and his mixed fours team of two men and two women represented Canada in the invitation-only outdoor event, placing third overall behind champion Scotland and runner-up U.S.A. 3.
The foursome's biggest win was against the Americans.
Tied 17-17 with last bowl, MacGowan rolled the jack into the gutter to lie shot bowl to win the match on his final shot.
"That's what makes the sport," said MacGowan. "It felt like probably one of the best shots I've played."
Canada, with a truly representative team with players from Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta, garnered eight points in six games with a plus33 differential in shots, scoring 118 shots and 85 shots against in the group's first-ever international competition together.
Overall, the sole Canadian entry placed fourth among the 16 invited teams that included groups from Ireland,
Spain, Hong Kong, England, the U.S., Netherlands and Israel.
Canada also finished fourth in women's pairs.
Closer to home, MacGowan will team up with partner Francis Yau of Richmond for the upcoming B.C. provincial pairs championship in North Vancouver from June 13 to 15.
In the week's following, MacGowan will be back on the Pro Bowls Tour in Toronto in the hopes of qualifying again for the Scottish International Open and the Welsh Grand Prix.
Last year, the Burnaby bowler made history as the first Canadian to earn a spot in the quarter-finals of a professional bowls event at the Scottish Open.
In March of this year, MacGowan finished with a silver medal in men's fours at the Tiger Bowls Open in Hong Kong. MacGowan plans to be back in Toronto in August for another pro bowl qualifier with a berth to the world indoor singles and doubles on the line.
The world championships will be held in Norwich, England in January 2013.
The Canadian championships are in Montreal in July.
"I like our chances," said MacGowan.
