Kennedy keeps on rolling in pairs

NEWLY-crowned Hong Kong International Classic singles champion Noel Kennedy continued his rich vein of form by notching two victories with teammate Anthony Carstairs at the start of the pairs competition at the Kowloon Bowling Green Club yesterday.

Hong Kong stalwart Kennedy, 29, who became only the second Hong Kong bowler to win the Classic singles, continued where he left off as he saw off the same opponent whom he defeated in Sunday's singles final.

Canada's Bill Boettger, who was beaten by Kennedy 25-20 at the Craigengower Cricket Club on Sunday, partnered Keith Roney but was no match for Kennedy and Carstairs who won convincingly 20-14.

Later in the evening, the Hong Kong pair came out on top by defeating the Hong Kong Football Club duo of Tony Tong and Barry Porteous 27-17 taking them to third in their section after two games.

The Hong Kong pair are just ahead of Scotland's Angus Blair and Graham Robertson on a better shot difference.

Kennedy and Carstairs have a maximum of four points but have an inferior shot difference to section leaders New Zealand's Rowan Brassey and Gary Lawson and the Kowloon Cricket Club pair of Danny Ho and Jurg Blaser.

Australia's Robert Ball and Rex Johnston lead the standings in Section One with the Craigengower Cricket Club duo David Tso and George Souza lying second.

Both teams won their opening matches.

The week-long pairs event features 24 teams divided into two groups of 12 with the top four in each group advancing to the quarter-finals.

Kennedy and Carstairs are well poised towards a place in the final rounds and are among the favourites for a medal.

Kennedy tasted success in the pairs event winning back in 1988.

with 1990 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Mark McMahon.

He is confident of repeating that success partnering Cartairs, the youngest player of the tournament.