Billy Jackson ready to defend world bowls title
The 39-year old returned to Norfolk at the weekend ahead of his bid to defend the Potters Holidays World Indoor Singles Championship he won a year ago and, on his arrival, was welcomed by the picture of him lifting the trophy at the Hopton on Sea resort.
Jackson admits that the feeling of being world champion took time to sink in but he is now in no doubt that he is the man everyone wants to beat at the event, which started yesterday.
The Lincoln Indoor Bowling Club player starts the defence of the championship next Wednesday, against Canada's Hirendra Bhartu or English qualifier Scott Whiting, but before then he partners David Gourlay against John Price and David Axon of Wales in the doubles tournament, today.
"Everyone wants to take a shot at me," said Jackson.
"That has been the same at club and county level, but when you get to Norfolk it all becomes a bit different.
"It took a while for my world championship win to sink in, but when you have players wanting to beat you and a 12ft picture of yourself in reception at the resort, and another one at the club house around the corner, you suddenly realise that you are the best in the world at what you do. And how many billions of people are in the world?".
Billy Jackson became world singles indoor champion in 2009.
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