NEWS STORY BY CHARLES WRIGHT.
Jack Till has played in the Open Singles Circuit (OSC) for the last two years and, in 2022/23, he qualified for their Grand Final. The OSC is a series of tournaments, similar to golf 'open's', which take place at various club venues spread around England and the participants play off for a winners purse of £1,000. These mini tournaments take place over a weekend and there are approx 16 of them during the Winter season. Players have to arrange their own accommodation, entry fees are IRO £30 per person and the games are played in 2 sets of 9 ends, with a three end shoot out if tied one all.Other than the top few players in the world, all the top bowlers in the UK generally take part. They are knock out tournaments.
Last season I suggested that Jack give this 'a go' for the experience and, after entering six of the tournaments (you also play for 'ranking points') he collected enough points to finish 25 out of approx 350 bowlers. The top 32 qualified for the Grand Final, played at Potters, over the weekend of the 25th/26th November. On Saturday, Jack played in a round robin and, after six games, he qualified for the last 16, which was now played as a knock out. In the last 16, he lost to Paul Mosley (Stockton & England) 5-7, 6-7, so went out. But this was a great achievement for him.....and he was representing Gullivers.
In the round robin games, he played a junior international from the West Country, Lucy Smith, and his game can be seen on Youtube, if you look up - 'Open Singles Circuit Grand Final Lucy Smith v Jack Till'. Thought I'd let you know, in case you are interested. Watching him on TV was good, as his delivery is quite good and a good example for beginners.
Jack has been coached by me for many years and he has won the Sussex County Indoor Singles and Pairs (2023), as well as the Sussex Under 25 Pairs with Brandon Hutchison, in 2019.