NORTH Wilts Indoor Bowls Club stage their sixth annual Open Singles tournament this weekend at their green in Westcroft, Chippenham.

The tournament is part of the Open Singles Circuit (OSC) and is the 21st of 28 which culminate with the top 32 players contesting a Grand Final in late November at Potters Leisure Resort, Great Yarmouth.

A total of 72 players have entered the North Wilts tournament, with the singles knockout stages being held on Saturday and Sunday from 9am, with the final planned for 6.30pm on day two.

Total prize money on offer is £2,300, with the top prize of £1,000 going to the winner.

Last year’s victor Andy Moore, formerly of Christie Miller but now playing out of North Wilts, will defend his title, while former winners Ian Jenkins (Egham, Surrey) and Martin Selway (Islwyn, Wales) also return.

The top ranked player in the field is Scott Edwards (Oxford City & County), who played at the world championships in Potters in January and last weekend won the Salisbury Five Rivers OSC tournament.

There are also 10 of the top 20 in the OSC rankings in action, as well as a number of players from local clubs North Wilts and Clarrie Dunbar. Admission to the tournament is free, with the club restaurant and bar open throughout on both days.

Gazette & Herald is among the sponsors of the event along with local businesses Beazer Electrical Services, Bowlamania, Corsham Print, FW Jones (funeral directors) and Matthew Clarke (drinks wholesaler).

Further information on the North Wilts Open Singles tournament and the club can be found via www.nwbowls.co.uk.