When the World Came to Potters

For 17 thrilling days across January, Potters Resorts Hopton-on-Sea once again was the epicentre of the bowls world, hosting the very highest level of indoor competition at the 2026 Ambassador Cruise Line World Indoor Bowls Championships.

On the famous blue rink inside The International Arena, the sport’s finest indoor players gathered to compete for the biggest titles in bowls — the World Open Singles, Ladies World Matchplay, World Open Pairs and World Mixed Pairs.

From the opening delivery on 9th January to the very last (incredibly dramatic!) bowl on the 25th, over 20,000 bowls enthusiasts were treated to world-class action throughout the Championships.

Scotland’s treble-winner Jason Banks pictured here in 2025 with the World Open Singles trophy, was the man everyone needed to beat

Established champions returned to defend their reputations, not least last year’s treble-winner Jason Banks. But more rising stars announced themselves on the biggest stage.

Quite simply, this was bowls at its very best. Tight victories, tense tie-breakers, tactical masterclasses and moments of sheer brilliance reminded everyone why these Championships sit at the pinnacle of the indoor game.

Potters Resorts Bowls Manager Les Gillett was a World Mixed Pairs Finalist and a World Open Singles Quarter Finalist this year

For players, it’s the ultimate test. For fans, it’s been another top-class 17 days. And for the sport of bowls, 2026 was a memorable chapter written on the blue rink at Potters — where legends are made, dreams are realised, and the world’s best continue to raise the bar.

One for the ages

The Open Singles final was the highlight of a tournament packed with world-class bowls. England’s Robert Paxton emerged victorious in a nail-biting tie-break showdown against Scotland’s veteran Paul Foster MBE, securing his second World Open Singles title while denying his opponent a record-equalling sixth.

Both players deserved their place in the final, with Paxton beating Mervyn King, Martin Puckett, and Darren Burnett enroute, while Foster was in imperious form with straight set victories over Greg Harlow, Les Gillett and last year’s treble-winner Jason Banks.

In a breathtaking match filled with skill, nerves and determination, both sets remarkably finished all square (11-11, 8-8), leading to a tense tie-breaker in one of the most compelling finishes in recent championships. Each extra end brought unbelievable drama and tension, and with the scores tied 1-1, Foster was in prime position in the deciding end. However, the final delivery of the championships saw Paxton remove Foster’s shot bowls, taking the title in the most dramatic of endings.

Open Singles Champion Robert Paxton (centre) with Rebecca Jones, Head of Brand & Partnerships at Ambassador Cruise Line (left) and Jane Potter (right)

Robert Paxton’s triumph was redemption for his Open Singles final loss in 2025, reinforcing his reputation among the sport’s elite. For Paul Foster MBE — one of bowls’ most decorated competitors with multiple titles — it was another memorable performance to a storied career, underscoring the depth of experience and quality at the top of the sport.

Seventh heaven for Rednall

In the Ladies Matchplay, one of indoor bowls’ most remarkable champions once again stole the spotlight. England’s Katherine Rednall clinched a record-extending seventh World Ladies Matchplay title after another tense tie-break victory over England’s Nicole Rogers.

A packed arena watched Nicole Rogers and Katherine Rednall play out a tight Ladies Matchplay Final

Hailing from Stowmarket, Rednall enjoyed outstanding support throughout but was outplayed by a determined Rogers in the first set (7-12), before finding her rhythm in the second (9-4). Taking the first tie-break end and drawing to win with her final bowl in the second end, a 2-0 tie-break win was secured, as was yet another Ladies Matchplay title.

Aged just 30, nobody could bet against Katherine extending her record in the years to come, and further cementing her legacy on the women’s game.

Ladies Matchplay Champion Katherine Rednall with finalist Nicole Rogers (centre), Sallyanne Gooch from Potters Resorts (left) and Emma Vincent from the Strategic Partnerships Team at Ambassador Cruise Line (right)

Rolling back the years

While the 2025 Championships delivered a Scottish sweep of titles, the Open Pairs was Scotland’s solitary win in 2026. For Paul Foster MBE and Alex Marshall MBE, it was a fifth Open Pairs title for them as a pairing, but their first since 2019.

Foster’s excellent form would also see him reach the Open Singles final, and with his long-time playing partner and friend, Marshall, they once again asserted their dominance in the Open Pairs, delivering a showcase of teamwork and tactical brilliance.

World No.1 Stewart Anderson during the World Open Pairs Final

The legendary duo’s experience and consistency proved decisive as they overcame a fellow Scottish pairing of World No.1 Stewart Anderson and Darren Burnett in a thrilling final, adding another chapter to their remarkable legacy in the sport.

Open Pairs Champions Alex Marshall MBE and Paul Foster MBE (centre) with Marc Jones from Potters Resorts (left) and Laura Allan, Reservations Assistant Manager at Ambassador Cruise Line (right)

A winning mix

Fans were treated to further excitement in the World Mixed Pairs, where a new pairing of England’s Jamie Walker and Northern Ireland’s Chloe Wilson teamed up to lift the title.

Having notably beaten the pairings of Stewart Anderson & Lesley Doig, and then Mark Dawes and Julie Forrest, the final was a tense affair against England’s Les Gillett and Emily Kernick — another of the tournament’s new mixed pairings.

Emily Kernick (green) and Chloe Wilson (red) in action during the World Mixed Pairs Final

Over two tight sets (7-7, 9-8), Walker and Wilson delivered a touch more consistency, etching their names into the event’s history, with Wilson becoming the first player from Northern Ireland to win the Mixed Pairs crown.

Mixed Pairs Champions Jamie Walker and Chloe Wilson (centre) with Marc Jones from Potters Resorts (left) and Freddie Weeks, Digital Marketing Assistant at Ambassador Cruise Line (right)

Other winners

2026 also saw the successful return of the Open Masters Championship, won by England’s Russell Bewick, as well as the final of Potters Resorts’ own Champion of Champions tournament.

In a battle of the best teams from Hopton-on-Sea and Five Lakes over the 24/25 indoor season, this year’s competition was won by Fruit & Nut (Alan George, Norman Arding, Gill Arding, Ian Harrison) on a tie-break against Club Spain (Richard Saunders, Linda Saunders, Graham Shoots, Maureen Hanratty).

Congratulations to both teams on playing a magnificent final on the blue rink!

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Whether you were watching the action in the International Arena or on screen around the world, the 2026 Championships once again delivered unforgettable moments, dramatic tie-breaks, nerveless performances and new champions emerging alongside iconic figures whose names continue to define the sport.

And once the dust had settled on one of the most thrilling championships in recent history, talk quickly turned to the excitement of 2027. With Fully Inclusive Breaks selling fast, bowls fans are already counting down the days to the next chapter on the blue rink at Potters Resorts — where indoor bowls magic continues to unfold.