Kelly handed reins in singles mission

The Ballymoney 21-year-old is part of a six-man team that will go into battle against seven other of the world's top countries - with the Commonwealth Games very much part of the agenda.

Kelly (right) will be joined by Portrush pair, Ian McClure and Gary McCloy; Paul Daly, from Ulster Transport; Whitehead’s Martin McHugh and Neil Booth, from the Old Bleach club.

The selection certainly suggests the same group of players are in a healthy position of being nominated for the 2010 Games showpiece in October, although Irish boss Jim Baker insists the final line-up has yet to be finalised.

Baker has been working with a group of 10 players in the countdown to the Games and, even though he admitted “they all tick the boxes”, only six can board the plane to India.

The squad bound for New Delhi certainly has the credentials to compete with the best.

McClure and McCloy will feature in the pairs, while Daly, McHugh and Booth form what is quite a formidable triple.

In many ways, it will be a trial run for India in terms of hosting a major bowls event.

The tournament will be played on the greens used for the Commonwealth Games – synthetic surfaces!

“This competition is vitally important,” insists Baker.

“Although we have picked six guys for this particular tournament, it doesn’t mean they are nailed on for the Games.

“I’ve explained to the four players who missed out, that the final selection will be made at a later date. In fact, Scotland have taken a similar stance and have delayed naming their Games squad.

“We’ll first focus on the New Delhi series. We will be going in against seven of the world’s top nations - most of them will have their Commonwealth teams on show.

“But apart from what happens on the green, there are a number of other factors to be taken into account.

“We will get to sample the facilities available to us for the Games. Also, we’ll get the opportunity to play on the actual artificial greens that will be used.

“The heat and humidity will also be a problem, so we’ll have the chance to monitor that.

“Overall, it will give us a fair insight of what to expect, on and off the green, for the Commonwealth Games.

“It will also give the hosts the chance of staging a major bowls tournament ahead of the main event in October.”

Baker stressed that he is delighted with Ireland’s preparation.

“The players, all 10 of them, have been working hard - they are a great bunch of guys,” added Baker.

“And, I’m confident they can make an impact in India. Although it’s a relatively young group of players, they have all experienced playing at the top level - most of whom have previously competed at the Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

“Although young Gary (Kelly) hasn’t figured in those events, he has experienced International and British Isles recognition, both outdoor and indoor.”

The tournament will be staged on April 6-10.

Ireland: Singles: Gary Kelly. Pairs: Ian McClure, Gary McCloy. Triples: Paul Daly, Martin McHugh, Neil Booth.