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Post date: Jul 21, 2020 1:35:37 PM
Mark Royal (45) is a professional bowler from Stowmarket, Suffolk and world ranked No.12 after reaching the quarter-finals of the world indoor singles at Potters Resort in January.He is a regular visitor to Stamford IBC with his Potters Resort mobile shop.
In the second of our series, Press officer Bob Warters interviewed him for more hints and tips on adapting to different playing surfaces.
Is there an advantage or disadvantage to being a right or left-handed player?
Excuse the pun but I am perhaps biased, as a left-hander! We represent maybe as many as 15 per-cent of bowlers and can often prefer lines that right-handers can't or don't find because of the line on which the bowl starts. Of course, in contrast we might struggle on a line the right-hander might prefer.
Certainly in terms of coaching, it can be an issue, when a right-hander is helping a left-hander and vice versa.
It's certainly true that as left-handers we see different shots to a right-hander and often have a skip scratching their heads as to our decision-making. Of course, the reverse is the case, too, when a left-handed skip is directing a right-hander. In many top rinks you will often find both right and left-handers; it gives more options.
What advice can you give to adapt to different paced surfaces between indoor clubs?
Trial ends are more important than you might think. I watch the opposition closely and follow the hand (side of the rink) which they take first. It is usually their preferred side. Then I tend to take more green ( a wider arc) than might be necessary just to get a feel of any late turn a bowl might take. If it holds straight I will try to avoid that hand (side).
In my experience most home players prefer a long jack. So as an away player, I will tend to try different lengths of jack, take the mat up the green, try something different; mix it up.
What's it like playing in front of the TV cameras, potentially in front of millions of viewers at the world championships at Potters?
I really enjoy it. It's especially great when I am playing great as I was in January, when I beat Paul Foster and only lost to Nick Brett, the eventual runner-up to Robert Paxton on a tie-break in the quarter finals. I also tend to get more support from the crowd than most as I am a local boy from Suffolk.
Some players let the atmosphere get to them, the slightest movement, someone opening a sweet paper. I try to shut out everything, the cameras, the crowd and noises, while being aware of the shot clock which allows 30 seconds from when the previous bowl comes to rest. However, I can call for one of a limited number of 'time outs' I am allowed to assess my options.
I have always admired how Nick Brett, the current world No.1, is able to re-set after a disturbance without stopping the clock. He will often put a bowl down, pick up another and re-sets into his pre-shot routine before delivering his bowl.
How important is a pre-shot routine?
For me it is vital and should become automatic for all players. I make sure the bowl is sitting comfortable in my hand, picture the shot I want to play and imagine the path it will take to my target. I step on to the mat, angle my feet to line up the initial path of the bowl and deliver smoothly down that line.
Which bowler do you most admire?
I was always a fan of Richard Corsie, a Scot who was one of the best bowlers of all time. He won the world indoor singles three times and the Commonwealth Games singles in 1994. I enjoyed the silky smooth style of his delivery and have always tried to emulate him.
NEXT TIME: We seek the benefit of Mark's experience on playing positions in a rink.
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