Match-fixing in Lawn Bowls?

Looks like match-fixing is spreading fast and lawn bowls became the latest sport to be infected by this dangerous virus.

The report, by veteran writer Edward Thangarajah, is about a match-fixing allegation by Canada against New Zealand.

According to the report, published on Sunday, Canada allaged that New Zealanddeliberately lost their match to Thailand at the Asia Pacific Championships in Malaysia last month.

Thailand won the match against New Zealand 17-15.

New Zealand had already qualified for the next stage which is the world championships. But Canada have alleged that the Kiwis lost to gain a more favourable quarter-final draw.

New Zealand led Thailand 15-12 in their last match in section play before conceding five shots over the last two ends. Thailand scored a four on the penultimate end and a single shot on the last.

The report went on to say that while many in Thailand are disappointed, it appears that New Zealand are holding an inquiry into the alleged misconduct based on claims by Canada and the World Bowls.

It is alleged that a men's four, starring two-time world champion player Gary Lawson, deliberately lost the match to Thailand and this has naturally hurt many members of the team too.

Lawson, 43, has been quoted as angrily denied the allegations and has refused to represent New Zealand again. "The bottom line is the allegation of throwing a game, which we totally deny. There were a lot of close games, and as it turned out it made no difference to whether we won or lost. We tried to win the game."

He said he was angry that Bowls New Zealand had conducted an investigation and had now launched judicial proceedings.

"We have been found guilty and now we have to prove our innocence," he said.