Katherine Rednall will go from history-maker to history student today, less than 24 hours after being crowned a world champion.
The 18-year-old Stowmarket High School sixth-former from Baylham romped to victory in bowls’ World Indoor Matchplay Ladies Singles final yesterday to become the youngest-ever holder of the title.
Rednall, who oozed class and composure throughout her 14-4, 11-3 victory over defending champion Rebecca Field at Potters in Norfolk, admitted to not looking past the first round after qualifying for the tournament but, after winning the trophy, will be reflecting on her achievement for years to come.
“I’m back at school tomorrow and I have double history in the morning so I guess I will probably daydream a bit,” said Rednall, who, as well as history, is studying A-Levels in Physics and Textiles. “I have then got time to catch up on what I have missed which is good, but it will be back to normal.”
After a tight opening five ends, Rednall grappled the advantage away from Field with two maximums in a row, before ending with two singles to wrap up a comprehensive first set win.
She was just as good in the second, but also had a bit of luck as she knocked out Field’s two leading woods with a fortunate end-winning nick at a crucial time.
That further tightened her grip on the title but the conclusion of the game came as something of a surprise.
“It’s amazing and it hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Rednall.
“I looked at the score in the second set and I knew if I kept getting singles I would be OK, but then I realised I had put two bowls on and it was a bit of a surprise.”
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