Tongan triumph: Milika Nathan bowls her way to international glory

Tonga now has a world champion bowler in Auckland school teacher Milika Nathan.

She achieved a historic victory on Saturday by winning the women’s singles title at the World Bowls Champion of Champions tournament in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Nathan triumphed over defending champion Anne Nunes of the United States in challenging wet conditions, marking a significant milestone for Tonga in lawn bowls.

According to Word Bowls, Nathan's journey to victory was marked by resilience and skill.

She advanced through the qualifying rounds with a commanding performance against Teokotai Jim from the Cook Islands.

In the semifinals, she faced England’s Stefanie Branfield, overcoming an initial setback in the first set to dominate the second set 14-2 and clinch the tiebreak with a decisive final bowl.

More than 50 champion bowlers from 30 nations competed in the 22nd World Bowls Champion of Champions Singles. Photo/Browns Bay Bowling Club

In the final match, Nathan showed exceptional composure and stopped Nunes from going back to back, winning 5-4, 5-3.

Nathan told World Bowls that at the “start of this week, I was just trying to make it into the top eight.

"It is a bit crazy to think I am a world champion. I never thought that would happen, ever. It is funny that I will walk back into my classroom on Monday.”

World Bowls reported that Nathan’s victory is a personal achievement and a testament to her dedication and talent in the sport of lawn bowls.

Australian Lee Schraner secured his second title in the men's singles final.

Schraner put on a drawing display in the final to defeat Aiden Takarua from New Zealand in straight sets 6-4, 4-4.

Despite the young Kiwi's aggressive game, Schraner was unrelenting with his precision draw bowling to clinch the gold.