 Saturday 1st May 2010 will see the top 48 players from the East Midlands Premier Bowls Tour in the Race for Nottingham - the new face of bowls! The top 16 ranked players will receive a bye through the first round, increasing their chances of landing the bumper cash prize! Currently appearing in the Race for Nottingham ranking list are some of the top names in world bowls. Greg Harlow (world number 2), Simon Skelton (world number 5 - pictured right), Billy Jackson (world number 9) and Nick Brett (world number 17) all hold places in the EMPB top 10 places. The player currently holding 1st place in the rankings is England International, and England under 25's Captain, Jamie Chestney of Gallow (Norfolk).  The event, sponsored by Brewin Dolphin (click on the logo on the right for more information), will feature a new & exciting format for indoor bowls called Premier Threes. Premier Threes is a fast new format where players will have 3 bowls (instead of the usual 4) and compete over 3 sets. Each set will consist of 3 ends. The winner of the set will be the player that scores the most points over the 3 ends of that set. Should a player win 2 sets they are the winner. Should the players win one set each and draw a set, the match will enter a tie-break. This tie-break is a sudden-death, one-bowl one-end shoot out - a format never seen before in competitive bowls. Tickets to view this exciting new event are available from Nottingham Indoor Bowls Centre and cost £5.00. Under 16s go free. In announcing this new initiative Peter Thompson, Chief Executive of EIBA Ltd, said “we are very excited about this competition as it will bring a shorter and faster version of the game with plenty of excitement which we are sure the sports fan will enjoy”. He added “that as we get nearer 1st May we will be announcing a unique initiative for bowls which will appeal to the public to become involved”. Robin Beer, Divisional Director of Brewin Dolphin, commented “we are proud to be associated with the Race For Nottingham and Nottingham Indoor Bowls Centre. Their innovative approach towards the Development of the Sport not only at a local level but national level, is a testament to their vision, drive and enthusiasm.” For more information please contact: Peter Thompson, Chief Operating Executive - EIBA Ltd Tel: 01664 481900 | 
