The engage International Open will be staged on the WBT's unique portable rink at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre - for the seventh year - from 4-11 November.  

With live coverage on BBC TV, the event will feature the top 16 players in the world, joined by qualifiers from the UK, Australia, South Africa, USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel and New Zealand.

 

In the draw announced today by the World Bowls Tour, Harlow will face Hong Kong qualifier Kenny So in the first round.

 

But the 39-year-old world number two from Ely, one of the few of the world's top 16 who only competes indoors, has followed the same routine he has for many years - and taken the summer off.

 

"Since June, I've not lifted a bowl.  I've been doing what I do every year, taking the summer off and just relaxing.  Most people are amazed that I take a break like this - but it works for me," explained the three-time International Open champion.

 

"I started practicing again in the second week of September and have been working quite hard since then in preparation for November."

 

Since first winning the International Open in November 2004, Harlow has been untouchable at Ponds Forge.  Indeed, when the WBT staged the inaugural World Matchplay Championship at the Sheffield venue in June, Harlow claimed the sport's latest trophy - and extended his unbeaten run in Sheffield to 18 matches!

 

"Every time I turn off the motorway towards Sheffield, I get that fantastic feeling - it feels like you've got an extra shot or two on your shoulder - and that can make all the difference," said Harlow.

 

But the top seed is under no illusions about the competition he faces - not just from his fellow seeds, but also the qualifiers:  "The strength of the qualifiers last year - both from the UK and overseas - was as good we've ever had.  They've really stepped up their game.  And if you look at the UK qualifiers this year, there are some very established players.  It's going to be very tough for the seeds."

 

If results go according to the seedings, Harlow would meet Alex Marshall, the fourth seed, in the semi-finals.  The Scot made history at the beginning of the year when he became the first player to win the world indoor title for a fourth time. 

 

The 2007 engage International Open is expected to climax in a final between Harlow and second seed David Gourlay, the Scottish-born Australian who replaced Harlow as world number one this season.  Gourlay, who topped the WBT's world rankings for five seasons from 1999, celebrated three final appearances in a row in 2006 - and continues to be one of the Tour's biggest threats.

 

[1] Greg Harlow (ENG) v [Q] Kenny So (HKG)                       

[10] Jonathan Ross (IRE) v [Q] Craig Rimmington (RSA)         

[14] Billy Jackson (ENG) v [Q] Nick Brett (ENG)                    

[5] Jason Greenslade (WAL) v [Q] Terry Johnson (NZL)         

[6] Robert Weale (WAL) v [Q] Brett Arkley (ENG)                 

[9] Kelvin Kerkow (AUS) v [Q] Barry Jenkins (ENG)                

[11] Ian Bond (ENG) v [Q] Robert Paxton (ENG)                   

[4] Alex Marshall (SCO) v [Q] Anthony Baer (USA)                

[3] Paul Foster (SCO) v [Q] Scott Kennedy (SCO)                

[15] Les Gillett (ENG) v [Q] David Opie (AUS)                      

[16] John Price (WAL) v [Q] Andrew Easy (ENG)                  

[7] Andy Thomson (ENG) v [Q] Philip Rowlands (WAL)           

[8] Mervyn King (ENG) v [Q] Simon Stevens (ENG)               

[12] Mark McMahon (ENG) v [Q] Hirendra Bhartu (CAN)         

[13] Mark Royal (ENG) v [Q] Danny Keet (ISR)                     

[2] David Gourlay (AUS) v [Q] Mark Watt (NZL)

 

The engage International Open has been brought to Sheffield by the city’s Major Sports Events Unit and is the latest in a string of high-profile events this year.

 

For ticket availability, call the Ponds Forge ticket hotline on 0114-256 5656