The decorator aiming to become world bowls champion

Willgress is a self-employed painter and decorator. A role that is well-suited to his other job as a semi-professional bowler, as he needs to take three or four months’ holiday a year to play on the World Bowls Tour.

“I work around my painting to play my bowls,” said Willgress, who made his debut at the World Indoor Bowls Championships in 2018, when he reached the semi-finals.

“Most, if not all of the players have other jobs.” he said. “Half are self-employed, half are probably employed.

“Some work in bowls, which helps, but only the odd one or two could call themselves totally professional players.”

The winner of the open singes at Potters will pocket £50,000 in prize money.

“There are big pay days out there,” Wilgress said. “There are tournaments every weekend if you want to travel the country and around the world but it is expensive.

“It is nearly impossible to earn enough to survive just solely playing bowls. My job is ideal as it gives me the flexibility I need.”