[<<] [>>] by Andy Smith
3rd February 2006 (International)

The World Croquet Federation have much pleasure in announcing that Croquet New Zealand has been awarded the hosting of "The 11th WCF World Association Croquet Championship".

The event will be played from Saturday 2nd to Sunday 10th February 2008 in Christchurch, centred at the United Croquet Club. Additional matches will be played at Elmwood Park, Fendalton Park, St.Martins, Barrington Park, Cashmere and St.James Park Croquet Clubs.

Christchurch, with a total of 22 lawns available at the venues, is no stranger to hosting major croquet events having hosted the 2000 MacRobertson Shield (World Team Championship).

There will be an expected entry of 80 players from around the world in the main event. A Plate event and Developing Nations competition will also be played.

President of Croquet New Zealand, Mrs. Yvonne Yeates gave thanks to the WCF for the opportunity to stage the WCF World Association Croquet Championships in 2008, "I congratulate the Canterbury Croquet Association, in partnership with Christchurch City Council, on their excellent bid and success in being awarded the hosting of this event. I am confident that they will provide the best of facilities in a setting second to none as Christchurch, the Garden City of New Zealand, is a wonderful venue and has many attractions for players and supporters alike to enjoy".

President of the World Croquet Federation, David Openshaw said, "I am delighted that the 2008 WCF world Croquet Championships will be played in Christchurch, New Zealand. I know from personal experience that the playing facilities will be excellent. I have played in three MacRobertson Shield events for Great Britain at the United Club in Hagley Park. When their lawns are prepared for fast conditions I regard them as the best in the world. We also know that the organisational skills of the Canterbury Croquet Association will ensure that these Championships will be very well managed. We look forward to a very successful event".

Further details of the 11th WCF Association Croquet World Championship will be released in due course.

Note to Editors

• The current World Champion is Reginald Bamford, South Africa who beat Robert Fulford (England) at Cheltenham in August 2005.
• The 11th World Association Croquet Championship is the second to be held in New Zealand. The first was in 2002 in Wellington.
• New Zealand has previously hosted 5 MacRobertson Shield (World Team Championships), the first in 1950.
• The Chairman of the New Zealand Executive Committee for the event is former Croquet New Zealand President, Roger Murfitt, He was a player and subsequently manager of New Zealand MacRobertson Shield teams from 1974 to 1993.
• New Zealand will host the 7th WCF World Golf Croquet Championship in Hawkes Bay from 4th - 12th March 2006.

Andy Smith
Executive Director
New Zealand Croquet Council