World Indoor Bowls Championships 2026 Today: Prize money, Monday schedule, history, format, television schedule - when is the Open Pairs final?
It’s the biggest tournament of the year for the sport - and Scottish bowlers will hope to dominate.
First held in Coatbridge in 1979, this year’s The World Indoor Bowls Championship is currently underway, with the first games in the Open Singles played on Monday, January 19.
Scotland has already seen some success, with all all-Scottish finalists in today’s Open Pairs final, where Paul Foster and Alex Marshall take on Stewart Anderson and Darren Burnett.
And in the Ladies Matchplay both Beth Riva and Lesley Doig have made the semi-finals and could meet in the final.
But it's the open singles tournament which attracts the most interest and where Scotland shines brightest - Scots Alex Marshall and Paul Foster have claimed the most titles, with six and five wins respectively.
And last year saw Scotland’s Jason Banks complete an unprecedented treble, winning the singles, open pairs and mixed pairs in the same yeart.
Here's everything you need to know about this year's tournament and what’s happening today.
Where is the World Indoor Bowls Championship held?
The championships were first held in 1979 in Coatbridge but moved to England in 1989 when it was held in Preston's Guild Hall. In 1999, Potters Holidays took over the sponsorship and the event moved to its current home at the company's resort in Hopton-on-Sea.
Who are the defending champions?
In 2024 the Open Singles was won by Jason Banks, the Women's Singles by Julie Forrest, the Open Pairs by Jason Banks and Michael Stepney, the Mixed Pairs by Jason Banks and Beth Riva, and Ian Bond became the inaugural Masters champion.
What’s the prize money at the World Indoor Bowls?
The winner of the Open Singles will receive a cheque for £50,000, as will the winner of the Women’s Singles.
The winners of the Open Pairs and the Mixed Pairs will each win £20,000 (to be split between the two players).
How can I watch the World Indoor Bowls Championship?
From Monday, January 19, the matches will broadcast live by the BBC on the iPlayer and Red Button.
You can also watch them live on the Potters Resorts website here.
The Open Singles quarter finals, semi finals and final will all be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer.
What is the order of play today?
Here’s all the action happening today, Monday, January 19.
- 10am: Open Singles Round of 32, Stewart Anderson (Sco) v Martyn Rice (Sco)
- 1pm: Open Pairs Final, Paul Foster & Alex Marshall (Sco) v Stewart Anderson & Darren Burnett (Sco)
- 3pm: Open Single Round of 32, Jason Banks (Sco) v Wayne Roberts (RSA)
- 7.30pm: Open Single Round of 32, Aaron Johnson (Eng) v Mikey Titcombe (Eng)
When is the Open Pairs final at the World Indoor Bowls Championships?
Scotland’s Paul Foster and Alex Marshall will take on fellow Scots Stewart Anderson and Darren Burnett in the final of the Open Pairs at 1pm.
What Scottish bowlers are involved in the Open Singles?
Scotland's two all time greats of the bowls world are still in contention for the title they have won a remarkable 11 times between them. Alex Marshall lifted the title in 1999, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2015, while Paul Foster won in 1998, 2001, 2005, 2011 and 2017. Both have received MBEs in recognition for what they have brought to the sport. Meanwhile Stewart Anderson is a treble winner - triumphing in 2013, 2019 and 2024 - and defending champion Jason Banks will be hoping for a second singles title. They are joined in the draw by fellow-Scots Darren Burnett and Martyn Rice.
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