International play

The 2011 MAP International Challenge took over the Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club this week, as six international teams and four American teams competed in singles and pairs matches.

The singles match winner was John McGuinness from England. Joe Regan, a member of the Laguna Beach club, tied for third and was the best performing American.

Club President Curt Bartsch says the perception that lawn bowling is just for older people is wrong. The club has more than 200 members of all age groups.

“It’s a thriving sport, it’s a growing sport, and it’s also healthy for Laguna Beach to have this prestige on an international level,” Bartsch said.

The MAP tournament is considered a prestigious tournament to bowl in, he said.

“They particularly enjoy coming to Laguna Beach because our lawn bowling club is revered as the most scenic location of any club in the United States and probably on an international level,” Bartsch said.

The challenge events have alternated between the Laguna club and the Newport Harbor Lawn Bowling Club. The tournament ends Saturday with pairs match finals at Newport Harbor.

—Kelly Parker