Welsh international Ceris Hewlings, of Saundersfoot Bowling Club, has enjoyed playing in one of the best outdoor tournaments in the world.

Ceris and Laura Daniels, of Brynhyfryd BC, Neath, were invited to play in the CCC 120th anniversary Hong Kong International Bowls Classic.

Organised by the Hong Kong Lawn Bowls Association, the event has a goal of providing an opportunity for local lawn bowlers to play against top class international bowlers through a singles and a pairs competition.

This year, the Welsh duo were joined by bowlers from Australia, Canada, China, England, Fiji, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Scotland, Singapore and Thailand in the tournament held at Craigengower Cricket Club, Hong Kong Football Club and Indian Recreation Club.

The singles was a knockout competition which involved 64 players. In addition to the overseas players and the champions of the local singles competitions, all local players needed to go through a qualifying process to be included in the main draw.

Ceris reached the last 16 after wins against Ada Lai, of the host club, Craigengowe Cricket Club, in straight sets, and a tie break victory over Elizabeth Moceiwai, one of the representatives from Fiji. After tying the first set, Ceris was narrowly beaten in the second set by China's Yu Xiao Yan in the third round.

The pairs was a seven-day competition. The 24 teams participating were made up of the overseas teams, Hong Kong teams from all the Division One clubs and teams from a qualifying tournament.

They were divided into two groups to play out a round robin competition, with the top three from each group qualifying for the knockout stage.

Sadly, despite their best efforts, including wins against the high-flying group leaders Australia and England, Ceris and Laura failed to make the play-offs.

"The whole tournament was a wonderful experience," said Ceris.

"The standard of bowls from both the overseas players and the Hong Kong club members was extremely high and we had some very competitive games.

"The hospitality we received was amazing and we have some very happy memories of the event."

Ceris and Laura were hosted by the prestigious Hong Kong Football Club, set in the centre of the world-famous Happy Valley racecourse.

"It was a totally awe-inspiring experience playing on a bowling green with a horse racing track around it," continued Ceris.

"We had a very warm welcome from the club and were guests of honour at their bowls presentation evening which coincided with our visit. The whole club was out of this world in terms of its wonderful facilities.

"We even got to go to the races and I managed a winner in the last race of the night, backing the horse All Good Friends, which just summed up our trip," she said.

During her visit, Ceris presented Vincent Cheung, chairman of the Classic organising committee, and Johnny Tsang, convener of Hong Kong Football Club, with Saundersfoot Bowling Club ties as a thank you for their warm welcome.

She also exchanged club badges with her opponents in the singles and pairs matches.