MARTYN SEKJER jetted out to Australia this week with the burning desire to become champion of the world.

In what has proved to be the biggest bonus for winning the national singles title last year, the South-ampton Sports Centre skip will be flying the flag for England in the inaugural World Singles Champion of Champions at the Moama club, near Melbourne.

The Hampshire Middle-ton Cup regular feels privileged to be one of 28 national champions invited to play in this glittering event.

It is hoped this will become the forerunner of an annual showdown to discover the world's finest.

This is a pride championship, sponsored by Thomas Taylor Bowls with no prize money at stake, but all expenses have been paid and Sekjer, who has never been Down Under before, is eagerly looking forward to the action, starting this Saturday. Finals are on Friday, September 26.

The 28 are divided into two groups who will compete on a round-robin basis with the top four from each section progressing to the knock-out stages.

Sekjer, who has travelled with his wife and fellow international Diane, expects to be playing three matches a day, some of which will be under floodlights on outdoor greens much faster than he has experienced in this country.

Temperatures should be around 70F - cooler than he has been used to here this summer!

"This will be totally different to anything I have done before and I am really looking forward to it.

"I have set no targets but I shall be fully focused and, if I play to the best of my ability, I should be in with a shout," said Sekjer, who ended his domestic season early and took a break from the game to prepare himself mentally for the challenge ahead.