Countless sportsmen and women at all levels have been affected by the Covid-19 crisis with a Teifi Valley lady bowler hit harder than most in losing out after postponement of the World Bowls Championships in Australia.

Ceredigion county bowler Anwen Butten of Lampeter Bowling Club was selected for Wales – one of 36 nations set to compete at the Championships on the Gold Coast in Queensland between May 26 and June 7.

The 47-year-old specialist cancer nurse was in great form to earn selection for her country again and was considered by many as a medal contender.

The holder of two Commonwealth Games bronze medals she led Wales to glory last year in the Atlantic Championships when taking the women’s fours crown at the Penylan Club in Cardiff. The victory was all the more sweet-tasting as the skipper was joined by Lampeter colleague Melanie Thomas.

Confirming postponement of the world event Bowls Australia chief executive officer Neil Dalrymple said: “We are aware that a large number of people have made travel arrangements, but the overriding concern is the health and safety of all involved.”

The championships have been re-scheduled for 2021 with dates to be arranged.