UK No 1 is Lisa’s goal

She finished 2009 second in the Team England rankings and she got her 2010 campaign underway on Sunday in a national ranking tournament in Romford.

There she finished third, after leading for much of the competition.

John, 28, played eight national ranking tournaments last year, the minimum required to qualify for a place in the England squad. After a slow start last year, her performances have been consistent throughout the last six months and she is hoping to knock her rival, Zoe Giles, off top spot.

She said: “My game plan was strong last year but I just didn’t participate in enough competitions.

“I played the minimum in order to achieve a ranking, while the leader played nine. This year, I plan to play at least 10 to strengthen my position. I was ranked sixth halfway through the year and climbed my way up the ladder. It really boosted my confidence having a run of wins, and was definitely my best year so far.

“I’ve finished second the last two years, behind two different people, so have been the most consistent bowler. Hopefully, this will be my year.

“I don’t really set long-term goals because I don’t want to get disappointed in case I get injured. This year, I want to get in the England team for the European Championships — coming back with a gold medal would be nice — and I’d like to top the UK rankings.”

John has been tenpin bowling for 21 years, since she was seven, and has played for England in the various age groups since she was 13 — winning several medals at World and European Championships along the way.

She has achieved six perfect 300 games but never managed one in Worthing. She has got two at Purley and one each at King Alfred (Hove), Crawley, Nottingham and Basildon.

Representing England, John has visited several countries although admits to never seeing much of them: “I’ve been all over the world but normally only get to see the hotel, bus, the bowling alley and the airport.

“We did manage to do a bit of sightseeing at Egypt, with the pyramids, and Russia, at Red Square, but we’ve also played in Malaysia and Thailand without really seeing much.”

All flights and fees are paid for, apart from meals, when representing England but John is thankful to her sponsors for helping her practise, travel and play in the tournaments in this country — especially as the sport is not cheap. John will go through about 12 £200 bowls every year.

She said: “Spofforths are really proud of my achievements. I work at the firm’s Worthing office and they support me so much. My other sponsors, Vagg Flooring, are also happy and continue to provide support.”