The SMPT Show Mat concept was first introduced at the World Masters in 2015 to enable the optimal viewing of special games. The Show Mat has since been used at many events including the Irish Open, Swedish Masters and Norwegian Open. Thanks to our new larger venue, this season's UK Open will also have a Show Mat and as usual a game from each session has been selected which we believe deserves to take centre stage!
The Bowls Trader World Cup & UK Open draws have now been made.
Entries to the opening event of the 2017-18 season will be released on general sale on Wednesday 1 March at 6pm (GMT).
Lawrence Moffat wins the 2016 UK Open after defeating Chris Mann 11-4 in the final. Victor Andersson takes the Bronze Medal after beating Jack Pye 13-11.
James Trott retains his Plate tiltle after beating Jonathan Payne in the final and Joe Beattie claims the Shield after a 10-4 win over Stephen Holdsworth.
Follow live rolling updates of all the action on the opening day of the UK Open.
As the excitement builds ahead of the start to the new SMPT season, we take a look at some of the players worth keeping an eye on at this year’s UK Open!
We are pleased to announce the Short Mat Players Tour will be changing our home venue from Bromsgrove Indoor Bowls Club to the Falcon Indoor Bowling Club for the start of the 2017-18 season.
Entries for the 2016 UK Open are now closed, having reached the 144 player capacity in record time. The popularity of the Short Mat Players Tour is clearly spreading and this growth has lead to the event filling up so quickly.
Gary McNabb has won the 2015 UK Open after beating Paul Pomeroy 12-11 in the final.
Joel Hager claims the Bronze Medal after beating fellow Swede Dick Almen 10-8.
Live updates of day one of the 2015 UK Open sponsored by Henselite. Defending Champion Rob Martin is in Group 2, World Number 1 is in Group 7.
The draw for the 2015 Henselite UK Open will be streamed from our website on Thursday 6 August. With a record 16 nations represented, our season opener will surpass the 2014 UK Open which contained players from 14 countries.
In another first for the Short Mat Players Tour, the 2015 Henselite UK Open will include our first entrant from New Zealand.
Robert Martin claimed the 2014 UK Open after beating Mark Beattie 11-8 in the final.