ABERGAVENNY’S Ian Bailey and Caerleon’s Gemma Foster have both been selected to represent Wales in the Petanque World Championships in Belgium in April.

The Welsh Petanque Association (WPA) World Championship qualifiers confirmed that the duo would join Cardiff’s Phil Bradshaw and Gay Evans in making the trip.

It was a nail-biting finish in the men’s singles as Bailey, who began the day in third place overall, faced second-placed Inthrayut Kongchun.

It was Bailey who triumphed to claim second place in the men’s singles with 19 points for a tournament total of 55, which was enough to clinch second place overall.

Schoolteacher Foster was in outstanding form throughout the qualifier, winning the women’s singles and doubles competitions, while also finishing in third place in the shooting for an overall score of 34.

A jubilant Foster said: “I’m delighted to have won the qualifiers and really excited to represent Wales in the World Championships.

“It has been a goal of mine since the new competition was launched.”

Foster has represented Wales abroad several times before and has experience of the venue in Ghent having played in the Ladies European Championships there in 2012.

“That was a great experience on difficult pistes, but knowing exactly what to expect this time around, I will be better prepared,” she added.

“I will be aiming to qualify for the top half of the draw to face the best players in the World, but recognise that the standard will be as tough as it gets.”