King Contender for Shearing Crown

For Immediate Release
27 March 2006

KING CONTENDER FOR SHEARING CROWN

Napier shearer Dion King is lining up to end David Fagan’s record-breaking run at the New Zealand Shearing Championships, beginning in Te Kuiti on Thursday March 30.

King won the Waitomo Shears and Stratford Shears at the weekend and earlier in the month won the Golden Shears title at Masterton.

He is undoubtedly the favourite to take the Shearing Championships title and the first prize of $3000 cash and a $12,500 Honda bike. Fagan is the defending champion and the holder of 15 titles.

The major sponsors of the 22nd New Zealand Shearing Championships are FMG, Super Shear, Merial, DB, Otorohonda and Honda First.

King, aged 31, says he used to attend the Golden Shears to watch the five times world champion, Fagan, shear and never thought he would ever compete against him, let alone beat him.

King also picks Fagan as the most likely challenger for the Championships title.

“David gave a bit of a warning at Stratford, coming second, and I think he has got one title held back in him for the season,“ King says.

“He said to me he is just happy to be up there, but I know how competitive he is and although he is probably not as serious as he was, I am sure he still likes winning. David at home is going to be tough.”

King says his mental toughness had improved in the past couple of months and had strengthened his ability to compete.

To prepare for the championships he planned to get his gear ready and go for a swim or two.

In contrast, Fagan is the vice-president of the championships and has a busy week preparing for and organising the event.

Fagan says the forecast rain would make it more difficult for organisers and the farmers working hard to supply dry sheep for the championships.

The Championships begin on Thursday, with the open title to be decided on Saturday, April 1.

ENDS

© Scoop Media