Para bowlers are competing as part of the World Championships for the first time following the inclusion of the discipline.

Hosts Australia were the first to strike Para gold when they overcame South Africa 16-14 in the VI mixed pairs final at Helensvale.

Jacky Hudson and Jake Fehlberg burst into a seven-shot lead before being pegged back by May Homer and Herman Scholtz.

The South African team moved ahead with two ends remaining before the Australians hit back to draw level, forcing a 12-bowl shootout.

Hudson and Fehlberg held their nerve, combining superbly to take an historic gold.

There was also Para delight for New Zealand who overcame Scotland 14-8 in the women’s pairs gold-medal match.

The two teams were locked at 5-5 before Julie O’Connell and Teri Blackbourn powered ahead to beat Rosemary Lenton and Pauline Wilson, becoming the first Para pair to win the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships.

Australia were crowned men’s triples champions when Aron Sherriff, Corey Wedlock and Carl Healey claimed a 17-8 victory over Scotland’s Paul Foster, Alex Marshall and Derek Oliver.

Ireland clinched their first world title since 2004 courtesy of Gary Kelly and Adam McKeown’s 19-11 win over Aaron Wilson and Aaron Teys of Australia.

The other gold went to England following their 14-7 success against Australia in the battle for women’s fours gold.

It was England’s fourth world title in the event and first in 19 years.

Sophie Tolchard, Jamie-Lea Marshall, Lorraine Kuhler and Amy Pharaoh made an immediate impression, opening up a 4-0 lead after three ends.

Kristina Krstic, Dawn Hayman, Lynsey Clarke and Kelsey Cottrell responded for Australia as they moved 6-4 in front.

Australia just picked up one point after that as the English quartet stormed to the title with a superb performance.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow.