Sudden death was introduced with 16 competitors (4 from a qualifying tournament), it replaced the group format. The winners prize was £4,000, a record for bowls. John Dunn an 18-year-old from Tonbridge Wells defeated David Bryant, ending Bryant’s attempt to secure a fourth consecutive world title.
John Watson won the title beating Jim Baker in the final. The third place play off was won by John Dunn who defeated John Fullarton 21–19.