Sargeant, defending his singles crown, is into the singles quarter-finals, while his fours team is in the semi-finals and this morning he and Wiseman Park Wollongong City clubmate Glen Taylor are in the post-sectional round of pairs.

Sargeant is a triple South Pacific player of the carnival, having won in 2006, 2008 and 2011 and his most serious challenger for this year's honours could be the only quadruple winner, Shane Garvey.

Sargeant knocked Garvey out in the fours last Friday but Garvey is alive in the pairs and looks in good touch in singles after easily reaching the quarter-finals.

Dapto Citizens' Troy Somerville is also a player of the carnival contender, having booked a quarter-final spot in singles and, with partner Steve Green, is still in the pairs.

Australian national bowls coach Steve Glasson reached the pairs and singles final 12 months ago and can't be discounted as player of the carnival.

Glasson is in great singles form, making the last eight, while he and son Ben are still in the pairs.

Rick Malley, Jamie Nabbe and Warren Hamilton are also alive in pairs and singles.