Scotland's Alex Marshall registered his quarter final spot at the Imagine Cruising World Indoor Bowls Open Singles championship at Potters, but he was made to work very hard for that last eight placement, getting over the finishing line 8-3, 8-10, 2-0 against New Zealand qualifier Martin Kreft.
Marshall, who spends most of his time in Australia these days, finished with a flourish in the first set. The set was all square at 3-3 after six ends but consecutive doubles followed by a single gave Marshall the early advantage.
The Kiwi, from the Saint Clair club in Dunedin, a Corrections Officer and son of All Blacks Rugby legend Tony Kreft who sadly passed away recently, got the perfect start in the second set, racking up a full house followed by a double to take a 6-0 lead.
However Marshall rolled in a 2 and 3 to cut the deficit to 5-6.
But one again the Kiwi played a procession of consistent drawing bowls and counted singles on each of the last four ends to win the set 10-8 - square the match at one set all and force a best of three end tie break.
However after two great inch perfect tie break ends from both players - victory went to the Scot and keeps him in contention for a record extending seventh world indoor singles crown. But first of all he will need to beat former champion Les Gillet in their quarter final match tomorrow (Friday 19th at 3pm).
RESULT
Alex Marshall MBE (Scot) bt Martin Kreft (NZ/Q) 8-3, 8-10, 2-0):
