Regarded as the GOAT in bowling circles because of his phenomenal record both indoors and outdoors, 6 time World Indoor Singles holder Alex Marshall MBE came through his opening match of the Imagine Cruising World Indoor Bowls Singles after a testing struggle against 2010 World Singles Champion and world ranked number 11 - Greg Harlow 9-8, 9-3.
Despite some brilliant bowling, both players agreed that they had to work hard to come to terms with the rink.
Marshall led 6-2 in the opening set after four ends but Harlow replied with a 2, 1, 2 and 1 to forge into an 8-6 lead playing the last end.
He held a set lie in a tightly packed head, but Marshall smacked the head with his last delivery and counted a magical set winning treble to steal the set 9-8.
The Scot started well in the second set taking a 4-2 lead after 4 ends and going on to post a 9-3 result to win the match - but it was a tale of two jack lengths in the set with Marshall delivering a shorter 23 metre jack and then Harlow throwing his jack to 29 metres.
Marshall now awaits the winner of the game between twice world singles holder Mark Dawes and Kiwi qualifier Martin Kreft with their 2nd Round tie being played on Thursday, 18th January at 10am.
RESULT
Alex Marshall MBE (Scot) bt Greg Harlow (Eng/11) 9-8, 9-3;
