Defending World Indoor Singles Champion Les Gillett, began his journey to regain the title he won last year – the @Imagine Cruising World Indoor Bowls Singles with his very last bowl against Scotland’s Paul Foster MBE - to take the title for the first time
This time round he got his show on the road against Cumbria qualifier Stuart Irwin winning 10-1, 12-6 and that win sets him up a second round match on Wednesday 18th January against Scottish qualifier Jason Banks.
Against Irwin, Gillett led from the third end, scoring a single followed by four doubles to take the first set 10-1.
In the second, Gillett looked home a hosed, leading 6-1 with four ends remaining. However, it’s remarkable how easily a game can change with Irwin rolling in a double and treble to stand all square at 6-6 and come within touching distance of taking the set and forcing a tie break with just two ends remaining.
But once again there was a twist in the tale this time with Gillett recovering in style and counting back-to-back trebles to ease through 12-6.
It’s the WORLD MATCHPLAY MIXED PAIRS FINAL tomorrow (Tuesday 17th January) with defending champions Alison Merrien MBE and Paul Foster MBE lining up against former winners with - other partners – CeriAnn Glen from Wales and Scotland’s Stewart Anderson.
The final is sandwiched in between three opening 2nd Round Singles games.
Match Result -
Les Gillett (ENG) beat Stewart Irwin (ENG) 2 - 0 (10-1, 12-6)
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