Day 5 Bowls World Indoor Championships

Welcome to the programme. We have had three titles decided already

this week. One more is still on the line. The event of the turn and.

We're looking forward to the water finals today. Is barely a spare seat

in the house. -- there is. it has long been established that

Scotland has been a hotbed for the best Balls talent. This afternoon,

we are in for a tartan theme. Marshall is a class player. Five

world title says it all. A great friend to me on and off the green.

It should be a cracking match. It should be a huge task. I know what

he can play. I know his strengths. E doesn't have many weaknesses. At the

quarterfinals, I go up a gear. If I am at the top of my game, I can beat

him. At the end of the day, it is the quarterfinal of the World

Championship. This will go down to the wire. It will be a real test of

strength. It will be tough. At the end of the day, it is my mate that I

am playing. I am sure the best person will win. Four Scottish

players and four of the best whereas in the world. Darren Burnett is

playing first. Nine world titles between Alex Marshall and Paul

Foster. No time to welcome the players. -- now time. It is always a

pleasure to welcome the open champion, the world number seven,

Darren Burnett. MUSIC.

And in only his fourth world turn on top Balls journeyman, years already

gained the respect of his peers. The defending world indoors singles

champion, Stewart Anderson. -- his fourth WT B turn and.

MUSIC. Time to head up to the commentary

box. We are all looking forward to the

sessions this afternoon. Stewart Anderson without doubt a fantastic

talent. He will be heavily backed to win this. He came out of nowhere,

didn't he? He did. He was fantastic when he made his dead view. --

debut. Four years later, he has returned. This will be an awkward

game. They are doubles partners. They will know each other's game

inside out. They are on the elite squad for the Commonwealth Games as

well. They will have spent a lot of time together. It is not a big issue

playing against someone who you know well and are friends with. See that

the Paul Foster and Alex Marshall, but just occasionally, it brings a

little edge to a match. Bash we see that. -- we see that. Darren Burnett

is down to Number Ten in the rankings. Ranking points to be

fought for here as well as a place in the semifinal. Could start by

both players in and around the area. -- good start. Very slightly past

jack high. Both players in good form. I have a sneaking feeling this

game could go down two conversions and whether or not they will pay

off. Stewart Anderson had a comfortable

win in the second round. Darren Burnett played well in the first

set. In the tie-break, there was a bit of luck. Sometimes it is a bit

of a toss-up. Absolutely. It is anybody's game in a tie-break.

Darren had a small break and that was the difference. He has had

another one there. Came off the front bowl. Not a total fluke. I am

always impressed that Darren Burnett is in the area and doesn't miss too

many running bowls by wide margins. In touch on the jack is good. Needs

a bit of help. Not quite. Close, though. Darren is still short. He

might take the one. If he is going to play at, it will need to be wide

on the backhand and safe. He was not worried about only having three

seconds left. He has given it a go. Always on the safe side. One-shot to

Darren Burnett. Jacqueline, 27 metres. -- jack

length. Virtually all players prefer the

backhand misdirection. -- in this direction. This is more consistent.

The gap is four in jeans -- in cheese. -- inches. The hand allows

you to draw around short bowls. Darren might be tempted now.

Forehand, reasonable strength runner down to the red to take it out. He

is good at these as well. Early chance.

This looks like it will swing away. I thought he might have played that

a little quicker. With the gentle weight it does swing quickly.

Only played one good bowl there. His father, Billy, watches on.

Both players will be quite happy. A single each gives them a score on

the cards. It doesn't matter how experienced you are, there are

always nerves. This will settle them down.

These players would not play against each other to offer them unless they

were drawn. Occasionally with the Scottish and is and so on, but not a

regular occurrence. -- Scottish nationals.

Might be an early runner here. Two down and the draw locked. --

blocked. Not a bad result considering he came off his own.

Darren is always in the area. Good shot. Opens the head up.

Darren is back to the draw again. Yes, target with this bowl is to

draw second. If he manages to get the shot, it is a bonus. Great line

in, great attempt. That is a great bowl. Fantastic. He hit the shot

when he was in trouble. It looks close.

If anything, but has pushed it closer.

A gentle start. Good bowling with good hit -- hits and draws. The

quarterfinal is always the best day to come. Value matches. The players

are well in the groove. Darren just looking for a small

correction. He knows he is not close enough at the moment to win the end.

Six inches. I thought Darren had been struggling on the portable rink

over the last year, but he is settling down. Chatting to him, he

feels like he is playing a lot better. That surprised me. Players

have been avoiding beforehand. The pace does not seem to be as

consistent. Darren rolls another one in here. Stuart Kuttner be in a heap

of trouble. -- Stewart could be in a heap of trouble. Again on the

forehand. Should make a correction on this one. I am not sure about the

pace. The first one I could understand, but not the second. I

couldn't understand either. He has been playing backhand all week and

playing well. Darren needs to get the pressure on.

Quite simple for Stewart. Backhand draw, forehand drive. The side which

won an play it with confidence. -- decide which one.

Three shots to Darren Burnett. Most unlike Stewart Anderson to play

three short bowls in a row. Darren Burnett took full advantage.

That is better from Stewart Anderson. What we expect from him.

Yes, and this time there is no real drive shot available to Darren to

open this up. Looks like there is only the draw available. Slightly

safer position for Stewart this time.

Two red. Critical bowl for Stewart Anderson. Darren Burnett played the

third bowl last end and took the momentum away from Anderson. That

will force him inside with a little bit of weight.

I think he will be looking to get just under the last bowl. Nestle in

there somewhere. Can he get one out? Never really liked the look of that

sort of weight. I think it was damage limitation. He wasn't looking

to score of the shot without. -- with that. Just enough room for

Stewart to add another. Get right back into the set. This will be all

about avoiding his own third bowl. Right on the middle of it. That is

what we say in all smack. Closes the gap to 5-3 after five ends.

That first bowl just loosened up a little but. An opportunity to

capitalise. Darren was under pressure in the last end. Darren is

sticking to the backhand, looking to draw a good second. Not bad. A

little bit unlucky. Backhand is still available for Stewart

Anderson. No reason to change. He is on the forehand which

surprises me. Here's looking to tighten it in. -- he is looking to.

I am not convinced about that. Darren will be attacking with that

bowl. Prior to that, it was virtually a

single bowl target. He would love to see everything moved here.

He would have expected at least to disappear. It is even harder now.

Yes, it is not situated to good for Darren, to be honest. I think

Stewart will try and add another. Ideally, you would like to just sit

in front cover the jack little bit. Can he get to the green bowl? He was

through on the inside. There has to be careful here. He will still reach

but it will be more about delicate shot. Yes, try and drop inside his

own bowl. Plenty of time wanted gets on the mat within ten seconds, he is

fine. -- once he gets on the mat. Still, quick but it looks narrow

this time. The problem there was he was worried about his own bowl. Yes,

didn't want to take his own. Two doubles, brings the deficit back to

5-5. Those first two bowls made all the difference in the world.

Doesn't look like we are going to get too many short jacks. That is

the preferred option, only go short of they want a dramatic change in

tactics. He misses the chance to close the

door. Just need the same pace. Drop inside

his own bowl. I thought he got more of it. Anyway, it's a good bowl

there. It is in receiving position if the jack moves.

Just the trial available. Plenty of room either way. -- just to draw

available. This is looking so good. Stunning

bowl from Stuart Anderson. Perfect line, perfect weight. I always

wonder how foot rollers can miss a penalty by not being on target, from

only a few yards away, and these guys are within millimetres. --

footballers. Darren looking to repeat his third bowl. Trying hard

for the edge. What a great effort! Quality stuff, and Stuart Anderson

takes a single. I think we would have a better

chance of scoring a better chance of scoring the goals they would!

It is the key to his game, no doubt, Stewart. If you keep doing it, you

don't have to go searching for the big bowl too often.

As the crown green guys would say, these lads can chuck a few up! Is

that what they say? I have heard them say it! And they are right!

Close again. Any touch... Any touch... Perfect!

Super, super bowling from both players.

Both want to win this end, they know how crucial it is.

Stewart Anderson looking from the comfort of a three shot gap, Darren

Burnett trying to score at least one to make level. He might get second

out of it, though. Didn't drop! That's a problem now for Stewart. I

would expect Darren Burnett to put another one close.

Darren, jogging down the green there. Nice to see.

He satisfied their commie didn't like that from delivery. -- slapped

his thigh there. The crowd, just clapping that bowl

because it's the bowl, its imposition. I don't think Stewart

will be playing a runner, though. Just watch this delivery, it's so

smooth. So easy, so relax. -- relaxed.

Stewart, certainly giving this one a chance.

He will be happy with that. I think that will push Darren back to the

backhand. That will be his target, to draw to the last bowl, turn it

over for three. There is the target, just drop that bowl down and then

Darren's green bowl, which is in third position, will come into play.

No real sense in playing beforehand. He has called a time-out, saving

himself the job. Important bowl, this. He knows, hence he is taking

the extra time. He has certainly pushed it out. If

he clears the front, he is in. I don't think he's going to clear the

front. Level at 6-6, it's virtually anyone

in the shoot out. Doesn't matter how many shots you score, the single

will do. Might take a slightly different attitude to this, you

might see a early aggression, see where the jack goes. First time, go

short. Not a bad tactic. As you say, it effectively a shoot out end.

Change everything. Darren will be searching for a great

opening bowl. Put the pressure on. Hasn't found it, though.

If he gets into trouble, he has bottoms of that already. -- blocked

himself out. Both players know how important it

is, first one onto the jack is going to be favourite for the end. Good

line from Darren. He has a bit of work to do to get back into centre

rink. Here it comes. Not bad. Just a little bit far away stop --. Stewart

Anderson, two bytes on this on the forehand. He is trotting up after

this one, he must like it. The bowl should bend all the way back in from

there. This could win him the end! Good effort by Darren. Not far away.

Stewart will be aware of that full stop he will be trying to cover just

past his own bowl. I think you will be trying to draw even close, try to

just eat his own bowl. -- beat his own bowl. Not going to make a target

on the forehead. -- forehand. The stitching it forward. -- urging

it forward. Anything behind the jack would have been better rather than

going to the exact shot because he has left themselves open and he is

shaking his head. That's the risk you take when you're looking for

absolute perfect bowl. That is what Darren needs. I think you be tried

anyway to, I think he needs perfect rule. -- draw. One bowl to save the

set for Erin Burnett. He is down on a decent line. It's all about

weight. Will he get back? Too much. Good effort, very good effort.

Stewart Anderson will take the first set, 7-6. Very little between the

two players. Full concentration needed at the

start of the second set. All about good pace and dropping it

inside. The target is the back bowl. If you

are not reaching that, you are going to get very close to the jack. Needs

to stop. A little bit loose, the opening end

of the second set. First one to drop onto the jack is broadly going to

win the end. Pushing it forward as if to say, I'm not there. Not too

far away, but it is short. Straightforward backhand draw. Looks

to be plenty of room to add another shot. Here comes number one.

Darren just looking to draw a good second here. Doesn't want to drop

account on the first end. Could even win the shot. Could even win the

shot! Fantastic. It is unusual for a bowl to stand up when it touches the

front. The gist managed to get the age and worm his way round. -- he

just managed to get the edge. He has made the single. I think it is a

drive now for Stewart. A big drive. He is looking at the angles on this

but the best one really is to get onto the green bowl, that's going to

ring everything through. That green bowl will disappear, his own bowl

should look in. If it is removed, he could be in a bit of bother. He has

to think about this, it's possible he could take is going to read away.

-- his own comrades. He's playing it very controlled weight. He is

looking just for a connection on the front bowls to make the plant. Just

didn't make it. Lacked a bit of conviction that one, for me.

Still, one shot, not a big issue at the start of the set.

He has been around a long time, Darren. Stewart Anderson very much

of the new young breed that is coming through. A lot of good young

players in the 25 to 30 age group. Darren has presented his country at

the Commonwealth Games and other championships. -- represented his

country. Of course, he is in the mix for Glasgow. Didn't like this one,

though. His reaction was not good after he delivered this one. The

line will dip into centre line. Good that he knew it out of the

hand, though. Straightforward raw option for

Stewart. -- draw option. Line certainly good enough, has he

sent it? Again, not quite pushed it. Certainly plenty of room available

to school second shot. No reaction from Darren that time,

so this time should be quite close. It's gone.

Stewart may well at actors, think he has got three seconds. -- may well

attack this. I don't think he can go wrong with this. It's a really good

chance to pick up the count. Yes, playing positive, looking for his

own red bowl. He got it. Always looked good. It

was executed to perfection. Great conversion shot, clean as the

proverbial whistle. Great conversion shot, Darren had two extra chances

to get another one in, he Robbie Keane self at leaving that one

available. -- he will be kicking himself.

After the great conversion shot, boost of confidence and a great

opening bowl. He needs to get to the shot bowl and

replace it. Has he got enough running? Hillocks under again. -- he

looks under. Been so close, but inside the line.

Once again, both players are using a strong biased bowl.

Positional bowl therefrom Stewart. 30 good. Didn't want to make the

head any bigger there. He could still play it and try and

remove the two read. Look straight on the Mac, here comes

the big drive, what has he got? Not bad, reduced it to a single. He's

already had two bowls. Yet again, Darren Burnett in the area.

Slightly unlucky with that. Could easily have got more of the first

red which would have taken them both away. Straightforward backhand draw.

Would like to get in on top of the jack.

The crowd really enjoying this match. Big crowd as expected for a

quarterfinal. The drivers the shot he wants to play but it is a gamble.

He could easily take his own two green balls out. -- bowls out.

The trouble is the back position is against him. As you say, it is a

risky one. If he doesn't want to take the risk, he just draws. He

wants to play the drive. It is a case of being brave enough and

taking the gamble. Needs to get read on to read.

-- red on to red. Perfect shot. Ten out of ten. It was a brave shot.

Great shot. Total commitment. Full marks for taking the shot on an full

marks for the result. 4-2 after three ends.

High quality stuff, no doubt about that. We would expect that from

these two players. That was the second three that

Darren Burnett picked up. Just enough room to get another one

in. These players are popping these from

80 feet away and they are drawing within a couple of inches. This one

certainly needs the treatment. Jack on the respot, lots of room.

One red. That was a bit of us like one from

Stewart there. He is very disappointed because he is leaving

Darren Burnett a lot of room. He has another bowl left, though. Darren

wants to hide his bowl behind the two red once. -- ones.

Well worked out. Not totally hidden. He will be looking down the forehand

now. The first stop will be to take the green out and the second shot

will be to take it to the ditch. Darren got away with that little

bit. Just a little bit. It doesn't say that on the scorecard, though.

It just says one green. Darren has got out of jail over the

last couple of ends. He now needs to get his trying act together. -- his

drawing act together. This is such a good game. There has

to be a lot of people very interested. The players are always

keen to keep an eye on things as well as spectators. Paul Foster and

Willie Wood are looking on. There he is, Willie Wood, the

legend, MBE. Something like seven Commonwealth Games. Incredible.

Medals at most of them. Amazing career. He was robbed in the 1984

world championships in Aberdeen in the final of the singles, Willie

Wood. Peter Bell put a bowl down like a bouncing bomb.

Will it stop in time? We were just talking about the Commonwealth Games

with John Price at lunchtime. Another title went down the Swanee.

Really needs a good close bowl. The line is good. It is really good.

Just went close enough. Normally you expect Stewart to draw the short

quite easily. A lot of pressure on this bowl. The second set is

slipping away if he doesn't get this in. He thinks he is on a good line.

Has he got enough weight. It is struggling. He didn't get number

one, but he got to number two. Danny Denison is up there getting some

advice. Danny Willett and to all advice

given to him. He won't take it, but they will listen to it!

Danny played very well against Paul Foster. Darren Burnett is really

putting Stewart Anderson under a lot of pressure. I think that is the

best opening bowl that he has played. Good time to play it.

Now the battle was on. I would've thought he would go for the respot

on the right-hand side. He will go for cover were the referee standing.

-- where. That's what I would call fairly

impressive. Stewart attempting a little not short of the backhand.

This is a very low percentage shot. He has left himself in a bit of

bother here. Two shots. Back position covered. I think I would

try and slide a yard past in case Stewart attacks. I certainly

wouldn't build the target up. Doesn't want to be a good target.

More or less saying to Stewart, if you hit this you're going to be in

trouble. I think the forehand draw is the only shop available. A little

touch on the bowl to spring the jack would be good. It needs dead pace.

Darren takes a double. 8-2. Looking very strong for the second set. It

has been high-quality. We are looking forward to this match

lasting as long as possible. A lot of good conversions and strategy.

Jack length, 27 metres. Fee thing about bowls is -- the thing about

bowls is unique to get inside your opponent's head. -- you need.

Small adjustment needed from Darren. Good effort. Just lacking a touch.

It is also in front of the jack. It as a guard for Stewart Anderson to

use if he can slide his bowl around the green one. Needs to stop. That

is good for double. The line has been good for the first

two. Just needs to find a good piece. -- pace.

Massive chance here for Stewart to get act in this set in one end. I am

not so sure about this one. He is getting encouragement. That the

stone is a massive missed chance. Two was bad enough, but three is

trouble. Darren knows the line. He has to find a good piece. -- pace.

He really fancies this one. How good is it? It is perfect. Stewart

Anderson missed the chance to close the door. Darren Burnett box right

through the door and says I will have a piece of that, thank you.

Great pressure ball. -- bowl. Locked in. He is on a good line. It needs

to creep past the front. Great to try. Perfect weight. He was let down

by his third delivery. He played three really good bowls at that end

but managed to lose a single. We should be one end away now from a

tie-break. The way Stewart Anderson has been

playing at this event, you would have put two in as favourite against

Darren. If only for his mega consistency, but Darren has been

playing very well. Darren once again really didn't like

that bowl. From where I am sitting, it looks OK.

Just watching the line. It has to hurry to make it past the green one.

That was the problem. The line was perfect, but it didn't have the

weight. Darren still needs to get another one in.

Just a touch wider with the same pace. Everything looks right. Very

well played. That is the set one. Can Stewart Anderson not play passed

this on the forehand? The large crowd are really in drawing less. As

much as we are. -- enjoying this. Controlled weight looking for the

red bowl. Shake their head. It was a great bowl, but I think it has just

run off. I thought he was going to get it absolutely clean. One red.

Still has to get one close now. Looking to draw another one into the

head. As soon as it gets past the red and stops, that would be good.

One green. Stewart need at least three here to force this last end.

Outside chance, play onto your front red bowl and play on to the green.

Very much an outside chance. Either that or play the forehand, that is

the other option. Great to try. Gets the single, but

the set is over. There we go. Hasn't been a tie-break for oil. Were going

to enjoy this one. -- for a while. We are going to enjoy this one.

Three ends tie-break, the rules change. We are not getting much out

of Stewart Anderson' father, Billy. He keeps very cool until the match

is over. Darren turned his back on that one very quickly. He knew it

was heavy. Both would have liked their opening

bowls a little closer. Perfect. Now the back bowl comes

into play. The spray shot indicates that it is a touch. -- toucher.

That gives them a chance. He can start to seriously think about

edging the bowl off. This is good stuff.

Darren decided to play forehand to this. Didn't want to keep to the

backhand in case he moved to the jack -- he moved the jack towards

the red bowl. Not bad. Now, Stewart, are you prepared to play the runner

and take the bowl off? I think it is the percentage shot. Time-out

called. I think the percentage is to try to push the green away. He was

so close with the last one. He is going for the take out. Controlled

weight. He has not got it clean. That would have been perfect. Now,

Darren, you really need another bowl. The back position has changed,

though. Stewart now has the respot on one side. And also the best back

bowl. He is playing a block, I tell you.

That is a risky shot. He hasn't made it. He has actually played a guide.

I didn't see that coming. Stewart either needs a touch more green or a

touch more piece. -- pace. He has got something. He

got the inside edge. Doesn't matter which way you get it.

Both of us thought that Darren needed another bowl in.

Could shot selection from Stewart, he went with his third, gave him a

good guy to go again with his fourth. Didn't leave him with just

one attempt. Looking for a great opening bowl,

pressure is on. Darren Burnett won the toss, needs

to run a little bit. Front bowls don't help to get out of

trouble. Again, they are not bad openers but neither of those bowls

are going to win the end. Small correction from Stewart here.

Totally in control. Line is good. Chance for Darren, wants this one

in. Is he up? Has he sent it? Well, he

has sent it enough. Yes, he has! He has never be sent 90% of his

bowls on this forehand. -- probably sent.

He had the gap from about a metre out. That will give Darren Burnett

something to aim for if he wants it. I think you will realise he needs

another bowl in the head. He needs to do it this time. Going to use one

of his time-outs here just to study the head.

The ideal thing for Darren Burnett is get something in this sort of

area. The problem with the forehand is if he plays the bowl, on the

forehand, and just dropped of it into this area and leaves the

shoulder, that is highly dangerous. Darren has preferred the backhand in

this direction. Percentages are on the forehand but he has preferred

the backhand all game. That shoulder is therefore Stewart Anderson as

well, so it's not an easy one to get out of. Use looking for the back

touch. He certainly has! Unlucky, though. That's what I'm talking

about contempt of dropping off the red bowl, he dropped off his own.

If I was a coach, I would say, you were so close to drawing the shot

last time, draw. But there is a good runner available.

If he comes in there, if he gets it absolutely perfect, he is in good

shape, if he doesn't, this bowl comes into play. The re-spot is also

available if the cheque bounces somewhere over here. So lots of

different options. Or we could draw the jock jack on the backhand. He is

going for the draw. If he is successful, he will leave Darren

absolutely no shot. The line looks good. Need to hurry. Looks like it

is coming across a bit quick. That was the only danger with it. The

forehand runner, he was assured of making the head. That has cost him.

It is big quality stuff all the way. -- it has been quality stuff all the

way, as we expected. The next one is really tasty as

well. Paul Foster and Alex Marshall face off against each other, nine

world professional singles titles between them. Doesn't get much

better than that. It will do well to live up to this

one, this has been a great game. Decent starter.

If you kill the end and don't nominate, the Jack will go on the

re-spot. I think Stewart Anderson will be very tempted to do just that

at the moment. He will go for the time out and try and kill the end.

That was unlucky. You would have this bigoted the jack to have spun

away a couple of yards. -- expected to Jack. Slight advantage for Darren

now. I would say he has opened up enough, I don't think that bowl will

win the end. Four bowls to come, I think the

winner will come from one of those four.

Wonderful crowd, really enjoying this match. I don't think he has

nominated the kill, David. Darren has got to put one on the

re-spot. Darren, think about it, if you don't put them on their, you

lose, mate. If we look forward to what Stewart Anderson is going to

do, it's more than likely he will be playing into the bowl.

This is where the problem is, it over here. If the Jack was over

there, that bowl becomes key. That is where the problems are. It is

also possible to take the two green bowls out as well.

Only one bowl left after this so we're going to know very soon who is

going to the semifinal. The crowd, responding to that. No

re-spot position available, he has to kill the end. This will be a

third drive in the row. Let's see what he does.

It looked a bit under to me. He loses his title. A wonderful game of

bowls, no doubt about that. So little between the two players.

Deservedly, getting a great operation from the crowd here.

Stewart's father, Billy, just clapping. Stewart played very well,

he defended his title all the way to the quarterfinal but it's Darren

Burnett who is going through. There is the second delivery from

Stewart Anderson. That was enough to secure the first set. Darren, just

missing his last bowl. This is the drive from Darren

Burnett, he took two red bowls around. Stewart Anderson, just

missing on the last bowl, Darren Burnett, the policeman from

Arbroath, through to the semifinal. Not much in the stats to separate

these two players. Super performance from Darren

Burnett, first, a word from the defending champion, Stewart. Any

excuses or did you just run into a man at the top of his game? No, I

think the best player one. I wish him all the best. Find events of

your title. Darren, this your day. The guys were saying they don't

think they have seen you playing better than this afternoon. It's a

good few years since I can remember playing like that. He is a truly

great world champion and I am sure he has many more to come if he keeps

that level up. He brought the best out of me today. Darren, you got to

the semifinals in 2011, you are back into the semifinals, in terms of how

you are playing then and now, do you feel you're better player? I have

come into this game with little form, to be honest, and I have

enjoyed it. I am playing slightly better each round, hopefully that

continues, I am delighted to still be around. Congratulations, well

done to Darren Burnett and commiserations to the champion,

Stewart Anderson, he is out. Let's just remind you what is coming up,

highlights tonight at least likely earlier time of five past midnight.

We have seen some terrific polls this week from some of the best

players in the world. Perhaps it is enough to get you inspired! The

decision to make the women's world Matchplay tournament qualification

event for the first time this year has proven a great successful stop

the final has been dominated by an 18-year-old newcomer, the new queen

of potters. Also in the competition was the even younger competitor and

the oldest qualifier, it goes to prove top-class bowls can be a game

for all ages. Last year these twins lit up the competition but in to

make the cut this year. Kelly will be playing for Wales in the

Commonwealth Games, though. However the girls have been spreading the

gospel to youngsters in Newport in South Wales. They are part of a

campaign to get more people playing for health and enjoyment. See what

the youngsters are doing, see how they are progressing and seeing how

to bring the fun factor into bowls. Come on then! A big one this time.

People perceive it as an old person sports we are just rang to get the

youngsters involved, it clearly isn't, because a lot of youngsters

today were really interested. Former world champion John Price is head of

development for the sport in Wales and knows the importance of getting

people on the rink and inspired by the game. The Welsh Federation is

looking to sell the games are all ages, we are looking at youth

development and also the middle age, people coming out of other sports

and people coming out of retirement, it's a great game for anybody, any

age. Having the girls down today, they have done really well since

they came into the game, it's nice that the youngsters are involved in

the coaching side and involved in the clubs as well, we want to

encourage that as well. We want to produce young ambassadors who will

do the job for us. For Kerry and Kelly, involvement in bowls has

proved to be a life changing experience. They came to the sport

almost by accident. Every Sunday we used to go and do swimming, table

tennis, badminton, we both had a pound left in our pocket so we asked

what we could do for a pound. They said you could do bowls. We looked

at each other and said, what's that? So they took us to the back of the

stadium, you would never know it was there, we went in there and they

were so friendly, they said, come on in. So we have done it ever since.

We have been playing internationals. We love it, it's an enjoyable sport.

The great advantage of the sport as anyone can give it a try at any age.

So we invited Nathan cleverly to drop in Newport bowls club and have

a go, if he was hard enough! Not bad, not bad. Nathan is a

Cardiff University maths graduates who knows a thing or two about

accuracy. Enjoyed it, it was great. It was different from the intensity

of toxin. Getting the angles, getting the weight right, it's part

and parcel of the game. I picked it up quite well.

It's a really good game for people coming in from other sports, if you

want to keep competitive, it's a great game. One of the most famous

bowlers was once of Boxer, he is a very good player, it shows you can

come in from another sport. Sport is a massive factor in growing up, it's

a massive factor in their lives. It played a massive part in my life. So

is passed on, our hobby, to keep your mind active, keep physically

fit, it's very important. I would say, definitely give it a go. I

would, see what you think. It's a really good sport. Everybody gets

together and have a good time. It's refreshing to have some youngsters

coming through. Perhaps it will inspire other youngsters to get

involved. I just tried it and it's good fun. Get inspired is all about

having a go, and enjoy whatever sport you take two at any standard.

Check out the BBC website. Alongside me is a man who knows more

than most about bowls, the ABC commentator. Since we started

working on the bowls, I haven't seen such a young players coming into the

game. How strong is the young influence in the sport at the

moment? It's on the growth, there was a lull, but it is building and

Wales have a very young section in particular. But England as well, the

under 25s are full of immense talent. In terms of work being done

to get young people involved, how much are you involved in that? What

happens is television in many ways is a shop window for that. It's

important that people are here to show everything that is available to

young players. We are lucky, we have a massive club in Belfast, the

biggest in Europe, we have a lot of good young players. How good was

Darren Burnett delay? I heard you saying you have never seen him play

better? It's a long time since I've seen him play as well. He is one of

those players who is a flow player, he needs to feel good. He felt he

played well to get past great last night, especially in the tie-break

and first set, and that is a big cuddle, to get past someone like

Stewart Anderson. Looking forward to the next match, Alex Marshall

against Paul Foster. It's amazing, I'm putting champagne out for the

front row! With nine singles titles between them, my goodness, it's

going to be amazing. Paul Foster was in the New Year 's

Honours list, currently ranked number one. The amount of titles

between them is unbelievable, two of the most decorated players in the

game, how do you see it going? The little edge is with Alex because he

loves this venue. He rarely wins outside the Potters, where is Paul

Foster wins everywhere. So it is tightly different. But I haven't

seen Alex play at the top of his form yet, he is nearly there, as is

Paul, I think one more day from either of them and that's who the

winner will be. Who will it be? Give me a break on this! I have just an

inkling for Paul Foster, I think he has just got the extra shot on the

draw in his locker. This is probably one of the most anticipated matches

of the week. The players are ready to come out.

First, to one of the game 's most feared opponents, five world indoor

singles and reigning International open champion, Alex Marshall, MBE!

And now to one of the game's finest. Four times a world indoor champion,

the lean, mean bowling machine, Paul Foster, MBE!

If you like bowls, as the young people say, you're going to be up

for this one. There is so little between these two

players, very hard to call. You always loved to sit on the

fence, time you gave a good honest opinion! So what is yours? It's fair

to say that Paul has been playing the better bowls but Alex is such a

tough competitor, you never think he is going to roll over. I will go for

a tie-break, Paul Foster on the tie-break. That's really where I am

as well. I still think both players have an extra gear. Alex Marshall

just loves playing in this venue. He has played good stuff in other

places, he played very well in Blackpool but not on the portable

rink. He will be defending his title up there. He has never really

enjoyed Wales that much for some reason. Never settled in the Welsh

international Grand Prix. But it has gone now.

I just feel as though Alex has probably got to make a good start in

this set. Alex, not happy with this delivery.

A bit of movement. The club has been stopped. -- clock. As soon as a

player reset again, the clock goes come as a player reset again, the

clock" fair enough. This is not what any player wants to

face. Three down with a last bowl to play, a lot of pressure, even on the

opening end. He either comes wait on the act, which he probably doesn't

want to, but the forehand holding off is that the court. Looks like

backend with weight. It's a percentage shop.

Dear me, look at the bowl spinning! Took his own bowl out, can't believe

that result! I think he realised he was in the target area but

unfortunately got a bad result. Alex was standing there, going,

"What's happened?" MARKER: Two green and a measure.

He was bang on target and got nothing for it.

Any movement in this jack from Paul and it's a four.

That was unlucky. He needed the bowl solid. Could be two. There is a

possibility of three. Not a disaster, two shots. Alex will

be reasonably happy with that. 28 metres. How long will it be

before somebody goes down to 23? Well, both players are liable to

during this game if things develop badly.

Both players are happy on the short length.

Alex Marshall cruised past Gary Smith, the English international

skip. That was in the last round. Gary wasn't catching it for some

reason. He is a very talented player. Alex was doing a very

professional job. Paul did a very professional job

against Danny Denison. Paul played exceptionally well.

A chance for Alex again to rest on his shot bowl, possibly lie a three.

Paul has to be careful here. He can't afford to too much weight and

take his own bowl out, though it is very close to the head. He would be

unlucky to take it out without moving something. These are the

worst heads for players to play to, David. You know you have to reach,

but it is so difficult to play the shot.

That's a really good bowl. Alex Marshall has a bowl left. I don't

think he will bother playing it. MARKER: One red.

Well, good bowl from Paul. Alex is going down to play it. I would agree

- there is no way he is going near this head. He is taking the one.

This is a practise throw. He's picked the ball up and he is

not bothering. MARKER: One shot, Alex Marshall.

APPLAUSE Alex Marshall's wife, Diane.

Always here to support Alex. Always sporting a good tan as well! She

always looks healthy. She likes her sun holidays. She does! They like to

go to Mexico. They are very fond of Egypt.

Anywhere that is sunny! The short jack length is never going

to disturb either of these players. It is almost their default jack

length. Yes. I thought Alex's tactic would have been longer. That is a

good correction. Very well played. That is why it is so interesting to

see them playing against each other, Andy. Any difficulty with opponents,

they revert back to the 23 metres, 24. They are confident that their

bowls will come back at all lengths, which is important.

MARKER: One red. Both players are using Greg Harlow's

bowls. Greg has a big say on the carpet here.

MARKER: Two inches. It is hardly the bowls from another

company. Same company. They are Greg's own bowls.

Alex looking to draw another one in. A touching jack would be a bonus. It

is not arriving. Well, it's going to be awkward for

Paul Foster to do much more than draw. The front bowls make it very

hard to remove the red one. It is struggling for pace.

MARKER: One shot, Alex Marshall. APPLAUSE

Steady stuff. Both players would be quite happy at 2-2 after three. It

gets you on the score card. APPLAUSE

A change of length in this direction and a good opener from Alex. 28

metres, so that is 3.5 metres from his chosen length in the previous

direction. A big change. Yes, I saw the bowl hop a bit there as it came

over the seam of the rink. He's absolutely right. Good bowl,

though, David. I think Paul is following him.

MARKER: Two feet. Better here from Alex. That's

perfect. That is a big bowl. That might change things.

MARKER: Two red. Certainly does. Front bowl two

inches, last bowl three inches. Does he play the runner to open things

up. Even with controlled weight, that

was struggling. Not even sure if that bowl would have been going on

to the jack, Andy, the outside bowl of Paul Foster's. It might just

travel through the head. I would agree. A bit of trouble here for

Paul. Alex is holding all the aces. Alex changing to the forehand side,

trying to draw another. Alex pushing this bowl up. That was

on the forehand draw. I don't think there is any other choice but for

Paul to attack the head here. Yes. Disappointment for Alex. He didn't

mean to put it down there. He is shaking his head. Paul will go

again. He has to be careful. He could take his own bowl out.

He's got it perfect. APPLAUSE

He got the thin edge of it and that was enough to transfer across to the

other red one and take it out. MARKER: One shot, Paul Foster.

What a big bowl this was. He clips the bowls. Takes all three out.

Leaves Paul Foster with one. A big bowl. Courageous shot. That was a

big bowl. MARKER: One red.

Alex is the better draw player at the moment.

Close again. APPLAUSE

He held on to the jack. MARKER: Two red.

Tidy stuff. There is something wrong with this

delivery. It is under. I think he was caught in two minds there,

David. He didn't really bowl it. Once again, Alex is lying two.

Anything past the jack would be good. The perfect bowl is to get to

the green bowl, a foot behind the jack. That is not easy. I think I

would agree. Anything behind the head is going to be good here.

It needs to run. Doesn't want to leave a shoulder. Oh, he has. That's

not good. That is a good-bad one, shall we say?

MARKER: Three red. A good-bad one - it is a good bowl

from the point of view it is counting. It is a bad bowl because

it's left a shoulder for Paul Foster and he will be chasing for it.

Needs to be lucky. Took his own bowl out. Costly.

He wasn't far away, Paul. His own short green bowl was always blocking

him out. A big recovery bowl the last time for Paul Foster. He

managed to get away with it and scored a single. This time, it

hasn't worked. Alex Marshall in control of this end.

I can understand why he went wide. MARKER: Three shots, Alex Marshall.

Exactly. Quite rightly, he keeps away from the jack. Scores a treble

and takes the lead. A lot of variation with Alex on the

jack as well. He seems to be sticking to the 28.5 in this

direction. He played a good end the last time, although Paul scored. It

was Alex who was lying. Once again, that is a great opener.

That is coming down strong. Good position.

APPLAUSE Two very good opening bowls.

MARKER: One red. The last match was a great match.

This one's going the same way. The crowd hasn't moved at all, Andy,

they are enjoying it. They certainly are. Four big quarterfinals today.

Alex trying to repeat his opening two deliveries.

MARKER: Two red. On the forehand, he can play with

some confidence knowing anything behind the jack is good. Certainly a

good cover bowl. Paul will be drawing here.

Looks to be under. CROWD GROANS

Well, what are his options now? Paul's put himself in a bit of

bother. He will have to play a reaching bowl with the next one. I

would be inclined to put this deep in case Paul gets to the jack.

I don't think he is quite high enough. Yes, he is!

APPLAUSE A very good effort. That is in a

lovely position on the draw. I think he needs to play into this.

MARKER: Two red. He may well have the respot covered.

This will show how confident Paul is on his draw.

Great bowl. APPLAUSE

MARKER: One shot, Paul Foster. No guarantees with the way it was

hitting the jack. No, it could have went anywhere. He played a really

good weight. MARKER: Jack length is 25.5 metres.

It's the sort of day where you want to be here, Andy. Four

quarterfinals. Players are all tuned in to the rink. Difficult to beat a

quarterfinals day here at Potters. A capacity crowd. Doesn't get any

better. APPLAUSE

Once again, it is Alex close to the jack.

He has been more consistent in this set. Paul has been playing the

recovery bowls. Well, a big slap of the leg from

Paul. He dropped his head. He must know he is not reaching. Paul has

not got into gear today. Something is not quite right. I watched him

playing Danny Denison yesterday and he was phenomenal.

Both these players were running nicely in the last match, running a

gear below their absolute best. But it looks like Paul, to me, has

dropped a gear. I think Alex has moved up one.

MARKER: Two. This is tidy stuff. Two down once

again, Paul is in trouble playing his last bowl. Can he recover once

again? He's coming up to the head, so he

will be taking a time-out here. MARKER: Paul has three time-outs

remaining. He is down on the draw again. He's

been asked to dip into this well of good bowls and he is close. Is he

running? Close enough. Oh yes! Oh yes! What a bowl. He's playing the

recovery bowls very well, Andy. MARKER: One green.

You don't want the well to run dry! There was no margin for error

whatsoever. It had to be the perfect draw - and that is what he plays. A

big last bowl. How many of these, Paul, have you played in this game

so far? MARKER: Time-out called. Alex has

three time-outs remaining. He has to try and crack an egg on

this, Andy. If the jack comes out, if it comes into THIS position, he

will lie two. It possibly may only be the one. He just needs to change

it. He will certainly be reaching. Looking at the front-runner as well,

there is a front-runner available, the green bowl on to green bowl.

Yes. That is not exactly a delicate shot, but you have to have a bit of

luck. Oh, he catches nothing. MARKER: One shot, Paul Foster.

He definitely needed two. All credit to Paul Foster. He's

level in this set. Alex Marshall might be standing there thinking,

"How on earth am I not at least three shots in front?" Yes, I think

it is fair to say, Alex has been the better player. That is what the game

is all about, just hanging in. It is not always about playing to your

perfection all the time. MARKER: Jack length 25.5 metres.

A change of length. APPLAUSE

Once again, it is not the opener Paul is after. That is about 20

inches away. MARKER: The gap is about 20 inches.

That was a good call, wasn't it(?) APPLAUSE

Once again, he is winning that battle of the first bowl or two.

That means all 1100 experts that are out there! Going into lunch today, I

got some advice on the way in. Telling you what to do? ! I don't

believe it. Close here from Alex. I think he has

drawn it. Asking questions of Paul Foster.

With the exception of the one end, I think Paul Foster has had the answer

most times. He will have the answer here if he runs.

Not a disaster for Alex but not a good head. Difficult to see how he

could score here. He has got 2-macro bowls, he can arrive at it, just to

mix it around a little bit. A bit stronger than I thought, but he

wanted out in the open. It was close. Options are reduced now

somewhat. He will be looking at this thinking,

I still have one bowl at the back. It will be hard to move that Jack

around, looks like it is coming straight through, so Paul Foster

might do well to stay away from this. Paul is not going deep so

therefore he is almost saying to Alex, if you hit the head,

Paul just slightly change the angle so I think Alex is overrunning at

this. There is a red bowl at the back of the head.

Looks wide, that was wide from the hand. So far out, it's unreal. That

is not like him. Looks like two shots to me, they are

looking at the third. Looking at that, it definitively to, maybe

three. What a big end this is the Paul Foster. The middle bowl was

conceded. Have to make sure the red bowl

doesn't move. As soon as they move the green bowl, the red is likely to

move. Not easy. Just need to run that one past, that's it. There we

go. Just working about that last bowl. -- thinking. He will be

thinking he couldn't take much better in this set. It can be hard

on a player who has probably played the better bowls to accept you may

lose the set. But he is not world number one for anything, which is

why he is. But this is quite an important measure here. Three gives

Paul a big chance for the set. I think this one is well in.

Check the red again to make sure. 2-macro shots for Paul Foster. The

conversion shots have really been the difference. He has been

absolutely exceptional. We did say at the start but it might

come down to who made the conversion shots were all who saved the shot.

Once again, it is Paul who has made the big bowls, but he will realise

that is opening deliveries need to make -- he needs to improve his

opening deliveries. This looks better.

Alex Marshall has been dominating. Paul is suggesting that Alex is

going to hit this. I don't think he's gone to waste his bowl at the

moment. He has pulled that across. Now that it is so difficult for

Alex. He needs to try and bring the Jack through the yard. This is about

a one in 100, anybody playing this type of shot. It's difficult, no

doubt, it is the one you try and stay away from. He's going stronger.

Just to try and get it moved. He has put his own bowl out towards

the green one, that's not go to help. Wasn't far away, it's a one in

100. Really difficult. This looks almost impossible for Alex now to

score two. Alex coming up, just keeping away

from the head. It's a wise move. You love being in a position to play

those sort of shots. I can normally get between three yards! Sometimes a

hit and hope is what is required, that's all Alex can do here, I do

think there is a place where he can score, sometimes if you hit the

head, you get a bit of luck. He needs a mountain of luck with this

one. I think that is what he is playing.

That has been the difference the last couple of ends.

Alex Marshall looked like he was on top in the set, but Paul Foster the

deep, played a couple of big roles and then had to make ends. Takes the

set. Paul Foster, on the back of what

looked like a comfortable set, is anything but.

Alex needs to put the disappointment away. Vital that he starts the set

well. This looks like the winner. It's good.

All these players would normally play with the big swinging bowl.

They have both moved to a different bowl, just slightly inside the line.

Very few players played with the Tiger, I'm sure Gary will realise

that it was a big mistake. Everything was just whizzing inside.

Only because the rink is still fairly slick. Still quite fast, give

don't want to big drawing bowl. Alex, not running with this one.

There are still big ISM are both of them. -- there is still big bias.

An opportunity now for Alex Marshall. No danger on the back-end.

-- backhand. That was a chance, he wouldn't have

wanted to open with a double but he is on the card in a set.

Will, the bowl is just hanging out a bit. Paul needs another one in. Alex

looks a bit mystified. It does at times Fox the players, they are

wondering why they are dropping a shot here. It does at times come a

bit awkward. Alex has got three seconds, is he tempted to take the

bowl out? It has to be a timing shot, it can't be a full outdrive.

Good strong, timing shot from the edge of the bowl. On a normal club

indoor carpet and you would expect Alex to be in the area here, but

this makes it difficult. He is close. Just didn't bend in time.

Great try. Just didn't get down on time. How many shots is that he has

missed on the runners? Not quite sure on that, certainly wasn't far

away. He's getting in the area. When it gets past 16 seconds, those

shots per, awkward to play. You feel that the optimum speed of those sort

of shots is about this team seconds. -- 15. They timed it is around 18

earlier this week and I don't know it is running at fast as that, at

the moment. The time it down, that's the way it is done. Generally that

15, 16 might be a bit slow for a lot of top players. You see a lot of

conversion shots, that is exactly what happened at the pool with Alex

Marshall, he was playing at that pace will stop -- at Blackpool.

That's why it is so difficult. Slightly annoying to some of the

players knowing that you are restricted in the shots you can

play. Not being critical of the carpet but they are getting forced

into shots they know they probably can't achieve. Probably frustrated.

Controversial, as always! I thought I would throw in a bit of

controversy! That is a better opener from Paul.

It's a bit like snooker players as well, sometimes the cloth on the

tables can be a bit slick. But you have to play it. I don't think

Ronnie O'Sullivan has any problems regarding speed, but anyway.

Not such a good follow-up call from Paul.

His first couple of deliveries have come off a little bit, Paul Foster

has taken advantage. Whereas Paul was under pressure in the first set,

slightly different this time. Yes, Alex needs a good one here.

His last bowl has forced him on the forehand here. Plenty of time. I

think Paul is leaving this head. He knows it is difficult for Alex to

school. -- score. Is he seriously looking at the front

bowl? If he gets the green bowl... You see the green at the top of the

screen, if he gets it onto the red, he loses three. Three feet away from

the Jack, he's only one shot down. This could go wrong. I think he's

OK. If he moves away from it... Could be on the green here!

That's really not like Alex Marshall to play that sort of cannon shot. He

is one down, he may now be too down. He has got away with it.

That was quite remarkable. The danger was catching the green bowl.

Might also be a situation where Alex is thinking, I am not drawing

terribly well, loosen the shoulders up a little bit, get rid of a bit of

frustration. Nothing wrong with that, sometimes you have to change

of tactics if your opponent is drawing well, just to try and upset

their rhythm, that is what you have to do with Paul, upset his rhythm.

There she is, resplendent in Cyril Rees! Pink to other people!

Alex isn't looking too happy here. He was probably the most consistent

player of the two in the first set. It's almost as if the first set has

knocked him a little bit. A big shoulder now, if he wants to

have a go at the next one. Paul turned his back on this one. I

doubt they get that bad! It's very good. Locked in for the shoulder

now. Temptation here is that the perfect raw... Have to play the

percentages. Must play the percentages on this one. He is three

shots down here. Needs a good one. He was under, he needed a good

result. Not a good result, but he wasn't far away.

The crowd have been really entertained on quarterfinal day.

Continuing to stay in their seats, enjoying this one. At the moment,

it's Paul Foster in control. You just feel Alex Marshall needs

one big end. And things could turn around. I almost feel that Alex has

got to school this end, if he doesn't, it's a long road back. This

is vital, this end. At the moment, I think he has got to score here. Paul

will be too many shots ahead. Wasn't that far away. Now there is a

chance for Alex to get a second bowl in. I would agree. One on the top to

give Paul problems. It's a good bowl but he's framed it

a little bit. He's got to negotiate passing his own shot. He is playing

the timing shot. If he gets on to his own bowl, he clears the way.

Needs to be lucky. That is a good result out of that.

MARKER: One red. Not only did he push the red bowl

through, Andy, he's got three seconds. Alex probably needs to get

another one in the head quickly. At least two seconds now. Will Paul

Foster be interested in this bowl? A difficult one here. The danger is if

Paul misses the shot bowl and pushes the jack through, he could drop two

out of the three. The forehand looks pretty good. He has a shoulder to

come off. The weight was perfect. I think he

reckoned he was closer than that. Must make this one, Alex. You make

it and you are right-back in this set! -- right back in this set!

Absolutely. A big chance here for Alex.

He's not bad, is he? Well played. MARKER: Two shots, Alex Marshall.

He's got himself back into things. 4-3 after five. Four ends to go. The

second set is very much now right in the mix.

Change of length. MARKER: Jack length is 29 metres.

That is a really good shot of the bowl coming down. You can see it

bending. Here it comes. APPLAUSE

Good draw on that side of the carpet. Both players have chosen to

lead off different sides. Having a look. Jack and bowl. A bit

unlucky. He wanted the bowl first and then the jack. It's a good hit

for Alex. MARKER: One green. Good position

here for Alex. MARKER: The gap is 13 inches.

That's exactly what he wanted. Oh yes!

APPLAUSE MARKER: Two green.

How is your luck? Yes, it is good. APPLAUSE

Good result as well. He hit the target and that's all you can do.

MARKER: One red. Still a good one, though. Paul has

to be careful here. Alex is looking at it as if to say, "Are you sure?"

Alex fancies two. I think he's put the doubt into his mind.

MARKER: Time-out called. Believe me, there is only one. Your

eyes are worse than mine! There is only the one - I guarantee it!

MARKER: Paul has two time-outs remaining.

Paul is being positive here. VERY positive!

Perfect result. APPLAUSE

MARKER: Two green. Good, positive shot from Paul

Foster, right in the area. He got a very good result as well. Will Alex

attack this? HOOTER SOUNDS

Don't worry about the hooter. He got the bowl away in time. The jack is

live. If the jack had gone off the confines of the ring, there was a

red bowl sitting there waiting for it on the respot. He's been very

unlucky. Very unlucky. That's one of Paul Foster's two first bowls that

were touchers. Paul just waiting for the marker to

indicate where the jack is. This might be awkward to - that is

why Paul is taking his time - awkward to get to where he needs to

to score. Any bowl within two yards of the jack will score. That is not

easy. He knees he is lying the shot -- he

knows he is lying the shot. He's not running. I thought he would have

given that a real good go, Andy. The other side looked easier to draw

another. We were certain it was one to green.

MARKER: One shot, Paul Foster. Yes. Quite interesting there in that end

because Paul Foster had two touchers. He playing the running

bowl, his own bowl dropped back, didn't touch the jack, but if it

had, he was on for the four touchers from the quarterfinal stage onwards

and that is worth ?4,000. Is it really? I was watching his bowl and

he got a good result. He played a really good bowl.

MARKER: Jack length is 26 metres. Would he have gone for it?

Definitely. Alex put paid to that with the next bowl. Yes. Achieved by

Robert Parkson in Scotland a few years ago. Not easy to get the four

touchers. Paul Foster, end seven, if he scores here, it is going to be

very hard for Alex Marshall to get back into this set. A must-end win

for Alex, 5-3 down. Paul is aware the draw is good enough for him to

go through. Good reply. Great reply!

APPLAUSE That is what you like to see.

Both players have picked their game up. They realise the finish line is

close. They are having to play big bowls now. Dropping short, slightly.

MARKER: One red. Paul won't be happy with that if

Alex puts this one in. Number two, but it is sitting out a

little bit. A normal reaction would be to reach this, but he is drawing

very well. He will try to run the bowls off. He is Is looking at the

clock. -- he is looking at the clock. He is playing the runner. It

has a long way to come back with that weight. Here it comes. Always

on the wide side. He's made it worse. Well, now. Have we another

little twist in this set? Alex, you would expect to draw

number three with this bowl. Paul will be in a heap of trouble

here. That is number three. If it drops,

it is better. I don't think he's widened the target any. He hasn't.

He's locked bowls in at the same time. This is a difficult head for

Paul. He will be delighted with that. Good

bowl. Really good bowl by Paul Foster.

MARKER: One red. He wasn't sure if he was going to

get past the front one. That was always the problem. The short green

bowl at the top of the screen, he had to negotiate past. He's taken

two away. You would expect Paul to be dropping two here.

Number two coming in. Needs to hurry. Needs to hurry. It is

toiling. Good enough. That is just hanging on, I think. Paul's pretty

good at that sort of stuff. Paul didn't wait his 30 seconds.

MARKER: Two shots, Alex Marshall. Yes, two shots.

APPLAUSE If that bowl had dropped, it was

only going to be the single. Paul didn't give it a full 30 seconds.

All to fight for on the last two ends.

Once again, the jack length has been moved around a lot in this match.

Understandably, so. Alex Marshall can score, if he can

score two shots in this end, it puts him in a strong position to win the

set and force a tie-break. I always think going into one shot, it is too

difficult. It becomes a tie-break end if you are only one up. I'd

agree, Alex's target here will be to try to score the double. If Paul

scores, he really is in a good position.

Slightly up. MARKER: One red.

Alex running after it. Normally a sign that he likes the bowl. It is

coming in now. It needs to stay up a bit on the centre. That is pretty

good. MARKER: Two red.

Still just a draw for Paul. MARKER: Last bowl - gap is 15

inches. Oh! Come on! Or he might get the gap

and be in a heap of trouble. I didn't think there was a gap there!

Didn't look like it. I thought he was going to get a

perfect result with that one, David. He was very brave to go for it. If

he nipped that short bowl, he would have taken the shot bowl out.

He is going deep. He is playing safe. That's a good shot. There was

always a chance that he might go for the riskier one. Well, I wouldn't

have blamed him going for that one either. That was a good bowl. Paul

playing the forehand draw this time. He is on a high line. This is all

about judging the weight on the way back.

That's good. He'll be happy with that.

MARKER: One shot, Alex Marshall. He is going to go into the last end

one down. He have the bowl. Alex Marshall has to score on this last

end to force a tie-break. He started off a bit slow and scrappy. But it's

really picked up in the last few ends. Certainly has. Both players

realising a big semifinal spot is available. Both have picked their

game up in the last two or three ends.

MARKER: Jack length is 29 metres. Almost a full-length jack.

A front-toucher required for Alex. Nice and easy.

Not bad. A foot down. He knows that will probably be beaten.

They are in the mix. They are in the mix.

This looks like the winner. How close is it going to be? Close

enough. Well, that is pretty good. Paul is close here. He needs the

jack. He's got it perfect. APPLAUSE

That brings his back bowl into play. MARKER: Two green.

He knows he can afford to lose a single. He's taken the two red bowls

off Alex Marshall's first two deliveries out of things now. Alex

needs this one in. I feel Alex will draw this, David. I think he has to

arrive at it at least. He is too high. That is OK. He has a

chance with the last delivery. That should be Paul Foster's target bowl.

A case here for almost Paul trying to block Alex out. If he does that,

he would force Alex on to the forehand and that would be a bowl on

the jack job. That is not a good bowl by Paul

Foster. He's left it open. He knows it. He very much knows it himself.

Yes. Paul indicated he wanted that bowl 18 inches tighter. Well, Alex,

that... That is effectively a bowl to stay in the Championship. Simple

as that. Has to draw within six inches to

keep himself alive. He is running after it.

What a bowl that is! APPLAUSE

That was a peach! Wow! I thought he might have pulled

the jack back to make sure of the extra one. That is a beauty under

pressure. What a bowl! Not half. Paul needs to play the perfect bowl

here. This one has to - he doesn't like it. He's missed it. He knew out

of the hand it wasn't right. I don't think he can do anything with the

outside bowl either. MARKER: One shot and the second set

to Alex Marshall. Paul Foster had started to clap that

bowl three yards away. He knew he was all over it.

MARKER: Alex won the toss and has given the jack to Paul on the first

end. Second set. Paul Foster looked like

he was going well at 4-1. And Alex Marshall really didn't look good.

Body language and everything else was saying he was in a bit of

bother, but he got a two. He's stepped up a gear. And he finished

off very strong with a double on the seventh end and two singles. He had

a double to get back to 4-3 and both players have picked their game up

since then. Good stuff now. MARKER: Jack length is 25 metres.

MARKER: Two green. It's a shot, but it's a shoulder.

MARKER: About three inches. I don't think it will stop Alex from

playing the backhand. I don't think it will. Alex feels confident here

all of a sudden. He will draw the shot here. There is a spring in his

step. He's in the area. Another six inches was all he

needed. MARKER: One green.

Paul needs this bowl on the top of the jack.

At the moment, Alex has still got a good one. He doesn't want to leave

it. He has. He's made it around the bowl. He didn't want to leave the

shoulder. This is not easy. MARKER: Two green.

Perfect draw on the backhand, or open it up. He has got the last

delivery available, Andy. You have to open this up, David. It is too

difficult to draw. MARKER: Time-out called. Alex has

two remaining time-outs. I'm thinking, Andy, if he plays the

forehand, he could get into the red bowls, but he could get on to the

green bowl and move it on to THIS one, take it out. That brings the

front one into play. It is a drive. It's a forehand runner.

He's always wide! CROWD GROANS

He will be disappointed with that. Not happy.

The trouble for Paul is the green bowls can disappear, he probably

needs another in the head. If I was Paul, I would be going for the spot.

Well, looks like he is going for the blocker. That is not a bad choice as

long as he stays slightly on the forehand side of the centre rink.

It is a good blocker. That is good. It is a good blocker on the forehand

side. It doesn't stop the backhand runner. No. You can't cover

everything. Once again, David, Alex has got to

hope to hit his road bowls into the head and, once again, hope that Lady

Luck is on your side. MARKER: Time-out called.

It has to travel all the way through.

One of these relevant bowls would have to travel -- red bowls would

have to travel through. Again, hit the target, get a piece of luck.

He's certainly hitting something this time. Lucky. Unlucky. He hit

the target. He had to hope for a bit of luck, to be fair, but didn't get

it. The third delivery from Alex let him down there. Needed to open it

up. Paul Foster's choice on the jack and

he gives it away, as you would expect, so he has the last bowl.

Doesn't matter what jack length these two players will play, they

are both equally proficient. I think Alex will be going long here. 28,

29. Has he lost it? He has. So he's lost

the mat and also the last bowl. I would have thought Paul would go

shorter. He let it go a little quick, I thought. He turned its back

on it whenever it was coming up, so I thought to myself, he knows he is

safe. Most players would expect to throw the jack, especially if

they've got a three-metre margin. I think lacks is happier with the

jack on the tee. A decent starter.

MARKER: 1 red. This is awkward all of a sudden for Alex.

MARKER: the gap is 11 inches. He won't want to give the shot away on

the backhand. He prefers it. That forced him out a little bit. It

is a good bowl, where it has finished. This is a good head

already for Paul. Awkward for Alex. He's got a really big chance with

this one. APPLAUSE A back toucher.

Might be lucky enough to get the two green absolutely clean. It is

advantage Foster at the moment. After this Alex has one bowl left.

That's going away very quickly. Goodness me. Well, I thought he was

very close to getting the two green there. He got one, needed the other.

What does he do, put another one in or try and block it? A good

question. I think I would leave it alone. He's got to anticipate what

Alex will play. Alex will probably try to run this ball out. I would be

covering this spot. If he goes near it, he gives Alex a bigger target.

Interesting. You like to give me the awkward ones

don't you? The problem is I don't think Alex will miss it twice. The

danger in drawing is you build the head up bigger.

That's good. APPLAUSE If it is a second shot, it

is even better. MARKER: one left, Alex. I think both

bowls could still go out here. A high percentage of the jack

movement. Alex coming back up to look at this again. It has to be a

strike on the hand that you fancy here, as simple as that, and hope

the green bowls go out. He's got the chance to get to the jack clean on

the forehand. If he gets into the green bowl he might move it through

on to this one. I don't think the backhand, he has two options, has to

hit the green bowl clean. He's playing backhand. If that's the case

he is looking for bowl on to bowl. This will be the shot of the

championship if he gets this. APPLAUSE Just so little between

these two great friends. Two single shots on the tie-break were enough

for Paul Foster to get over the line, but my goodness me there was

never much in it, was there. Paul Foster wins the first set 10-5. Lost

the second 7-5 to Alex Marshall but takes the tie-break 2-0. Foster is

through to the semifinal. Here are the two men who know each

other so well, and they've produced a dramatic match. Alex, credit to

you for sticking in, there because Paul played very well. Take us

through that last bowl in the second set. Magnificent. Yes, I played

three bowls before and I knew I was close with these three, so I knew if

I put the same line and weight, and I managed to draw the shot on my

last bowl. How do you feel you played today against your old mate?

I played well. I missed a few conversion shots which I usually

get. I edged into the first set, but Paul played wonderful bowl ls, and

that's why he's a champion. Paul, congratulations, you have the

bragging rights between the two of you. How well due feel you played

today. Alex on the face of it looked like he played pretty well. I had to

dig deep. I didn't deserve that first set. He totally outbowled me.

I managed to nick the set and you kick on from there. It was a

fantastic match. It could have went either way. In the second set I

managed to find another gear, but the pressure is against you. That's

why he's a true champion as well. There's not much between the two of

you in terms of your achievements. In the end what is it that puts one

above the other, is it what happens on any given day? There's nothing

between us. It is a bit of Lady Luck. Alex hit his target and got

the results but it went my way. There is nothing between us.

Congratulations, Paul, through to the semifinal. Commiserations, Alex.

Lots of good action to come. We are halfway way through looking at the

quarterfinals. This is how you can follow it on the BBC.

You can enjoy coverage across a whole range of devices. We are live

online via des top computer or laptop. And on the big screen via a

connected TV or selected games consoles. If you do miss anything

there is always a chance to catch up using the BBC iPlayer. And you can

contact us on social media, Twitter and Facebook, not forget ing

#BBCBOWLS. Greg Harlow has come down ring-side. We talked about going

into this one. Two guys, they have got such tremendous records and

there wasn't much between them. Absolutely. We expected a really

fantastic game and we got that. As the guy said earlier, the first set,

the scores didn't dictate the play. It is fantastic to take it to a

tie-break and there was no difference in the tie-break. A

brilliant match. Paul's been the tournament favourite for a long

time, and people always talk about him as the one to beat. Is that the

way you are seeing it? I think so. Yesterday against Danny Denison he

was awesome. He carried that on today, so he's going to get stronger

and stronger. It is the old adage, if anyone wants to win this

tournament, they have to beat Paul Foster. The defending champion's

gone, Darren Burnett is playing very well at the moment, and the guys in

the commentary box said it is the best they've seen from him in some

time. Stuart hasn't done anything wrong. Darren drew well but plays

conversions well. When he's hitting, he is very dangerous. He deserves

his spot. He's an outside chance. Absolutely. Between Alex and Paul,

how important is it for Paul to have the bragging rights now? They are

such good mates, there might be a little bit of a dig in the bar, but

it will only be in good humour. I'm sure they'll be back next year to

try to regain the pairs title. And so will you? But they'll be the pair

to beat. Greg, thank you. We are going to look back on the

quarterfinal from this morning now. 58-year-old Andy Thomson in action

against world number three Robert Paxton. We are picking this up in

the first set. Andy Thomson is leading 8-5.

Andy's had a couple of drives missed.

When you are behind in a match like this, you maybe have to start taking

risks. From Robert's point of view this is really important. He needs

to score. MARKER: your bowl to gap is 12

inches. Robert is sticking on the back-hand

side, refusing the open forehand draw.

He made a correction. That's enough. Well done.

APPLAUSE. It just shows that you can play that hand, as long as you have

good weight. Robert likes that backhand.

Andy will be aware, he doesn't mind dropping a single, he's still in

control of the set. Lose one... He is favourite to take the set if he

loses a single. They have seen it all before, John.

Andy has to think about this. He could play the same draw and follow

Robert in and hope to drop off the green. There is a possibility of

striking his own short bowl into the jack.

MARKER: Time-out called. Andy has three time-outs remaining.

The maximum result would be to strike red into two greens, that

would be a real bonus. Yes. That is a bit of a gap, John, to get into

THERE. Saying that, the green would disappear. One would go THATA way,

the -- THAT way. The problem is, if you d strike it and you didn't catch

that red solid, you would take it away. That would make it easier for

Robert to put a third bowl in. Lots of options for Andy. He may choose

to play a conservative draw. No, he is going for the big strike!

He played that because it wasn't an easy draw. He was well inside his

target bowl. Robert looking at this bowl coming

down the rink. APPLAUSE

It is going to be close if it drops back. Could be.

A big end for Robert Paxton. I think Andy chose the right shot

but he was just off target. Could be a bit of work for the

umpire. You normally favour the bowl on its

back. Yes. You can't choose a lot between the

two players at this stage. It is the right time to get a three.

A very good end for Robert. Looking for a good opener now. And that is a

very good opener by Robert Paxton. Just what you need.

And he got himself into a very good position. He forced the issue all

the way through to the 8th end after being behind.

Robert played a very good end. He slipped on to the backhand here.

Anything just past a jack is good. That's tidy.

APPLAUSE. That will keep. I don't think Andy will attack too early.

He was off the mat pretty quick with this one. That's a bad one.

Everything went wrong with that. He's not happy with that one. When

you play one like that and you're off the mat too quickly and didn't

get the ball away. This is well played. If it gets to

centre, this is very good. APPLAUSE That's a very handy bowl.

It is going to be difficult to negotiate on the forehand. MARKER:

Two green. Only needs one shot. Robert Paxton has played the perfect

end at the moment. Now a silver fox. Can he get a

cunning plan to get himself out of this mess?

That's probably the right shot to play, but I think Robert has played

the perfect end here. He's got back position. Difficult to negotiate on

the forehand. If Andy comes in on the backhand and stretches the jack

through, it is more than likely going to green. I don't think it

will go back. I wonder with Robert with whether he might consider

blocking the forehand draw well down the rink, keeping away from the end

and leaving the bowl in the drawing line. Andy hasn't got too much on.

He's trying to drop it down the short line, making it difficult for

Andy. That's probably not right in the line but it will take his eye

off the mat and make it difficult for him to get round that and ba in.

-- and back in. Andy Thomson needs a really super bowl here.

This needs to hurry. APPLAUSE Andy will be very annoyed

at losing this one. Played a poor end then, Andy. Three short bowls.

First set to Paxton. In a match like this, it is so tight.

Robert Paxton is guaranteed a tie-break. Andy has to fight his way

back. He doesn't want to get into that

situation, Andy. He's losing momentum.

Robert will have sensed that. This is the time to put the pressure on.

This is a much better bowl. APPLAUSE MARKER: Andy bowled an inch

short of jack high. The second short. The third one bang

on the toucher. Getting the grips with this one now, Robert. It is

still available for Andy on a backhand little tap. If he's looking

on the forehand, he's going to have to clear the debris out of the way.

A good bad result, because he's taken one away but he's also taken

his own closest away. Two against, he will almost certainly have

another one against him. I think Robert will put this in. Depends how

close he'll get. Although he played two fantastic

bowls there, John, he's staying away from it. Another great bowl here by

Robert Paxton. APPLAUSE. That's wonderful bowling.

He's played almost a perfect end, again. He just moved up a gear,

Robert. The last three ends, David, he's put a lot of close bowls in.

That's quite a narrow line. He's trying to drop in on the close bowl.

A good effort. He didn't get enough. There was a chance of the jack

moving another foot or so but he lost the double.

It is only the first end of the second set but it is three ends in a

row that Robert Paxton has score, three and two twos.

A lot of very good first bowls going in. He sense this is could be the

moment to break away. APPLAUSE A very good reply. Andy's

going to need all his experience just to hold on to Robert at this

moment. You try and ride the storm if you

can. This is another one going in. APPLAUSE Very tidy from Paxton. He's

getting the ball away well. MARKER: The last bowl the gap is 3 inches.

A very good strike. Front ball first, cleans him out.

He's replaced it. APPLAUSE MARKER: One green.

Another great attempt by Andy. Will it drop back? Played it well. That's

a very good bowl after a full drive from Andy Thomson.

Robert slipping on to the forehand side. He will make the red bowl his

jack. It is all about good weight. He is in the area again here. He

needs to run a bit further. Yes. Just dropping, though. Well, it's

not easy, John, for Andy to come in and touch the jack for the three.

The one thing he wants to do, is to make certain of the shot. He is

attacking the green bowl. He is Mabelinging sure he is in the area

-- making sure he is in the area. This could go off the green. There

is a green bowl lurking back there. MARKER: One shot, Robert Paxton.

He managed to pick out the worst result.

He is still very much in the game, though. He is competing well. Robert

is a bit more consistent with his drawing bowl, especially the opening

deliveries at the moment. A long way to go, though. He has to regroup.

Robert was a few shots in front on the first set and he played an

indifferent end. Robert played four very good ends in a row. Four

brilliant ends, actually. He's gone walkabout here. A big chance for

Andy Thomson. The forehand is still available. Both players are staying

away from it. Andy needs to sneak up past this. And that's very good.

That might just tempt Robert. The open hand is available, but he does

prefer the backhand. At this stage, Robert will be thinking, "If I drop

a single here, it's a result." He likes this one. He is up after

it. He knew it was close. Very close for

shot. MARKER: One green.

One green. He played three poor bowls and he produced a big delivery

with the last bowl. Andy on the backhand now. He is

looking to reach on to that green. He is on a good line.

Massive bowl for Robert Paxton, but it was a bit of a Houdini one. Andy

will be a little bit disappointed there. He must have been thinking,

"I could pull a two or a three out of this end" and it all went up in

smoke! MARKER: Jack length 26.5 metres.

MARKER: One red. Andy can't afford to lose anymore

shots in this set. He doesn't want to be chasing five or six down.

This is very close as well. He is touching the jack to make the

double. Not easy to draw your way out of this one.

MARKER: Two green. The gap is seven inches.

I would be tempted to have a go. If he takes his own bowl away, John, he

is in trouble. That is a good strike. He could just

see the edge of the green. He got it. Back on the respot. He's got a

good opportunity now. He's opened it right out. The difficulty here is

the backhand has a green bowl which is probably close to being in the

draw. Andy won't like that. He doesn't look happy about that bowl

sitting there. He might be tempted to play the other side. Robert is

going to give him an idea of the line here.

That is a great bowl. That is how close he was. He had to get right to

it. He didn't make the front toucher, but...

APPLAUSE There's three shots there. Andy

cannot afford to drive this. Robert will be very pleased. You can see he

is delighted where that has finished. He played it well. Just

got past the short green. Andy will draw a second comfortably enough. It

will be hard to beat that. He is on the other side. He had no choice.

He's given it a go. You can hear the crowd shouting, "Hurry Tommo!"

MARKER: One green. I wonder whether Rob will try to get

another close ball. He could edge that off the front of the jack. He

will draw another one. He was so close with that bowl. You would

expect him to pop another one in. Interesting. Swapping sides. There

is no problem doing that. He has a strong bias bowl. He will be able to

draw around the front debris. Just all on the weight now. Has he got

enough? That is going to protect Andy's bowl a bit. He will have a go

at this. Bowl and jack in a ditch. He knows he can't draw it. It is a

pretty safe really. It will be very unfortunate to get his own red bowl.

He would have to be very tight, or very wide to get a bad result. It

depends. Which hand is he going to play it off? He is playing it off