Day 6 Bowls World Indoor Championships

Hello, everyone. Welcome to the semi-finals of the World Indoor

Bowls open Championship. A few Niamhs here because this afternoon

there are tense times ahead for the fourth players hoping to seal a

coveted spot in tomorrow's final. And this is the line-up for the last

four. Darren Burnett, semi-finalist for the second time now up against

Robert Paxton and Mervyn King up against Scotland's Paul Foster.

And that's the match we start with first of all here. Paul Foster MBE

in the New Years honours list this year, and a full-time champion up

against Mervyn King. The winner in 2006. Which will prove the sharpest

shooter in town? Pleased to be in the semi-final. The

match against Alex was a great match. It could have went either

way. Great to be in the semi-final. Obviously to get this far was a

dream for me. Really looking forward to it. Look forward to maying

Mervyn, I know his game. One to have best drawers in the game. If I can

outdraw him, you know, that's, I mean you can't take it away from

him, he's so consistent. Mervyn's a class player and he's proven it in

years gone by. A champion. Proved it before so got to keep it up and be

positive. It's going to be a tough, tough match. I have a good record

against Mervyn. Lost to Paul loads of times and beaten him a few times.

I can't worry about Paul's game, I have to concentrate on my own game.

If I don't perform, I'm in trouble. So, we are all set for a top class

shoot-out on the blue ring. Time to get proceedings under way and to say

hello to the MC, Richard. Always a delight to welcome this

local hero, a form or indoor pairs and World Indoor Singles champion

and reigning Commonwealth Game silver medallist. Ladies and

gentlemen, it's Norfolk's very own Mervyn King!

Rush baby I'm ready to go... APPLAUSE

And next to one of the game's finesest, four times singles

champion, the lean, mean bowling machine and world number one, Paul

Foster, MBE. # Rising up to the challenge of the

rival... # # The eye of the Tiger... #

This is as good a match as you could wish for. Foster v King. Time to

hand over to the commentators. There's an MBE in there as well.

Andy Thomson alongside David. David Corkill. Thank you, I always like to

be beside Royalty. Paul Foster.

Can he get past Mervyn? He's certainly got the bowl in his

armoury. Does Mervyn? He's been drawing so well. Mervyn is playing

as well as I've seen him for a long time. Should be a top game.

Change of colour for Mervyn King. He's been at his very best using the

green bowls against Brett and Ross. Now he's moved to red.

Fantastic draw but he's also got the wonderful heavy shot available to

him. Usually very accurate. First end, neither player want to be

forced into any sort of weight shot. Needs to pull up. Looks to be heavy

again. Just chugging through. Paul Foster looked like he gently

put it down. Slick. Paul against Alex yesterday, he

needs to produce the same as he did yesterday. Struggling now. Not much.

Just needed another five or six inches to make second. As it is,

he's two down. Looks good. Already Paul Foster

getting to this position. Didn't take long for Paul Foster to

get into that mode. Splen thenned his game as well --

strengthened his game as well. Really has been the most consistent

player over the last three or four years. Certainly has. The player

that normally all players tend to fear. He's the one you have normally

got to beat to win tournaments. Mervyn's drawing has been so good

this week. Number two coming in. Foster with

the green bowls. The last two rounds. He'll be well Attuned.

Not really connected with all. Eight in.s short. -- inches short. A

chance for Paul to score here. Oh, Paul doesn't make that one. The body

language says it's not there. Not that far away. If it sneaks inside

it doesn't do any harm. Mervyn keeping to the draw, as

usual. Could be closer with this one. Struggling. Needs to hurray

now, it's got to be close. There's the winner.

Paul's got the two deepest balls here. He must fancy a fore forearm

runner. It's worth going for. It's very controlled on that line.

Looking for his own ball or just drop inside. The forehand just holds

off of the extra weight. Played the hard weight. Looked to me as if it

should have been more. Mervyn takes the single. Low percentage shot for

Paul. He's the best in the world so he'll try these things, most of the

time they come off. The second time we have played in

this direction and already Paul Foster is changing his hand.

Advantage to Paul Foster at the moment. You would expect Mervyn to

be closer with this one. I think he is. Needs to hold up. Oh, he's got

it perfectly. Playing just to reach with this.

Good target. What's the chances? Not bad. Close to his own bowl. Might

turn that over. Well played. That was always an option. Sandra will be

telling us in a minute... Sandra keeping the result into her head,

don't know who is lying here. It's just the draw anyway. Looks like

it's gotten away from him a little bit.

Doesn't really matter whose line. Paul Foster will be attacking into

his green bowl. Needs to run. Close. Just not making

it. Gree bowls.

Mervyn's eye sight is excellent. Especially walking about the fields

with a 12 gauge over his shoulder. Always like to know people in charge

of such things. Cool and calm as Mervyn is. A real outdoors guy.

He was involved in running a bowling club at one stage, but I think he

realised it wasn't for him sitting in an office. I think he'd rather be

sitting in the fields all night! Sounds very attractive to me.

Personally I would go for sitting in the garden with a chilled Chablis,

but everyone to their own! Drifting across. Paul Foster

starting to get the first bowl operating.

Anything behind jack is good when you line the shot.

Didn't get that one away too well. Once or twice in this direction

Mervyn stopped a drop shot. This is closer. Perfect high line.

Draws back and wins it. Yes, that's the winner. When you are playing on

a fast rink, always try and come in on the high side of the jack, the

wide side. If you narrow the line, you are coming away from the jack at

the end of its travel. On a wide line, you are always coming in.

Paul will be attempting to draw the winner here. Won't be attacking with

too much weight. Needs this bowl to hold up. I think

he's underneath. Oh, through the gap. Good try.

Mervyn trotting down towards the mat. Shot clock background now down

to 17 seconds. Players have 30 seconds to place

their bowl. -- to play their bowl. Four time outs available. Extends

that 30 seconds by another 60 seconds and another in the tie-break

if needed. It's not really a spare shot opportunity. A lot of danger.

That's why he's dropped short. Bit of English support there for

Mervyn King, because Paul Foster has quite a bit of Scottish support.

Quite a few Scots in the audience. Quite a number of them enjoying the

complex that we have here. The Inverness guys made the journey

down. They're here every year lending their vocal support to most

of the Scottish players. Bringing quite a lot of money with

them to enjoy themselves... They are really good company. Oh,

Mervyn, that was unlucky. Bowl's not running. However it may

have just made it awkward for Mervyn. He's looking to see if he

can get around the ball. I think the decision appears to be no. Changes

to the back hand side. Just the drop.

Just dropping short. Perfect road in again.

Someone was shouting from the crowd "close, close".

This ball falls in, it's number two. Might bring the other in if it

drops. Yes, that's it. Two bowls flat. He'll feel a lot better about

that. Much more secure. I think he's go ing back to his

faved forehand. Just a draw. This is a hard shot. May have another here.

Surprised he played that. Not sure. Looks like it might be three. It's a

favourite. Just didn't look right to me. More positive on the back hand

side. Surprised he didn't play a little

runner at that to give it a bit. Always reluctant to use the heavy

bowl. Prefers the draw. Sometimes you have to let the arms swing a

little bit. This is going through for Paul. So probably three.

Mayor Vicki Young King. Bowls -- Mervyn King. Bowls not too far away.

Paul Forest will put three inside that. Strange tactic there.

25 sand a half metres. - 29 and a half metres.

Two good starters. Red bowl to be developed.

Over corrected. Just under two feet short of Jack High. Not a good time

to go walk about. Happier on the forehand side than

the other direction. That bowl falls in, it will count too. Yes, that's

number two. Need to get that drawing back, Mervyn.

The jack would be a bonus. There it is. Close to making it two. Needed

that one. Bowl coming in. Touches the jack perfectly. Making it hard

for Paul. It's close but slightly favours two, Paul.

He's given that a good go. A big go. Should get second bowl here.

Unless he drops. And he has. A little touch on the red might have

moved it by a millimetre or so. Very close now.

Sometimes you just get a little touch which is enough to move the

bowl on the rink. Paul's last bowl was not in

according to the circle. Time out called. Three time outs remaining

for Mervyn. Too dangerous for Mervyn to play the back hand. Drawn the

forehand. Gets a touch on the jack it might help. But he'll not worry

about that. He'll try and make absolutely certain of two shots and

measure for the third. He has called a time-out, plenty of

time to relax on the matter. -- mat. Not running. It is a pity, that is a

spare shot opportunity. He has missed a spare but he has picked up

a double. Paul was very quick. His eyes are obviously better than ours,

but I think it was probably worth a measure. Certainly better than

yours, even when you are three feet away you struggle. But we know that

about you. Exactly. I struggle with these 18 inch measures.

Mervyn not wanting to move the jack, he has moved onto the backhand. Very

close to his own ball. He has got this perfect, I think. Ball and

jack. It doesn't get much better than that. Absolutely perfect, I

think we may see a strike here from Paul.

Not a strike, but a runner. Very controlled. He has turned his back

on it. I am not surprised. This will not make it back. I think the drive

is sometimes easier, to go faster and hold it up.

This is a cover bowl going in for the re-spot. Rightly so. You can't

see the re-spot from the mat, it is delivered within 12 inches. At the

moment, this is a perfect head from Mervyn -- from King. He has to be

careful here. Even if he hits it, it could go wrong. Once again, he's

playing the runner. Got one way, that gives him an opportunity to

play the back and with his last delivery, if he gets the chance. --

one way. Mervin could do well to disturb this

a little bit. Just try and break inside the bowl. He's not reaching.

I thought he might have been fairly positive to that, Andy, because if

he turned the jack, it was always coming his way. He is probably happy

with the one but it is awkward for Paul. Difficult to score, he is

going to have to be positive but knowing there is a chance of taking

his own bowl out. Anything a foot or so away will be

good. He is not very far away at all. That is a great effort from

Paul Foster. I think it might still be one to red. It is, but it was a

great shot. Mervyn King is really in the driving

seat here to take the opening set. Four shots, two ends to go. If

Mervin scores a single, the set has gone. Realistically, Paul Foster

needs to lift a double. I agree. He will know that as well. Two will be

the target. This is a great bowl, well played,

Mervin. Paul Foster looking to swing around

the front red ball. And he is very close to it. Dear me. That looked

very good, didn't it? It looked perfect. We are getting them to

fractions. Mervyn has to be so careful here. You can be prepared to

lose a single but you don't want to lose any more than that.

He is coming into a good place, at the back of the head. Pretty close

to the green. More less Saint Paul that if you draw the jack through

42, good good on you -- saying to Paul.

Paul Lewis to play a perfect bowl. Close again. He needs to pass the

red. He has got it this time. Just a touch. What an effort. It is still

one, red. One, red, but look at the position for Paul Foster. For

everyone watching at home, don't be under any illusion that this is

easy. They really are the best in the world, these guys. And they are

showing it. Mervyn staying away from the head

again. It is a set live for Mervyn King. Paul Foster will be playing

down on the red ball, trying to jam it away. He could score at three if

he removes the shot ball. A timing runner. Very controlled

weight. One-shot and first set to Mervyn

King. Certainly wasted no time, a wonderful set of bowls from Mervyn

King. Mervyn not worried about the front

green one. More than happy to try and draw around it. Look at this.

Perfection. How many players would have played that on the backhand? He

is so confident on that forehand side, Mervyn. He really is putting

Paul under a lot of pressure. It is about an eighth of an inch

short of jack Kyle. -- jack high. Mervyn, don't tell me you have drawn

another? He hasn't, however he has given Paul a problem here. He

certainly has. The first end of the second set, I am not sure this is

worth doing a lot to but Paul has decided to push into it. Good

strike. An inkling he was going to take his

own ball out. It is impossible now to play the backhand side. Martin of

space, so it is forehand draws for both players -- not enough space.

That jack is about six inches off the outside line. He doesn't want to

drift too much, he wants to stay on. I think it is OK. Sandra McLeish is

just asking to check whether the ball is on the rink but it has been

confirmed. Paul confirmed it. This has to be high. Looking good.

Second bowl was good under the circumstances.

The two boys are wasting no time, just getting on with the game.

Certainly not affecting their performances. Yes, both quick

players. Mervyn, really quick, just keeps crawling away. Paul is also a

quick player -- drawing away. This has been such a solid

performance from Mervyn King, he has really played well. He has played

well all week. His game against Nick Brett was

probably one of the best I have ever seen on the portable rink. The game

of the tournament, no doubt. That is good again from Paul.

Wants to stay on the high side for the edge of the jack, perfect.

Mervyn, what is going on? If there is one man that is going to stop

Mervyn King, it is poor. But goodness me, he is putting great

stuff. -- it is Paul. He has got his own bowl, that was

always the risk. Mervyn will be aware that Paul will

be attacking with his third bowl, so I would expect this to be behind the

jack. Just slightly behind, not very deep. The response position is

covered. Paul has a choice, does he draw in for third or going again?

This is the right shot. He's going to get one way. If anything, it has

gone more difficult. He has got a green bowl imposition

at the side of the head. -- in position.

Here it comes. Another one in there. He wants to get it in front

of the jack, but there is a deep green bowl and I think that is what

Paul Foster will be trying to move the jack to.

There is the green bowl, Paul Foster can hit the red ball onto the jack

and it is going all the way across. He will be attacking, he is three

down anyway. There is a touch in the ditch of

Mervyn King's I didn't think -- and I didn't think he would get the edge

of the jack as well. It is hard to tell when they are in there. Mervyn

is saying, measure all around. Three shots to Mervyn King. Mervyn

King said it was a measure all round but Paul Foster said it was three

shots. He is a very honest player. He knew there were three shots in

there. Almost a repeat of the first set. Mervyn King picked up a three

in the first end, this time it is the second, the outcome is the

same, 4-0 after two. After running bowls in the last end,

Paul Foster puts the first one on the jack.

Mervyn is equally confident on the backhand side. It is just going to

be a dropping a shot. Paul will be looking for a back

touch, trying to get in control of this head early on. That is exactly

what he has played. That is good. Once again, Mervyn King staying to

the draw. He knows he is drawing well enough, but that lacked pace.

It is going to be a problem for his next delivery.

Paul Foster, keep drawing on the forehand, in and around the

blindside. It means if he pops another one in the side the other

two, Mervyn cannot see them, because they are protected by the front red

ones. Will it drop? Well, it is close.

I don't think that one is counting. No, only two.

Keeping away from the time-outs, Andy. Yes, not using them at the

moment. Most players like to save them up a little bit. Use them at

the back end of the set, normally. The last two have been short, this

needs to make it all the way. Short as well. That is not like him. He

may lose at least two here. I think Paul Foster will play on the

backhand, any touch on the jack, he could make four. I think we may see

him play backhand. Any movement on the jack, it may be a generic for.

-- four. The line is good enough to come

back. Here it comes. All the way in. He is OK, he is safe. That is a

really good three from Fozzie. Just a record Mervyn King was taking

control, Paul Foster has a big and scores three. -- just as we thought

Mervyn King was taking control. The matter is way up the green --

mat is way of the green. It will be a short length jack. Anywhere past

the tee, as long as it doesn't go into the ditch, and you're

guaranteed whatever length you want. Mervyn is just finding this tea area

to perfection. -- this T area. He has made the correction with this

one. There it is, number one. Well played.

I'm surprised he is moving, because the backhand looks good. I agree,

the bowl is behind the jack and it is not really in the way. And he has

played the backhand so well. No need for this. I think if you

came up and had a look at this, Mervyn, you wouldn't be playing this

shop. He is trying again. Mervyn did have

a little trot up after Paul had a look. I think he might change back.

Yes, back to the backhand. This should have been your second

delivery, Mervyn, not your third. He wants to be up to the jack if he

can make it. That is the problem, just dropping short. There have been

a few short bowls in the last couple of entries from Mervyn, looking for

perfect weight. -- last couple of ends.

Paul knew right away that it wasn't running.

Not an easy shot, but he has to play at. I think it is the back and draw

-- backhand draw from Mervyn. This is different, it is heavy. I

didn't expect that. Just the one shot, levelled the

scores. Once again, the mat is right up the rink. 24 metre jack, I would

think. This is better. Paul Foster might be

tempted to run this, because the plant, the green ball onto the red,

is taking the two reds away. I agree, I think he has got to be

positive with this bowl. In this direction, Mervyn is ready playing

great bowls all the time. He can certainly take that one way. The

re-spot position, that is over here. And, of course, he has got the green

bowl here, which is invaluable if he wants a little runner. The key bowl.

Sticking to the draw. I don't think he likes it. Already

turned his back on this delivery. Didn't fancy that shot.

This looks like number three going in.

Such a good player with a heavyweight is Paul. Surprised he's

not hitting this. Doesn't matter which way he plays it this time.

Attacking. Just has to make the target. It's in the area. Oh, well,

it was a horrible result to go through the gap, but he touched the

jack as well. That's not going to change anything. He's probably still

three down. And the way Mervyn's playing, this is a guaranteed four.

Oh, well, now he'll miss it then. Thanks, Andy!

Predictions are never great. The crowd are cheering this bowl as

soon as it left his hand saying "come on, Merv". Is he going to make

it? You tell me? Maybe not. I told you your predictions are

shocking. You'd put your mortgage on that one.

I know for a fact you don't have a mortgage! The rest of us poor

souls... Very close. I think Sandra favours

four but it's worth a measure. The way Mervyn's looking, I think Allen

will tell us. He's going to measure. This is a big, big measure here.

Full house is very important. Umpire Alan using the box measure. Very

secure. History of that goes back to the early 1900s when it was first

delivered. Four shots to Mervyn King. A huge cheer. The local hero

is four up. Is that the big four that get Mervyn

to the final? Bit early yet. 27 and a half metres. Last bowl by

Paul Foster, he got a horrible result from that. That's what

happens, you hit the target and hope that luck's on your side and it

wasn't. APPLAUSE

Disappointment of the four put away. First bowl close to Paul Foster.

Seen it all before. Certainly capable here, is Paul, of

ploughing his way back into this set.

Trying hard. Needs to run though. APPLAUSE

A good match, Andy. They are pushing for this to go all the way through.

But there's plenty of time. Paul Foster. Scores one or two this end

and suddenly he's right back in the mix again.

You feel as though Paul has to score this end. It's a long way back. He's

struggling for weight. Always one end that Mervyn might go

off a little bit. But for him, that means nothing within two or three

inches. Paul Foster could lift up a three here and if he can, he's right

back in it. Sandra has un-Kated it's one in a measure. This one needs to

run. It's not bad, I can tell you. -- indicated. Yes, that's probably

in. If that's, in Mervyn might decide to play his first weightless

shot. Strong case for a back hander here, David. Just, if he moves on to

the forehand, that forehand is unpredictable. He's trying to draw

this. Oh, Mervyn. If anybody could draw it, you could, but that was so

tempting. Forehands are not easy when you are moving across to it.

Trying very hard though. Trying very hard.

That is absolutely brilliant. APPLAUSE

Just fantastic. Well, against normal players, the

white flag would have gone up by now. Look at this! And he held on to

it for the sing. -- single. Foeser in with a chance. He could score a

two or a three here and he's in the area. It's all about connections

now. It's all about connections. Didn't make it. Three bowls all

around the jack and Paul Foster loses a single. Unbelievable.

That was a wonderful escape. I wonder how many would have played

that forehand. It looked so obvious to hit it, but such confidence.

Contactually. That shows you the confidence he's playing with at the

moment -- exactly. Perfect drawsmt could be a match

winner. -- perfect draw. If he scores here, there's no way

bavenlingt turns his back on this one. -- no way back. Turns his back

on this one. I don't know what you are doing

here, Mervyn. We'll give him one bad bowl.

Paul Foster is in on the jack. Still fighting hard here is Paul.

He'll never give up, Paul Foster. Mervyn. Just dropped inside. Big

swinging bowl. Close here. Don't get back to the

centre in time. Shouts of "come on Paul" from the

crowd. I don't think anything is going to

stop Mervyn playing a draw shot. He's going to try and get around

that. Goodness me. I think the last bowl was not in the way if he's got

perfect weight here. Look at this. If he can drop his own ball, doesn't

need it. Off the green one. It may not be shot. The second is good.

Absolutely nothing is safe against Mervyn King when he's in this form.

One red. He's done it again. This is brilliant. A little smile from

Mervyn. Place against you like this, you

feel like giving the game up. Exactly. He's been absolutely

brilliant. Paul's having a look. One more to red. Paul Foster hasn't

been at his best by any means but he hasn't played badly.

Mayor Vicki Young Been superb. 10-4 up. Two to go. Foster needs a

three this end. Difficult for anybody to play

against him the way he's playing. It's just the drawing, Andy. We said

this a few days ago. APPLAUSE

On his day, he's the best draw bowler in the world. I think Paul

Foster's got the all round game. If Mervyn's draw's off, that's the

problem for Mervyn. If his draw is on, like it is today, he's almost

unbeatable. Needs to score seven shots over the

next two. Anything short will really cancel out that opportunity. Should

be academic now. Paul realises this is gloting to be his day. No.

Wife Pamela at home with the kids. He's had a good Championship, Paul,

but it's sliding away a little. -- this is not going to be his day.

Slide off the front one. He knows when things haven't been

going his way. I would say you could almost shake Mervyn King's hand now.

He'll walk up, have a look, see what it's like.

See what the options are. There are no options. Brilliant. Shake the

hand, Paul. He's got the bowl in his hand which gives me the impression

he's going to shake his hand. Yes. Match Mervyn King.

Very professional. His good friend, Mervyn King. Knew he couldn't make

the three. Accepts the fact he's lost the double.

My goodness me, what a performance by Mervyn King. The family and

friends all on their feet, standing ovation for the man. He deserved it,

without a shadow of a doubt. 9-4, 12-4 against the world number

one and the most successful player to the last few years. Mervyn King

was outstanding. Two players just having a chat at

the end. There was nothing Paul could do about that.

Mervyn King dropping another bowl. That made the gap 7-4.

Mervyn King all over the jack. Not far away. There were signs it was

slipping for him. Paul Foster was looking really good

here. Look at this from Mervyn King. What a ball. Outstanding raesmtly,

that told the story of the whole match. Paul Foster getting close,

but Mervyn King all over it. Ends 12-4. -- outstanding really. It's

fair to say we have seen an outstanding performance from the man

standing immediately to my left, Mervyn King. But I'm going to have a

word with... APPLAUSE

Paul Foster. Paul, there are some days where,

hard as you try, there's very little you can do, and I suppose this is

one of those days where you put your hand up and say you ran into a

juggernaut today? To be honest, I'm not disappointed because to watch a

performance like that is unbelievable. Obviously, it's one of

the best performances I've ever seen in my life.

APPLAUSE To be honest, I never got out the

traps that well today. Twice I got back into two sets and played both

ends but Mervyn never let me settle at all. He was outstanding and I

really wish him all the best, a fantastic performance.

Mervyn, to hear someone with Paul's record and Paul's ability say that,

how does that make you feel inside? Quite good actually.

LAUGHTER I'd like to thank Paul for them

words, it means a lot. To come out and play like that in a front of a

lot of people has been really great. I've got to do it again yet!

Absolutely. The last few years, you won the title in 2006, after you

won, a lot of people expected you to win more. Do you feel that this is

the best you're playing now? Well, yes. I got to the final the next

year and I'm probably playing as good as I've played now. You have to

play five consistent games and I've done four but still won hard one to

go. When you are going through that amazing run of tremendous bowl after

tremendous bowl, is it just all coming naturally? How do you explain

it? Maybe luck. Listening to the professionals every

time you got close, it was wonder. Ladies and gentlemen, your finalist,

Mervyn King! APPLAUSE

Now, let's see who Mervyn will play in the final. The other semi-final

today was between Darren Burnett and Robert Paxton. Darren Burnett in the

semi-finals for the second time. We are going to pick this up in the

first set into the third end. Robert Paxton is leading 2-0. This is the

second end of the first set and your commentators are John Price And Andy

Corkill. He's come out of the blocks very

fast indeed. Great reply by Darren Burnett. A

brilliant bowl by Darren. Good stuff. Brilliant stuff.

No semi-final nerves with these two. I wouldn't ex-expected it. Darren

Burnett has good support here, a couple of groups down from Scotland.

We've got our usual contingent from Inverness. The guys come down every

year. Really good company. On to the jack or green bowl. Wasn't

far away. Difficult position for Darren

Burnett. Can't do a lot. Holds the shot. Doesn't want to move it in any

way. Deep. If he was to get on to the

green with good weight, plant that green on to the red, he could end up

with a treble. Hard to judge it on the forehand.

He's certainly on a narrow line. Has he got to wait to hold this? I think

that was the line, John, he just didn't push through it. Good attempt

by Robert. Not an easy shot. Just overweight on that side.

A little surprised to see Darren, to be honest. A very dangerous

position. I thought he was wider than this.

Can't see the value in him reaching this. If he touches, he'll reach the

shot. Pnchts why, John, that's the

question? They'll play the game and look for

the weaknesses. Trying to find an area of the game that they are

struggling with at this particular time.

APPLAUSE First bowl again.

Just past the jack. Playing the first two bowls very well. Any touch

on the green ball extends the jack through. Two short one ones really

become a major problem for Darren. Darren hasn't got much of a target

to aim for. That's good. The ball dropped in.

He's going to have to have a go at this, John, surely? Not a great

position. The two balls are at an awkward angle really. If he could

get on the edge of the last one... Not a big drive. Fairly stiffish.

Oh, he's got it. What a good bowl. Really good bowl by Darren Burnett.

You would expect Robert to drop the shot here. The question is, who's

got the next closest ball? It will be a definite single. No issues with

that one. Darren's playing well, but three

shots behind, Robert is really on fire at this early stage.

That is very good by Darren. He has won that mini battle of the first

two bowls. It is so important, isn't it? You are replying pressure to the

opponent. Asking the question of Robert now. He loves this backhand,

though. Checking on, he is having a loose end here, the first of the

match for Robert Paxton. Two against him, you would certainly expect

Darren to add another. Robert played really well against Andy Thomson but

he had two or three loose ends, getting himself out of trouble with

the last bowl. He was great at recovering that position.

He is under pressure if Darren pops this one in. Makarova choices now.

-- choices now. Lining up on the forehand side.

Just cannot push it out there. It will hold all day. Darren is going

to do some damage to the scoreboard if you pops this morning. -- this

one in. It has pulled up short. It is a good

end for Darren Burnett, but he will be annoyed at himself and not making

the last shot. Levels the scores. Prediction time now, John. You have

had a good look at four ends played, 4-4. Who is your man for the final?

Coming into the game, I had a slight favour towards Robert Paxton if you

started well, but Darren is a really tough competitor and I will hedge my

bets and say there will be a tie-break and I think it will go to

the third end. And I slightly favour Paxton.

But I might change that opinion within a couple of ends. I am very

changeable. I am like the weather. I thought for a moment, you were going

to be on that very strong iron fence that Andy Thomson uses.

This is a relatively loose end for these players. They started so well

in this game. The wheels have come up a little bit

with Robert here. He is starting to drop short. That can be very

difficult to correct on occasions. You over correct, normally.

That is a lot better. Robert has to focus and get his concentration back

and play a good bowl here. Second shot is not the worst. Robert

will be quite happy to get the second.

Looking at a good line, it is all about pace. He has just overplayed

it. Both of these players are sensibly using a strong bias bowl,

which is what you need out there. When you see the debris right at the

front, you can understand why, when these bowlers have the opportunity

to draw around the short stuff. It stays up, it is good. But the watch

is honoured, there is a 32nd raw, forward motion and drops away within

30 seconds -- the watch is on it, there is a 32nd rule. -- 30-2nd.

If the player had declared it, that was it. It looks like it was on the

player had declared it, that was it. It looked like it was on before,

most players would have. It must be very warm out there. He

is carrying a cloth as well. In the first couple of ends,

everything was falling into the jack. It is starting to go the other

way. Small margins, when you are in the semifinal.

I have known a few characters to take very mild sandpaper to the

bowls, just to rough them up a little bit. Totally illegal, of

course, because it ruins the consistent bias of the bowls.

The top guys wouldn't dream of doing things like that.

This is good again by Darren. I don't think there is any choice for

Robert Paxton. He could draw it, but it is a very difficult shot. You

have to make sure you are arriving, you can just go past. I think he

will attack this. It was bad enough getting the short

bowl, but to come off it and take his own away.

Darren has choices, he could try and put a fourth bowl in there, alter

the position, or he could cover the green bowl at the back. He has got

the re-spots covered, just pop another one in. Playing forehand. It

suggests he's going to go past the jack.

He wants to be tight inside it. Oh, no. Oh, dear. You can see his

reaction, he is not happy with that one. I think he was just short of

weight. He has now almost doubled the size of the target.

He has got it perfect. He used that we bowl, the one that Darren Burnett

left there, and he has come out of it pretty well, by the looks of it.

Two shots from nothing end, all because Darren Burnett made a

mistake on the last bowl. He will be kicking himself.

Fine margins indeed. It could easily be an 8-4 position, now it is 6-5. I

thought Robert was just starting to struggle a bit, you can see

Darren's expression, not impressed with his last delivery. Can't

believe it, why did I play that? It was a slight mistake, but you

can't afford slight mistakes at this level. They will be punished.

A big change of length by Robert, not a good opener. He was sparkling

in the first three ends, but he has brought himself read a little bit.

Darren is certainly coming stronger with the opening deliveries. Once

again, he is right in there with his first bowl.

Just dropped back. Still read, I think. -- red.

It is just drifting past again. I don't think Robert will like this

drive on the forehand. Got to draw it and keep it tight.

Doesn't want to lose a big account. He has laid into this, running

through. Heavier than his last bowl. That was certainly not what he was

playing. A chance here for Darren, it has to go down as a big special

opportunity. He has probably got a foot all

around the jack, so he has a target of two feet.

No mistake with the last bowl. Well, he has fallen back against the jack,

I don't think it has made any difference. Still two to Darren

Burnett. Nestles in against the jack. Good double.

Interesting first set, it has gone to and fro, no player has had total

control. Robert started better, Darren had the better of the second

half, still anybody's game here, anybody's said. -- set.

As soon as Darren played the ball, he turned his back on it. I can

understand why. It was Robert Paxton all the way for

the first three ends, Darren Burnett was hanging in. Now it has changed,

the last three or four ends, to Darren Burnett. And it has been

Robert hanging in. So a topsy-turvy first set.

They played quite sure jack in the last end, Darren has gone longer on

this one and he has not really adapted to it -- quite a short jack.

Always a risk when you change at this stage in the set, altering the

length. Just picked up a double. Robert Paxton has settled better.

Two good first bowls. Desperately alone it will slowed

under. He doesn't want the jack. Just got a very slight touch -- it

will slide under. His own bowl has managed to stay up.

Relieved to get that bowl in, Darren. Still a big chance for

Robert. The red Bull sat down. -- red

he had the right idea with the weight. I think Darren is going to

play the same bowl, he has the take that risk on the back position and

draw another one in. He could sit off one of those greens. I just

noticed Brian going in and marking the ball. He didn't want to before

that in case anyone was watching. He would have declared that bowl a

touch when it was at the angle, but didn't want to go near it.

Good line in by Darren. It needs to run. He wants to get past the jack.

He got the double touch. Pushed it onto the green bowl and back to his

own. Just got away with it. Could easily have gone one, if not two

down then. A smile from Darren Burnett but he

realised how close that was. He had to play it, even though it was

dangerous, and it has improved for him, it is a better end than it was.

He has to allow this to bend. He is just over it, that was the problem.

Perfect line. Darren Burnett, for the first time, has got a nice

little gap of two shot into the last end.

It will be very interesting to see how they play this last end. Darren

Burnett will be trying to consolidate, close it out. Big, big

crowd here, they love the semifinals.

Having said that, Friday quarterfinal day is the one we enjoy

the most in many ways. But when you look at the whole programme of two

and a half weeks, this place has been jammed. They know they are

getting value for money, a lot of very, very good patches during the

whole period. Even in the early rounds, we had some crackers. It is

a great championship. These two players have never won this, they

would certainly like to get it on their CV, it is the biggest

tournament of the year. He is encouraging this bowl up. It

looks good. No sign of nerves yet. Nothing from Darren Burnett. He is a

police from Arbroath. -- police man. He has gone chasing Robert with that

bowl, but it has stayed on the green. By fleeing on it is quite

useful. Serve -- by staying on. He must think that Robert is going

to play with a bit weight and disturb it on the re-spot, where he

is very good. I think Robert Weale go here, because if he gets the red

clean and solid, he hopefully will stay. Another option is to get the

jack right through to the back of the rink. Controlled weight. He's

certainly close with this. It is all on the angles. That has brought him

back into the jack again. Got a bit lucky. I don't know about that, I

think that was always there, I think he played it well. He knew if it

went under, it always had the chance about and sets up a good position.

Darren has a good position. It is a percentage shot. It is a good result

in the end. He was looking for the bowl clean but wisely didn't go too

wide on it. He has a problem here, Darren. For me, it is a draw on the

left-hand side. He likes the backhand in this direction.

The backhand, if he touches his own bowl, he has to be very careful.

That is really well played. As you say, it is all down to personal

choice in the end. It does make it difficult for Robert, because he has

to play this with very controlled weight, he can't afford to move the

jack too far. Yes, but it is on. Look Robert Koren he has got a back

bowl very deep, so if he goes heavy at it on the backhand, he has to

judge on the ball all the way through. If you just touches it, he

brings this bowl interplay. If you can move the jack down to this sort

of position... It is not easy, he has different options available but

to be truthful, the deep option looks good to me. He has the gamble.

If he had that green solid into the jack and pushes it through, he has

to hope that his bowl will run through with it. The other shot in

such a delicate shot to control. He has a strike on the forehand. He

could get the reds with this one. Speak

Darren Burnett gets the single, the jack ran off.

And Darren Burnett are never let go of his grip on the match and took

the second set comes of his grip on the match and took the second set

Canterbury to seal his spot in the final for the first time.

So here is the line-up for the 2014 World Indoor is Open Championship.

Darren Burnett against the man who produced a stunning performance in

the semifinal today, Mervyn King. Tomorrow on BBC Two, 2:30pm. Corky

had the privilege of sitting in the commentary box today and watching an

absolutely amazing performance from Mervyn King. Darren Burnett has a

big task tomorrow. He has, but he is playing the best bowl since his

heyday five or six years ago and I think he will push Mervyn, but if

Mervyn turns up again like this, it will be hard to beat him. So what

does Darren do? Just try and get close, that is the ultimate thing.

He is the drawing king. To keep Paul Foster to a few shots in the

semifinal, magnificent. And all week long, you have said how well he is

drawing. Is there a danger that some people may wonder if he can keep it

going? He is keeping it going. Nicky Butt, the best match I have seen hit

-- Nicky Brett, the best I've seen from him the years. Let's remind you

about what we have coming up tonight. Highlights both semifinals

on BBC Two and we will look forward to seeing that performance gain from

Mervyn King. Tomorrow, the big one, the final, takes place at 2:30pm.

And don't forget, the final of the Australian open men's tournament

takes place at 8:15am. Rafael Nadal up against Stanislaus Wawrinka. It

promises to be a great match. It has been a great day here, Darren

Burnett and Mervyn King are in the final. Join us tomorrow to find out

who will be king of the blue rink in 2014. From all of us here, goodbye.