Day 2 Bowls World Indoor Championships

Hello and welcome to highlight of the World Bowls Championships. We

will bring the action featuring ten of the best players in the world,

with a heavy haul of 25 world titles between them. 13 of them belong to

Alex Marshall. Today, he went for number 14 as he and partner Julie

Forrest tackled Kathyrn retinal and Darren Burnett -- Rednall. David's

illustrious career has seen him in many world titles. He raced for a

place in the quarter-finals. Robert Paxton has two world has titles to

his name, but he is yet to get a singles title. We start with a final

of the mixed payer. This is the first pair to play.

start, we joined them at the second set.

Great effort, great effort. Good stuff, good bowling. All finding the

centre. A perfect opening to this sat for

Julie set. -- this set for Julie. Just eight act just a back-end draw

here -- just a backhand draw here for Darren.

APPLAUSE He has gone to have a look at this. I think it is just a draw

on the back, I don't think there is any running board required. It's a

nice pocket to fall into. He has been playing long lengths as well.

In the first set, the minimum jack, 23 metres. It is not dramatic. Not a

big change from some of the carpets that we play on, about 40 metres.

But Darren has indicated that he doesn't fancy the draw. Well, he's

in the area. I think he just dropped out. It would have been fortuitous

to have got that one and fallen into the pack. Though Mackie missed the

-- he missed the target. Underneath. Looks good. Just needs to hurry.

Four perfect balls, good stuff. That's exactly what they needed

after disappointment at the first set. Catherine and Dan, I think they

chose to keep the jack in the second set. It would normally be a

chose to keep the jack in the second situation where they would go short

as an alternative, but after playing a long and only getting four shots,

that's the difficulty. They are having a chat about that. They are

trying to put the opposition off. Is taking a long time. After all that,

brought the Matt up. Don't lose the Jack -- mat.

Three metres with. That was just pushing it.

That's the thing, the Jack was over the top so quickly that it wasn't a

given. You have three metres to play with. Doesn't have a lot to play

with you. -- here. A question from then -- Ben Sherwin.

We both know him. There is a change, it is definitely not the

same. A new carpet? For some reason, it would have been down the same one

as it was in Perth. But the difference I would say is that it is

just a bit flat. Not bending quite as much as it would normally do.

Very steady, so everyone's using big swings, searching for the strongest

bias they can get their hands on. Most players play with a strong bias

anyway, so it hasn't been a problem. David has changed his

walls, people are using a good swinging all -- balls -- ball. Good

shot. Started this sat well. -- set. His performance level is not quite

what he expected. Putting pressure on. Not easy. Still looks like a

draw. Plays a fairly traditional game, but when you're hitting as

well as he is, it is a temptation. It could easily have turned off. He

is not making it easier for himself. He knows he's in a bit of trouble.

I think she wants the same ball again. You don't want a shoulder.

You really don't. Julie plays a very traditional game. The portable rink

is slightly different. I think Alex played the right shot. No point in

widening the target. Having a bit of a chat. The only

thing Darren has, he is looking at the front ball, that is a danger. He

has every right to be worried about it. If he comes in at the wrong

angle, he could miss it. That will disappear. His own ball will run of

and leave four reds. He shouldn't leave it, but he would be silly to

attack it as well. There this could go wrong. What a result! Goodness

me. APPLAUSE -- this could go wrong.

Absolutely brilliant ball. There is a point difference of 5-2

as we rejoin. Nice to have an English representative. That is only

because he play for England. -- you. The most capped English

International, Andy Thompson. Must think it's a bit quick. We

haven't had many like that. A rat end. -- rare. It has been a great

game. I think they will both go back. Alex Marshall has been playing

that forehand so well. This is good. Moved on to the backhand. They would

like the ball to have dropped back. Gently on the Jack once again. We

can see what the angles are like. Just asking what the distance is.

This is close. Bend, bend! That was close. I think he will stick to that

backhand. No reason to change. Superb stuff. Dropping back from the

Jack for a double touch. I don't think I've ever seen him play so

well, he is absolutely on fire. He played well in the pairs as well.

Had a great week. Rod Paxton was doing this last year, it is

Burnett's turn. Asking Catherine to doing this last year, it is

move in a little bit so she can see the side of the rink. They use that

to get their line. I think David tends to use the end marker. Many

players do. About 15 inches, you would expect Darren to have a draw.

He doesn't look happy about it. The line looks good. Just a little bit

over, and he knew that. Six inches more than what he wanted. Needs to

get back onto the ball, and he has. A straightforward draw. Has he of

the corrected? -- has he overcorrected? It will be a costly

mistake. Three, maybe four. It is not good. It just shows you the

amount of influence that the front has on pairs. A little bit quick. He

will be disappointed. No damage done. Lost the opportunity of an

extra shot. It makes it 8-4. I'm not surprised, I think he is absolutely

right at this stage, you go where the lead feels comfortable and build

from there. Absolutely. Play where you fancy.

That is exactly what Darren was looking for. Now he is making the

point, really, don't worry about the jack. Just eat the opposition.

Kathryn has just gone off slightly in the middle part of the set.

Once again. Beating the red bowl. That is the key. Beat the

opposition. The skipper not only in a happy mood, it takes the pressure

off. You do want to be facing two down at the end. A relief for both

players. This is close. Very close. Got it.

First lovely. -- first time. Lovely. The four shot lead is nice to have.

You would rather have it at the last end rather than midway through. Just

going to look at the monitor there. If you can get that. If I get Alex

solid, is there enough room? Yes. They are certainly going to be

talking. Looks like the foreground. The ditch is a good result. Probably

the best. There is a chance here. He has got it. Played on the inside.

They got off the outside coming into the jack. Option available both

ways. There was options under the head. That is a good example. And

for the jack, if you drift underneath, you are going to get

something. Great example of a percentage shot. Leave Alex nothing

but a draw. Alex to draw this one. The danger is where he puts it.

Darren will be after it. Julie is not saying too much. I think it is

more the weight than anything. I am not sure that is saving. There might

be two in it. Might even be three. Well, however it is, you would

expect Darren to go hard with this final bowl. He is making sure he is

well out. Only has to drop in two feet and he is good. That is the

scoring. How many? Definite two. That will look after that. Three

hour. Wow! The measure for the fourth, my goodness me. That is a

massive turnaround. Just shows the benefit of a good strike. Both

officials needed for this. To make the marker. Just getting through to

the bowl. They will check this one. I think it is on the three. It is

bad enough. I would say. If you are Julie and Alex. Sorted that out

frequently. That three began a run of eight

unanswered points. Julian Alex required a full set to take it to

the tiebreak. COMMENTATOR: Short jack Lex, 25 Andujar. You can drive

something out. Need a good opener, Julie. -- short jack length, 25 one

half. As soon as it is a yard short, you just have to beat that. Looks

like it is a bit tired, this one. Is it going to make it? Enough. Didn't

think it was as good as that. Ready decent. -- pretty decent. Alex will

know himself that it is going to be very difficult now. Tighter. It may

be, that you can afford to be if she misses the bowl. Good one. Wasn't

that type. She wasn't sure. LAUGHTER. Ideally, keep your hand

about two feet, here is good. He is not even worried about the shot. It

is going to be difficult for that account. This is good enough. He is

happy with that. I think you would be delighted with that. This is

impossible for Alex. I don't know how he is going to get a four. He is

going to take a green bowl, trying go for the red. This looks

impossible. Just shaking his head, he knows it is impossible. He just

needs to put another one in and then look for the two green on the last

delivery. I don't think there is another choice. Will gamble and take

delivery. I don't think there is one out now. If he misses it, they

will be shaking hands. I think they will be anyway. There has been a

tough game. No doubt. The front ends have been battling out. Darren

has played superb draw shots. No doubt about that. I thought he might

draw away. He has called the front one. Nothing you can do about it.

You have been on the one. Nothing you can do about it.

often enough. Certainly has. Shaking his head. He knows it has not been

his day. That is what happens in sport sometimes. Sometimes you are

just not have your pick of formance. Darren and Catherine have been

just not have your pick of formance. performance. Sitting nicely now.

Could use a four year, and I just can't see how they can do that. They

might just end up shaking hands here. If he puts one to three feet

high and, right in line, there is no way to get the three hour. -- out.

Doesn't want to group the bowls. Oh dear. That means there is something

wrong. It must be heavy. If Alex plays the two bowls, and stays on,

that would be remarkable. Surely this isn't one. I guess the shot,

the deepest green bowl, if you just Nicks that and pushes the next one

in, but... A bit of a chat here. I'm just wondering. Is there a chance of

stunning the bowl through? Exactly. Just to the edge of that, than that.

Green bowl moves out there. The other goes out there. Brings the two

front ones in. It is hard. That there is a slight chance. It is the

only way. He could afford to possibly get a quarter bowl and then

stun right through for the green. It needs a lot of weight to get the

both of them out. The more weight you put on, the more chance of your

own bowl running away. Catherine Gate, too I really want to look at

this. LAUGHTER. He went to lift the wrong bowl there, that is how much

he is thinking about it. That broke the tension a bit. Still smiling.

Exactly. It is a shotgun. He knows that. You will have a bash and see

what happens. -- it is a shot enough. Good for them wait, he is

very close to the front edge. Wow! Great Race. -- tried. I would love

to have seen that. To be fair, the best he won on the day. I think both

julienned Alex will accept that. I agree. I think Alex is a great

sporting gentleman. He will acknowledge they were just better

today. Darren Burnett once again. Unbelievable performance. Very often

players tend to deflect the attention of each other. Darren,

first of all, how will these and Catherine played to date? -- today.

She is amazing. She is doing very well in every game. Just lost the

weight of it. It is a true champion who can come back in the game. She

finished the second set so strong. It has been a delight. I just have

to tidy up behind her. Your turn. I lost the weight quite a little bit

in the start of the first set. Second set sorry. Darren definitely

made up for it. Does in it. APPLAUSE. -- kept us in it. That is

two trophies in 24 hours for Darren Burnett. He could become the first

player to win three trophies in the same year, because he is still

involved in the signals. Here is how the draw looked at the start of

Tuesday. Matthew Hori knocked out Paul Foster

in the first round. We are going to start with the match

between former champion and Jonathan Ross. Here is what happened in their

encounter. This match started a Julie. Single scored at each of the

five ins. Gourlay produced a sublime final bowl to take the end. Ross

came up just short. Handing the 1996 world champion 86-2 lead. Gourlay

then took command of the second set from the very first. And he

increased his advantage to five shots with a good draw close to the

jack at the ditch. Ross Cockrell the scoreboard at and four. Gourlay hit

back with a perfect final bowl at end five. A two at the second end

for Ross kept the second set alight. But Gourlay experience told early.

Ross required a full house of Forsett tiebreak. Always a lively

prospect, but this opponent in this order form. -- with this.

And Jonathan Ross departed with a final missing drive. 20 years on

from winning the title, Gourlay is through to the quarter-finals 7-2,

9-4. Congratulations to David Gourlay. Under -- next at features

mark against Robert. -- Mark Royal. His opponent, Robert Paxton, had a

tremendous time 12 months ago. He won the world pairs title and the

world mixed title as he got to the quarter-finals as well.

COMMENTATOR: Both players a touch short with their openers this time.

Neither will be happy with that. Quite often, when the first couple

of bowls short, you filled the first one to get inside will probably win

the end. Because of the protection at the front. There is the

correction. He has lengthened the jack a little bit. Marked on the

other side. Well, very close with this. Bit of

work to do. Again, just a little bit far away. Really doesn't want to

lose a double here, because he would be chasing the set at the last two

ends. Can he turn the jack back the other

way? Great bowl. Decision time. For Mark Royal. Yes. Key has pushed that

wide. He knows it. -- he has. Doing its best to get back. He knew he was

just half a bowl to wide on that. -- too wide. He thought he was very

wide. Indians, got within a whisker. -- even at the end. Does he draw

another shot, or go deep? You can do both actually. A little bit behind

the jack. Can still score another shot. Anything in front could be

useful. He could block the way in for Mark Royal. That is very good.

That is very good indeed. This is a for Mark Royal. That is very good.

going to gamble and try to hit Robert's last one into the jack. He

obviously has the deepest bowl. Even if he hits the target, he needs good

fortune. No! Just inside. It is a big three to lose at this stage.

Very much looking more and more like a tiebreak. As expected, the match

did go into a tiebreak. Robert Paxton won the first end. We rejoin

at the start of end to. -- two. COMMENTATOR: The last bowl on this

end is probably the favourite. Slight favourite.

Both players making sure they are arriving. That is good to see.

Because if they are in trouble, this would be a very attacking end. Park

plays the shot, but the head is not in his favour. He needs a positive

draw. Turn his red into a better position. -- Mark.

I think you will go for this. -- he will. Hits it solid, could run right

through to the ditch. Is close. Solar jack. There it goes. It will

go on after this. Will he make the ditch? Just dropped in. But it is a

go on after this. Will he make the little bit of a distance. That will

not be easy to beat. The front bowls are probably on the way. Very

difficult. -- in the way. I don't are probably on the way. Very

think Mark can hold his bowl up enough. It is his backhand, so he

can play across the line. Push it out really wide. Has to give

can play across the line. Push it chance, because he may as well fall

in the ditch then be two short. Has to run. Just peeling away towards

the end. Not sure if that's enough. He has done well to get there.

Yes, Robert. Need to hurry. Good enough. She has done well. Well

played. He has done very well. Must have been right on the edge. On his

forehand as well, Greg. That was a great bowl. You would think you

would struggle to get there. Matchwinner. I think Mark will

probably try to push this in. Very dust -- tough to beat on the draw.

We will be able to tell by the line. Yes. It is narrow. He is looking to

push the green into the ditch. He is interested. Must you very close. He

has got it! Very happy with that. Tremendous. And he played it with

very careful weight. With a hard weight. OK, one bowl here for Rob. I

think he enjoyed that. Can he do it again? Is on the same

rate. Looks good enough. He is chasing. Does he have the wait? He

has. Well played. That is great. Well done Robert Paxton. Absolutely

brilliant last bowl. Acknowledges the crowd. Very good game. No doubt

about that. Disappointment for Rob in the first, came back strong in

the second. And wonder tiebreak 2-0. It was a very close first set. You

manage to nick it right at the end of the last hole of the match. What

happened in the second? I got 5-2 up, and to be honest Robert put

pressure on the whole game from the very first end. I was slightly

loose. Let me get the three. I was 5-2 up, I was delighted. I thought

even if I draw, I am over the line. And he just got it and better. And I

had to resort to running shots and lose my draw slightly. He deserved

it. We saw some good bowls all the way along. Congratulations on making

it through. I would like to take you through the very final role of the

match. Another quality delivery. It is a great game right through from

both of us. Mark played a fantastic last one to turn mine in to give him

the shot. So I just had to repeat it. Thankfully, pulled one hour. It

was all is going to be close. The first set was so tight. We have had

many games on the tour, and they have all been close. Today was

exactly the same. For the start of the match today, how well did you --

you did last year winning the two titles in getting to the

quarter-finals, are busy now you can just concentrate on the singles.

Does that help? Last year, winning the two titles, we have one here.

That does make a difference. I like to dig deep out there to get over

the line. Now to the final match. The man who knocked out Paul Foster

in the first match up against an injured Michael Skilton.

COMMENTATOR: Michael sees himself in another tiebreak situation. 2-1.

Good start. And Simon, he has done everything you possibly can in this

match. To the first set 10-7. Lost the second, 7-6. From seven -0 down.

Now he sees himself with a chance of winning the match. Remarkable,

considering his injury. It is three quarters short. They have to play

the other side now. Take the jack into the corner. Too much of a

target as it sits. Nothing for short, unless you are going to be

right in front of it. Simon will have the last bowl. Gently. Don't

push too much. That is good. Well done. Came off the bowl. Full-back

in front again. -- fell back in front. Excellent delivery. The rules

change in the last end of a tiebreak. You can destroy the end,

but you have to nominate. Simon has not done that. Still prepared to try

and draw to the bowl. At the first end of the tiebreak, he put one

within a fraction of an inch. He has done it again. Just dropped short.

Great effort, but he set up a target now.

Just needed another three or four inches on that. And it would have

dropped in. Matthew Orrey has to go deep on this. He can't really afford

a drop short. If he is very brave, he can draw it on the backhand. Look

for something extremely close. At the moment, he is lying one.

Can't blame him. It has to be a nervous position out there. You have

to be very brave to try and draw. I think Simon will be aiming for his

own role here. If he gets it half on the high side, the red will go out.

He is on the target. What is going to happen? Gone with it. He has

opened it up. Given himself a chance. Good hit. Certainly plenty

of room to draw the shot. Matthew will have to draw something very

close. Pressure on the young man. Well, it is good. Good bowl. Well

done. It is beatable. But it is a lot better than what he had. Three

shots mean nothing of course. It is just a matter of winning that bowl.

Probably given Simon about a foot to draw the shot. There is no heat on.

-- hit. Can't see him playing the backhand for the jack. LAUGHTER.

Down to four seconds. That is not the time to ask for the timeout. He

would have meant he lost the bowl and the match. He is quite likely to

draw this. He is a bit of a material player, Simon Skelton. Just needs to

see the side of the ring. That is why he was asking the guys to move

on. -- Rink. Balls away. It is all down to the weight now. Whether he

has picked it out. He is very close. He has drawn it! He has. I don't

know. It is very close. Matthew is in right away. LAUGHTER. Tell you

what, that is going to be extremely close. Just when the bowl was

dropping, iPod was going to drop off the edge. Hit the red, stayed there,

but it is very straight. Simon is up having a look. Surely he will

measure this. He can't shake hands on it. Exactly. I don't think you

can walk away from it. I want to see the umpire, which bowl he goes to

first. That is awfully close. Using the large calibre is for this. One

of the most experienced officials in world roles. -- bowls. One of the

best, if not the best in my opinion. That has gone through very easily. I

think it might be read. Getting called that, I can just see it. Yes

it is. I thought it was red. Matthew Orrey makes his way to that

quarter-finals. So, well down to Matthew, he is through. He will play

David next. Robert Paxton is also true. Elsewhere, the likes of Alex

Marshall, Stewart Anderson, Mervyn King still have to battle it out for

a spot in the quarter-finals. A couple of former champions also in

there. Time to head up to the commentary box to find out what the

shot of the day was. COMMENTATOR: My shot of the date

comes from Jonathan Ross. David was playing very well. He managed to win

the first set, comfortably, even though he was under a lot of

pressure. He played a brilliant bowl here. To three shots against them.

5-1 up at the time. He didn't want to lose a big count. He placed a

perfect bolt. Takes the jack. Stays with it. The school the single. That

puts him through to six -1. Only a few ends to go. And David was superb

with that last bowl. He was able to have five shots in front, carried

all the way through to the end, and through to the quarter-finals. Just

before we go a reminder of Wednesday. A clash of former

champions. Then we are on BBC Two. Alex Marshall continues his chase

for a second title. Congratulations to David Burnett thought winning his

second trophy in the space of 24 hours. From all of us here, goodbye.

Let your New Year start with a bang and visit an explosive new China.

Celebrate a country 4,000 years in the making.