Day 3 Bowls World Indoor Championships

Welcome to the highlights from the World Indoor Bowls Championships at

the Potters Leisure Resort. With two trophies already won this week in

the pairs and mixed pairs competition, it is single action all

the way. Tonight's show features some of the best players in the

business. On tonight's menu, a glittering

array of singles champions, past and present. The defending and six time

when Alex Marshall served up an absolute thriller in his second

round match with Mark Dawes. And the reigning women's champion was also

in action as she did battle with the two-time winner we will also have

highlights of an absolute cracker between Stuart Anderson of Scotland

and local boy Mervyn King. -- two-time winner. We will also have.

We will start off with action from the singles competition. This is

what the draw looked like at the start of the day. The three players

already through our: We will concentrate on Alex Marshall.

At the age of 48, he is one of the outstanding players in the game. He

has won the singles title on six occasions. He was a Commonwealth

medallist in Glasgow in 2014. His opponent, Mark Dawes, made it

through to the second round here. We will join this match at the final

round of the first set. Mark basically need a good opener. He

doesn't want to put any added pressure on the himself.

He really needs a close all and that's not close enough going in

this direction. I am surprised. He still has another chance. He will

not make that mistake twice. Yes, here it comes. That's the

winner. He might get away with that, with one ball, but not with

two. Mark needs a big wall. He certainly does. -- big ball. I still

think he is a bit on the wide side. 2-the past. -- 2-3 inches past. We

expect Alex to repeat the dose and get this one in. Alex looks under.

He will be very unhappy with that one. If he played that and cottagey

and he was looking at a possible win. Now he will try to draw it. The

expression... It was more of a couldn't really understand how that

one came across. Mark knows he is only losing one. I think he is

wide. I really do. That's a poor round by Mark. Two feet away and one

is 15 inches away. You can't expect to win the set when you play balls

by that much. A very nervy end. Yes, that's why I said it was so

important to get a good opening ball. You would expect Alex to draw

this one and tie the first set. I would expect him to come up with

three inches to draw at this point in the game. He plays a big ball

very well. I don't think he could be any more chilled! The line looks

perfect. That looked good. He didn't know it was there. He reckoned he

could lose four balls down on a similar line. Alex Marshall ties the

first set and he leads 6- five going into and eight of the second set,

which is where we rejoin the action. Well, it is still anybody's game.

Two inches past. This is the hand that Mark has been

struggling with. I can't believe he finished in that area. He has been a

big provider of shoulders. Exactly. Alex now trying to progress the

green ball. That shoulder rest is usually something that is just

beyond. He can afford to play that extra bit of weight. Again, just the

wrong green ball. Mark cannot afford to lose this shot. He has to get at

least one here. Down to 15 seconds. He has got to be quick. He has loads

of time. He doesn't need to hurry. He is a quick player when he gets on

the matter. -- mat. This has a bit of work to do. It has to bend hard.

It looked like it was coming back. Once again, this will frustrate

mark. There is nothing more frustrating for the player. -- Mark.

Alex Wilkinson range and make the head secure. -- will be trying. He

realises that the hard shot is really on the backhand. What he is

trying to do is force some slightly wider... I don't think that one has

worked. It's not bad from Alex. I think it is forcing Mark to play

very heavy. Problems for Mark. You can actually see the Red Bull. If it

gets into the air, yes. -- into there. That's the way it is. Scared

him a little bit. He had asked for the time out. The trouble is, he

didn't reset the button quick enough. They're pretty crucial time.

It certainly was. Has to get the concentration back again. Just

trying to slip around the front ball of Alex Marshall. Will he get back?

That will be enough! He certainly has! What a result! It could be

three, as you say. Wow! He has got a result. I don't think he was aiming

to try and top that, he was just trying to get a single. Alex is

pretty good at this. At this stage of the game, he will no... That's

very close. It really is. I have a feeling he might have made two.

Yes, I think so. I think Alex fancies he is more than one down.

Alex just indicating that he thinks it's two shots. Two out. They will

check the measure. You can't take a risk on that. 100%.

Worth a measure. What result from Mark Dawes. He played a good bowl.

Then he made the three. But the fall back on the red was the extra bonus.

Both players saying, it's not coming back. I certainly know that.

Two shots, Mark Dawes. That's what we thought. Obviously very accurate.

But 7-6. What are the chances of two tight sets? I just get the feeling

we are going into the tiebreak. Alex has got the last bowl. He has to

score at least a one. But... It will be close.

Mark did not have a good one. No, he didn't play it well.

Well, neither player with a good opener.

Yes, I am surprised to see Mark is just slightly on the inside of the

match when he is trying to get his all back into the centre. That's a

nervy one. As you say, he played a bad end to the first set. Shaking

their head. He is annoyed at himself and he should be, because Alex gave

him a wonderful opportunity to nail the jack. I would expect this bowl

to be the winner. Yes, that's number one. The backhand... The ball is

just not strong enough to guarantee Centrelink. Again, he is on the

inside of the matter. Let's see if this one makes it back. Short ball

coming in. How close is it going to get? That's very good. It is very

good. Alex will be tempted to run this. It is not an easy ball to draw

off but he does have the last ball in this hand. I would agree,

inviting target. Alex will not be short here. Lots of chances.

Slightly under. I think he has got it. Looked good for the ball all the

way! That's better than getting the jack. If he got the jack and it went

under, there would be more room for Mark Dawes. There's a lot of

pressure in this final delivery. The difficulties he doesn't want to drop

short. He is looking at it. He fancies it. He is coming in but he

is waiting for it to get back. That is the important bit! He wanted it

to drop. Quite simply the world champion has

come down. There is a resoit here and here. You can see right on the

spot he holds both. -- respot. He still has a drawer available if

he really wants to play it. That's a difficult shot. His third delivery

was in the backhand. He would have been happy if it was on the back

hand side. The second round for Alex Marshall, defending his title. He

has already made history having six, but he is one ball away from not

getting the seven. Can you imagine if he forgot about the time? It

doesn't bear thinking about. He looks very worried. I am sure he has

been in awkward positions before. I think actually I would be striking

this again under the backhand. Yes, because you are coming into the jack

almost all the time. I would go back. The thing is, he is looking to

see out the set and win the match. He would be happy to go to the

tiebreak in this situation. He is looking, he is interested! Yes,

that's it! He has got the shot! He has, indeed! He had both of them

covered! It is going back to the respot position. My goodness, that

was close! That was brilliant for Alex. Absolutely fantastic. He

thought he hit two. He was just hoping to clip the green ball...

Look a much he got of the jack! It was the jack that pushed the green

ball through. Happy with that, Alex. So, with both sets tied it meant we

were into a tiebreak. Mark Dawes took the first. We pick it up at the

start of end two. So, advantage Dawes. Yes. But last

ball. This could prove crucial. The tiebreak rules are different.

You get to the third and where you can destroy it but you have to

nominated. -- third end. You can only do it to destroy the end once.

Both players can do that. Alex's opening bowl was short. That may

give him problems. If Mark happens to get it on top of the jack.

Well, it is not very adjacent, but it is useful in a way. It is not in

the way for Alex. He can get around that. He is short ball will be an

advantage to him. -- his short. He has a bit of work

to do. It's still there. Mark Dawes can still draw. He has his own ball

which has just dropped out, and opened the gap little bit. Needs to

control this one. None of the balls at the moment will probably live.

Yes, he needs to get into the pocket between the two balls. -- lie. This

looks better. This looks like the winner.

APPLAUSE That's very good. 4-5 inches in

front. A very good bowl under the circumstances and under this sort of

pressure. Yes. Great ball. Needed a closer bowl and that's what he has

got. I don't think this will change Alex's shot. He has about six

inches. Again, he is looking very carefully

at this one. His weight is good. I think he is very close. Very close

indeed! He's got it! What a ball! That looked so much better coming

down the rink. It is going to force Mark onto the forehand. No backhand

shot now. Alex only had six inches to play with. Wow. What a bowl.

Pressure for Mark. Don't hold back with this one! Too high. Yes, he's

wide. He has done it again, Alex Marshall! He's digging deep, shall

we say. This time the third bowl. Didn't need his last one. I have to

say, he's a man who doesn't want to give up this title. He's digging

deep and finding every ounce of experience. This is really tense.

Alex contemplating where he wants the jack. This is great stuff. It

really is. Still thinking about this. The problem is, if he goes

along, I don't think he is confident to get out of trouble. He is still

very undecided. Doesn't know where to go. I think short three quarters

is probably better for you. You can understand this. Yes, I can.

I understand there's no time clock. I think it is a good decision. Yes,

he is going for the very short jack length, which in many ways is his

signature. It is. I think it will allow him to play both hands, if he

is in trouble. He is leading with the backhand, which he hasn't done

at the full length. Short jack length. Missed the line

by a ball's width. It can happen with the forehand. I am amazed that

Mark is plain from the inside of the mat, but he's doing well. Needs to

coming behind. He has picked out the lion. In a traditional situation

that would be the play from the other side. -- line. It would be.

Quickly Alex is on the forehand side. I think you like this one

better. Looks better. He is close. Is this the matchwinner? Very close.

There it is. Front toucher. Choice for Mark now. Does he nominate? He

certainly won't be short. He has tried to draw this. This backhand,

you just hold off all day want to put the weight on it. Didn't like

the look of that one really. I think he has two drive that off. That if

he remembers. True. Only two players have forgotten in the final end.

Mark knows you can't play the sort of weight. I wouldn't be surprised

if he goes for cover. He has gone for cover. Can't blame him. He has

done the work with the second bowl. If this gets very close to the spot

then Mark has got to nominate this, simple as that. He can flick off the

ball on the edge that he has denominated this to kill it off. --

to nominate this. This is the only time when you're

allowed to do this. Destroying the end. If the ball was outside the

confines of the rink, all the balls are brought back and they play the

game. -- it again. Mark has nominated to kill the end with this

ball. You can nominate as often as you wish but you are only allowed to

be successful ones. Basically, striking and hoping to clip the ball

out. The second plan is if he kills the jack... Yes! What a bowl! Alex

can draw this. He has a bit of space. It is all about the pressure!

No matter where he puts it, it's still an option. Correct. A

fantastic strike. Nominated to kill. Clipping the ball was perfect.

Unbelievable. Out it goes. I think Alex has a 15 inches. Not only that,

but, he has already saved it twice. Can he do it again? If there was

anyone in the world to put money on to draw the shot, it would be this

man. My last few pounds in my back pocket will go on this. Draw within

15 inches. Watch his body after the delivery.

He knows when he's good. I think he likes it. The line is good and the

weight looks good to me. He's done it. He's there. Yeah. He's there. He

was there all the way. What pressure. What absolute pressure

that is. And that's just tremendous stuff. He really is not wanting to

let this go, is he? What a bowl. What a bowl. Here we go. 15 inches

to draw the shot. And he comes, perfect weight.

That's even better than his last one. That was a side toucher. No

time-outs remaining. He can nominate again and go for the jack. I think

the danger in trying to hit this target is he will probably remove

his own two green balls. I think this is just a forehand draw. Does

he know he can nominate again? He's only got the jack. Last time, he had

the bowl or the jack. I think this is a forehand draw. Wow. On that

forehand he has been struggling to catch it. Well, it's a shorter line,

so he might just find a better line. Here we go.

I have to say I'm a little bit surprised he's playing this, because

it hasn't been his favourite hand. I think he's outside it. Too wide.

Yep. Definitely. Definitely too wide. It just didn't look the right

shot to me. The match to Alex Marshall. What do you say? The

master does it again. First of all, Mark, defeated, but

I'm sure quite proud of your performance today? Yeah, obviously

disappointing with the way the result went. But, yeah, proud of the

way I played and obviously had to push Alex into playing the big

bowls. Absolutely. Give us an idea of what the experience was like

against Alex out here today in a match as tight as that? Yeah, it's

difficult. You see how you perform under pressure. I played decent

balls, even in the tie break. Unfortunately, Alex always had the

answers. Did you at any point think you were gonna cross the line? No.

Because when he's got a bowl in his hand, he's got a chance.

LAUGHTER So true. Alex, a lot of people talk

about the fact that experience plays an important role. How much did you

have to keep calm and draw on that experience today? I just think I had

to pull out some of the biggest bowls I have ever played in my life.

Mark put me under so much pressure during the game. And I thought, you

know, in the last end of the match, I thought getting the jack on for

two. But I had to fight and fight. Just eventually got there in the

end. What a match. You say a lot of very important bowls. Talk us

through your final one of the match. Yeah, obviously Mark played a great

bowl, to nick mine out without temperaturing the jack. There was

one shot I had to play. That's the bowls that you've got to play to win

games here. We're gonna take a look at the final one in the second set.

Again, another very important moment. Yeah. Again. That's when I

just tried to nick the jack to kill it. But one of Mark's bowls actually

followed through and got a second shot. I thought if I killed that

shot, then I thought I was gonna get two shots. Ifs relieved, in the tie

break, it still gave me a chance. So, the defending champion is still

in the tournament. But who would he play next? Either

Stewart-and--and-or Mervyn King. Mervyn King is 50 and seeded number

eight. He loss won this title but it was even further back, in 2006.

Well, Stewart-and--and-won the first set pretty easily 11-2 before Mervyn

King hit back to win the second 8-3, meaning we were into tie break

territory once again. Here's what happened with Greg Harlow and David

Corkill. This match between Mervyn King and Stewart-and--and-the second

looked like it was gonna be a tasty affair. That's exactly how it's

turned out. Stewart Anderson taking the first 11-2. King coming back

very strong 8-3 in the second. Greg, the interesting thing was,

Stewart Anderson won the toss and gave the jack away, that's quite

surprising. Yeah, I think we both thought here, whoever won the toss

would keep the jack and go for their preferred jack length. But Stewart

clearly wants the last bowl. Only time will tell if it was a good

or bad decision. Two very good bowls to start off

with, but immediately Mervyn is in a bit of bother, even after his first

bowl. He has to be very careful. An inch and a half.

LAUGHTER Distances are going to be very tight

here. Yeah. Obviously like to get another

bowl in, because Stewart's more than capable of pushing the green one

away from the jack. But it's very dangerous to go near it.

Rules changed. Tie break, just win the end. No accumulated shots.

Stewart going for it immediately. Looking for the edge of the bowl and

he's very close. What's the decisionmaking here for

Mervyn? I think he will probably run for the respot on the right-hand

side of the rink. Looks like if Stewart hits the bowl, the jack is

probably gonna go that way. It will also mean he's got both

respots covered. Very good.

Both respots covered. Take the bowl out. Yeah, Merv has both spots and

the shot. Stewart eats only option is to get the bowl a -- Stewart's

only option is to get the bowl away or the jack. He could do it with the

drive. The draw probably guarantees the result more than the drive but

the drive probably looks more attractive.

Looks closer this time. Wants just the bowl. He's got it.

The bowls appear to be likely, difficult for Mervyn. He has to draw

within four inches or run the jack. Expected that. He just couldn't

afford to go near it, really, on the draw. So, not easy. He needs to

repeat his first bowl. Perfect line. Has he got the run-in? Oh. Has he

got the run-in? Has he got the run-in? What a bowl! Well done,

Mervyn. Good memory. Line and length. He knew that there

was a chance of his own bowl going out, but quite happy to draw

another. And now Stewart has got the forehand runner, as we see this ball

just coming in. Brilliant bowl. Absolutely first-class. So, same

bowl for Stewart. Stewart would be hoping for a bit of deja vu. Clip

the green bowl off to win the first tie break end.

Has to be the outside edge. Nothing else will do.

Close again, I think. Is he slightly under? He is. Yep. Just didn't look

like he had the same width. So, Mervyn King, it will be

interesting to see what he does with the jack here. I'm certain he will

take it. I think he will, yeah. Suzanne King watching on. Jimmy

Chisney is beside her. Win or lose, I think it's the right decision to

take the jack. He's played far better on these short jacks.

Jack makes 23m. Mervyn staying with that short jack

length. He's been so good at it. Certainly a better approach this

time. APPLAUSE

Still a little bit on the short side. Put Stewart on to the

backhand. I've seen players run at these,

looking for the jack nice and clean. Stewart sticking to the draw. If he

misses this bowl, he will be in a good position. Yep, there it is.

That gives him the back position. Trouble for Mervyn is he probably

reckons that his own bowl is just not close enough. But the back

position is building. Looking for a close shot. Not sure he's on the

right line with this one. A bit of a nervy end at the moment

from both of them. I think Mervyn realises that shot bowl needs to be

a lot closer to keep Stewart Anderson out. This is better from

Stewart. This line is the best he's played. How's the pace?

The pace was good. He only turned the bowl over once, but just missed

the line. That's a short jack length. That's the difference

between the two sets of bowls. It is. I think Merv will stick to the

forehand. He's got his own bowl just to turn in a bit closer, or slip

past. Love to get a back toucher in on this one.

Well, from 11-2 in the first set, Mervyn King has come back very, very

strong in this match. He's going deep. Yep. Good decision. Deciding

that he's happy enough with the way it sits. He said to Stewart, "You

need to beat that to stay in the World Championships." Stewart

looking for the 2-bowl take-out here.

Back end, half the front, green, on to the other green. Also a chance of

getting the jack all the way through for the one. Well, as you say, Greg,

there's a second option, really, off the two bowls. The jack and the

ditch is also good. That was where he put his foot, so I'm pretty sure

it's gonna be a backhand runner. Two bowls out or jack right the way

through. He's close. It certainly is. Jack. All the way. Brilliant.

APPLAUSE Well, two options there. He had to

get very close to the jack to get this earlier option of the two bowls

out, but that was absolutely perfect. Absolutely brilliant shot

to stay in the World Championships. A very typical Stewart Anderson

shot. Controlled weight on his back hand. Wonderful, wonderful drive.

Jack length, 23m. Both the tie break ends, we have

seen two fantastic last bowls. One from Merv, one from Stewart. Yes.

And the rules change again on the last end. For the tie break. You can

destroy the end, but you must nominate it, and that's unusual for

Mervyn. It drove short at this length for the first bowl.

The more bend he gets now, the better.

A great second bowl. The drop-down was important because it didn't

leave a clean jack. There's no solid jack available, it's gonna be a

half. Stewart will be looking to turn around the corner. Yep. Going

for it. The crowd loving this from both players. Bowl out clean again.

Jack's gone. Where is it going? Under the respot? Yes, it is.

Merv will lie. But Stewart will have the last bowl in this end, so that

might well be crucial. Both players, two bowls left.

A great road for Mervyn. Has he got the pace to get all the way up to

the jack? Very close. That's a good bowl. The trouble with

that, Greg, is that it's a tempting running bowl, but at the same time

it is beatable. But it's very close. It will definitely be a draw, this

one, for Stewart. Looks like he's got nine or ten inches to win the

shot. This is the one you want to do it with. The third bowl. Perfect

approach. Will he stop? Oh, he is. Yes. Excellent stuff. Mmm. This will

be interesting. One red. One red. That's a very strong call. That bowl

must be in by at least an inch or two. Merv just needs the smallest

adjustment from his last. How is he? He's chasing it down. He's under.

He's chasing it down. Has he turned it? Oh, he hasn't! Oh! He needed to

turn the bowl. But he will have moved it along the carpet. But is it

enough? Well, the shot clock hasn't even started. Oh, it has. Yes.

Caught up in the excitement. Stewart will use a He's obviously made

lips... It a lot closer. I do favour you.

LAUGHTER Sandra favours the red bowl, but it

is only a favour and it's only an opinion.

Well, he's going for the time out. Quite right. You've gotta make sure.

Depends how confident he is on that. Well, he is confident. He must be.

He's declared the end. Declared the end. Now, Mervyn is a very good

judge. And he will have a look at it and decide himself. Yep. There we

are. APPLAUSE

A good one. Great game. Well, we knew it was gonna be very,

very good. Mervyn King very much in the ascendancy in the second half of

the match. Looked very good for a long time to take the full tie

break. But as it turns out, Stewart Anderson takes it 2-1. It was a

great game, I have to say. It really was. We expected it to be exactly

that. But 11-2, 3-8, 2-1. Merv, first of all, the first set

very much in favour of Stewart, but what turned the match around in the

second set for you? Obviously going short. I couldn't reach on the long

jacks, too many short bowls. Stewart was awesome on long jacks as he was

in the pairs and everything else he's played in. I knew I had to try

and change the length. Lucky I did. Well, despite going out, once again

you've had great support here from the crowd. And I don't think, in all

the years coming here at Potters, that any player has been cheered as

loudy as you have. No. All the support is great. And thanks,

everybody, for that. And obviously...

APPLAUSE Obviously disappointed that I

couldn't get a win in for them. But I can't really say I didn't try much

harder than that. That was all down to the last bowl. I thought I'd got

it. It was a wonderful match and a great effort. Stewart, some

wonderful moments for you, but give us your thoughts. Merv said the

different jack length in the second set worked for him. The first set,

the longer length, for you? Yes. To be honest, I thought in the first

set I played rather well. Merv was struggling to push on through T

certainly in the second set, I don't think I've seen anybody play short

jacks. I just had to dig deep and up the ante a bit in the tie break and

fortunately I scraped through. It was wonderful to watch. Dramatic for

us. Especially your last bowl in the second end of the tie break. Talk us

through that. Yeah. I had two options. It was either get the jack

clean, which is what I did. Looked for the side of the front ball on to

the next one. Luckily enough, I got it perfect and forced the decider.

And that dises for Stewart Anderson means we are set for a -- win for

Stewart Anderson means we are set for a great game.

Time now to switch our focus to the ladies' singles competition. Here's

what the semifinal draw looked like at the start of the day. Laura

Thomas up against Ellen Falkner and Rebecca Field up against her

opponent. The first match we'll concentrate on is between Laura

Thomas, aged 30 from Wales. She became the first Welsh woman to win

this title 12 months ago. She was up against Ellen Falkner, age 36 and a

two-time champion. The last of those successes coming back in 2006.

Well, Ellen Falkner won the first set 6-5 before Laura hit back to

take the second 9-5, which again forced another tie break. As we join

it, it's one end each. Here's the decider, with Corky and Robert

Paxton. Laura Thomas, defending champion,

has got four bowls to stay in this champion shp. -- championship. And

Ellen Falkner from England has pushed her all the way in this

match. To the last end of the tie break. Two tight sets. First two,

but the pressure has not eased up in any way in the tie break. It's been

very good stuff. One red. Well, that's a... Where she

didn't want to be. Because Ellen has been very good with her running

bowls. And didn't want to drop short on that.

Given Laura a chance to get red in on the jack. This is looking very

good. Just needs to pull in. Mmm. How many times have we seen

that jack high bowl on that forehand? It's two inches short.

Just not quite getting down. Obviously changed models for this

game. Just that wider draw. It's very beatable on the draw. A couple

of inches closer, I would imagine Ellen would have been going for it

with weight. But feels confident she can draw this.

Certainly looks a lot better. Needs to grab something. Yes. Needs the

jack and gets it. That shoulder always offers up that

opportunity. Just to make sure you're arriving. Seven inches.

Very close. Very close. Oh! One green. Dropped away. Definitely one

green. I don't think it would be, even if

it stayed up. It's going to be another... Just try

and get a closer bowl. Just draw away on that forehand, because if

she drops on her own bowl in behind, it's good. Even if she drops on to

the red bowl, it's good, it will force Laura on to the backhand.

That's not a hand she's played too often. So, definitely worthwhile,

just to stick on the fore. Don't think there's a lot of danger. Just

plays with good weight. The only thing she won't want is

just to be a touch wide, just in front to give her a shoulder.

Hmm. This looks on the high side. A lot of work to do to get back from

there without leaving a catch. Here it comes. She doesn't want to land

beside it. That's a really good bowl. Well done.

Well done, Ellen. That really did pull back strong at the end. Extra

bias bowls. But can't really say it's a

shoulder, Rob, but it's certainly something to lean on.

It's whether she can see enough of the bowl playing down the forehand

with pace to get the two away. Well, she can, actually. Laura has

one time-out remaining. She's having a real good look at

this. Now, there is enough rum to get past the front one, but -- room

to get past the front one, but she needs to get the inside. If she gets

the outside, it will lock on to it. Middle bowl, it will scoot off. This

one will move away. But this is a very difficult shot,

because you know what that forehand is like, it just holds off.

But one bowl left for the defending champion.

To stay in this championship. She's looking for the inside line.

Just up. I tell you what, she's on a good line here. Just about weight.

She's very close. What an offer. What a bowl this is going to be! Oh,

yes! She's got the jack! She wanted the bowl. Oh! A fraction of an inch.

Great effort there from Laura. A fraction of an inch. That's all it

was. What a great effort by Laura Thomas. That was a real pressure

bowl. Just got the edge. Well, I have to say, Lob, that's what it's

like in bowls, isn't it? It just comes down to fractions in the end.

I think I had a bit of a tricky start. I couldn't quite settle,

weight-wise. And it put me under pressure from the off. So, I felt

the first set sort of slightly slipping away, as it was

progressing. I managed to sort of pull it together a little bit in the

second set. I managed to take it to a tie break. And it was - yeah,

that's the way it went. It was a very exciting tie break for us to

watch because, of course, there were chances for you both. Ellen, the way

the match progressed, you had to obviously having won the first set,

you then had to hang in there through the second, while Laura

recovered her game. Yeah, it was a close second set. I had a bad eighth

end going that way, dropped to three, which put Laura in a

commanding position for the last end. I was just pleased to have a

shot on the last end, to be honest, to try and make three. And obviously

just missed it. But, hey, hey, into a tie break. And who will Ellen

Falkner face in Thursday's final? Well, the other semifinal was

between former champion Rebecca Field and her opponent of Northern

Ireland. Here's what happened in that match.

Any thoughts this would be an easy ride for the 2013 world champion

were dispelled. She made the crucial final delivery to go in front again.

She extended that lead in another tightly packed head at end five.

Rebecca Field applied some pressure. Eadie responded in fine style to win

the opening set with an end to spare.

A local favourite made a strong start to the second set,

establishing a 3-shot lead in end two.

Two ends later, a three appeared to give her control of the set.

The debutant clawed her way back into contention with a series of

singles. A three at the final end would have given her the match. But

despite a valiant effort, she had to settle for a two, and we're heading

into a tie break. The drive at the first end took the

jack into the ditch. But it was Eadie's bowl which ended up closest.

Rebecca drew on all her experience to type up the second end early on,

leaving the Irish challenger to draw more in hope and expectation. And

for the fourth time today, we were into the final end of the tie break.

Field's third bowl was an inch-perfect delivery.

For once, Eadie was unable to respondent to the 2013 champion,

through to another final. Winning 3-8, 7-6 and 2-1 in the tie break.

Well, that win for Rebecca Field sets up a clash of former champions

in Thursday's ladies' singles final. But, of course, we're back on the

red button at 10am on Thursday for continuing action from the singles.

Time to head up to the commentary box for the final time today for

theshot of the Day. -- the Shot of the Day.

My shot of the day comes in the match between Mark Dawes and Alex

Marshall. Second set, Marshall 7-6 down. One bowl in his hand to save

his defence of this title. Absolutely amazing. Typical of Alex

Marshall, the target is very small. He needs the jack. The bowl was no

guarantee whatsoever. But he hits that very small target absolutely

perfect. Off the rink. Goes back onto the respot and he scores a

single that he needs. After that, he saved, on two other occasions, but

champions come to the fore when they're in trouble. And that's why

it's my Shot of the Day. Well, I think it's fair to say we've seen

some absolutely thrilling encounters on the blue rink here at Potters

today. But the star of the show, Alex Marshall, his quest for a

seventh world title continues as he scrambled through by the skin of his

teeth against Mark Dawes. From all of us here, bye-bye.