Men's Singles Semi-Final 2 Bowls World Indoor Championships

Take one game at a time. I am confident in my ability. If I can

play my best I am hard to beat. Nobody plays better than Alex

Marshall, six times world singles champion, a game away from winning

an incredible seven titles. Two years since he last lost here.

Today, he faces Robert Paxton in the semifinal of the world indoor

singles championship. COMMENTATOR: Just tremendous, what a

bowl. Hello, and welcome to semifinal

Saturday of the world Hello, and welcome to semifinal

championships. Behind me, there is a full house, just waiting to find out

who will make it to the final on Sunday.

The draw sees Alex Marshall, six times champion, against Robert

Paxton. David Gourlay, former champion,

against Player of the Year in 2015, Nicky Brett.

Six world singles titles is evidence of why Tattie is widely regarded as

the king of Potters, in sublime form this week which is why it is hardly

surprising given he loves this venue.

It feels great, getting to the semifinal in the singles. I won't

worry about it too much. My form is good. I just hope I can take that

form into the semifinal against Robert. I don't put too much

pressure on myself. Seven is not in my mind at the minute. Two massive

games to go. I have been here set 18 years, I love the place. The

quarterfinal -- it has done so much for bowls and I have to thank them

for what they have done for bowls in general. I love the surroundings, I

love the carpet. A lot of the players know this has been a happy

hunting ground for myself, let us hope it continues.

You know, for the players who are left in, there are four terrific

players, anyone can win it. It comes down to who plays best on the day.

If I can carry my form on from the quarterfinal, into the semifinal,

then I will be happy. I have not played Robert too often,

the most recent was in Blackhill, two years ago in the final. I played

fantastic. It is always good to get one over somebody you have not

played often before. Robert, he will be after his

revenge, I am sure it will be a classic game and I hope it is good

for the spectators. What about his opponent, Robert

Paxton is in the semifinals for the first -- fourth time in his career.

Seeded number four. Today may be the moment to bring him some pleasure.

The crowd are all set, the players are set for the semifinal. Let us

join our MC to introduce the players.

Thank you. This world number four is suddenly on top of his game,

Thank you. This world number four is his fourth appearance in the

Thank you. This world number four is semifinal, ladies and gentlemen,

And now to one of the finest all-round bowlers on the

international circuit, hoping to make his eighth final, six times and

defending world indoor singles champion, ladies and gentlemen, Alex

Marshall Really a great atmosphere inside

this famous arena at Potters. A reminder to send us your tweets and

tell us who you think will win the semifinal today. In the commentary

box, former three-time champion Andy Thomson and the BBC's David Corkill.

Hello, an interesting walk on, Alex Marshall looking at home already.

The question for us is can he carry on from the quarterfinal where we

think he was in absolute 100% maximum he can play.

I agree, David, can he turn on that form again. Robert is a class tear

and could beat him here. Robert will be challenged in this.

Alex Marshall knows just how well he can play. He openly admitted that

was the best he has ever done here in the quarterfinal. Any of the

years he has won, he feels he was at his absolute best.

When he is like that, no one can touch him.

I agree 100%. He needs to produce that form again. Always quite

difficult two days running to keep such good form.

We shall find out very shortly. Immediate adjustment to the second

bowl. REFEREE: One inch past.

Robert doesn't look like the look of the first one, trying to get around

it. It might just get caught. More than happy to move to the forehand

and use Alex's last bowl. REFEREE: Five inches past jack high.

Not an easy choice of shot here for Alex.

The shot clock is running down, now it is three seconds.

Not like him to get that close. This is a difficult one.

He properly doesn't want to be running through his third delivery.

-- probably. It is early days to go looking at

the weight shot. Robert, just trying to beat his own

bowl. Anything behind the jack to the next red would be good. That is

handy. So much tactics when it comes to the

flat green game. It is different. A good tactical battle between these

two players. Yes.

They know how to play all the shots. As I say, this is quite a hard task

for Alex in the first end to score the shot.

It was always going to be a good second touching the green bowl. He

had to get past it and drop off his own bread. Still, two good bowls in

there. -- red. Making it awkward for

Robert. Robert playing the safer backhand.

It is not running. There could be a single in doubt.

Semifinal still played nine ends over two sets. That will extend to

11 ends each set in the final. And the usual three and a if needed. --

end tie-break. REFEREE: Jack length 28 and a half

metres. Robert Paxton was going very strong

last year. Two titles. By the time he came into the quarterfinal, he

just wasn't able to repeat the form. Alex Marshall was so good in that

quarterfinal. You just wonder can he repeat it?

Not easy to do. I would agree, David. With all sportsmen, it is

difficult to keep that peak performance every single day.

Here we go, that is perfect. REFEREE: One green. Quarter of an

inch short of jack high. Quarter of an inch gap.

Alex Borg than happy to play the backhand to see if he can drop it

down. If he comes inside and get the jack, he could get a double, he is

very close. -- Alex is more than happy. The bowl

didn't drop, don't believe it. A superb bowl really.

I thought he had made the squeeze when he hit the jack onto the green

bowl and transferred the forward motion. He is shaking his head.

He knew it was a great bowl but unfortunately the jack rebounded

back to the green. I don't know if Robert is trying to

block out the forehand on but it is certainly not running.

The same bowl from Alex, trying to wrest Robert's shot bowl.

He is close again. Better this time. He has got this

perfectly. It just held beautifully.

Fantastic shot. Look at the position he has left

Robert in. He has no position, he had to cope to remove at least two

of the red bowls, difficult to get all three.

-- has two hope. A little on the wide side, he had to get around the

green ones. Well, three touches to Alex, is

there a possibility to get a fourth, it looks awkward.

Easier to score another shot. That is what he will be aiming for,

try to make sure the four... He is close to this. Absolutely brilliant.

Only the second end. REFEREE: Four shots, Alex Marshall.

He created that, Robert was lying the shot, it was Alex who made the

four out of it. It might take a while to take all

the chalk from those bowls. First bowl, no shot clock involved.

Always nice to be able to stand there and take the chalk from the

bowls. It looks quite good, a good feeling.

It makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

There is always a slight psychological battle going on out

there. A lot of players don't like to lift the bowl and take the chalk

off before they click it. -- bowl it.

The shot clock has brought that into focus.

Both players have chosen here to lead on different hands, did --

interesting to see how this develops into a different tactic as the game

progresses. Robert on the back, Alex on the forehand.

Alex looking to add 18 inches onto his previous delivery.

Robert looking to come around short on to the jack. Just need to run a

little bit. Just lacking the weight. The back position is covered by the

red bowl, if Robert Gates adventures with the last delivery...

No danger for Alex here. The deepest green bowl rests as a fullback. It

looks to be lacking pace here, not running.

He could close down the shot if he touches the red one. It is gone.

Well, if Robert is going to play this, he will have to be very

fortunate to get the right connection.

Before that bowl was turned down, he had got a shot, now he is looking to

get that front bowl and push it in, that is difficult. He might decide

to draw this. Or he might decide to take a gamble.

The Red Bull could also take the bread bowl out. Play the forehand,

the shot Alex was trying to play. Down to two seconds on that

delivery. He need this one to pull back very

fast now. A great effort. Good weight. Just

held out slightly. REFEREE: One shot, Alex Marshall.

The school is 5-1 after three ends. -- score.

Always a packed house. Quarterfinals, semifinals, final. It

is always busy before that, to be fair.

This venue, I've never seen it less than three quarters full for any

match. Just finding this line, this weight,

superb in this direction. It is almost like he doesn't have to

think about the line, his full concentration on getting the weight

right. Like putting the bowl down a chute.

It hones in on the jack. Good reply, Robert. Very good reply.

REFEREE: The gap is two and a half inches past jack high.

He is close again. Backhand and now on the forehand.

Super. Three touches in this direction the last time, two now. A

bit of talk going on, indicating it is a touch. -- chalk. This is what

the spray chalk is for. Robert Paxton played Alex Marshall

in the final one year, and Alex was absolutely outstanding, blew him off

the carpet. Very similar pattern developing

here. Beginning to think, oh, no, not again.

What have I done to deserve this question mark I think he scored

about three shots in that final and, to be honest, he played well.

He will be starting to think, Alex, please go for a walk just to let me

in to this match. The world number four we are talking

about. Exactly.

I think it is Bobby just a draw here for Robert.

-- probably. The strike doesn't look on.

Just has to get down onto the jack. Close, this time.

Well played. Outstanding bowl. Absolutely brilliant.

One is to green. Roberts Bird delivery coming in,

touches the jack. Hold onto one. -- Robert's delivery. Just thinking

Alex may try to tap this. You get the other option. Again, either he

gets into this one, he has a chance of coming back onto the jack.

That is what he is indicated with his hand. Move the jack backwards.

A third option if he really wants to play it, down the forehand to edge

the bowl off. He is playing that backhand so well.

He is. Less chance of giving a double away.

It is the backhand, to move the jack back up the green.

Just need to hold. Can't believe he has missed it.

I think Robert would do well to walk away from this.

Quite right, Robert. Take the one, be happy.

That is what Alex was looking at. He had to work very hard for that

single. Once again, Alex Marshall getting

that first bowl in. This is struggling.

The problem is if you know you are going to miss your second bowl, Alex

will be all over it. She certainly is. With Alex putting

the opening close bowl, it adds a little bit more pressure to Robert's

shot which is probably why am Robert can't leave himself having to play

wonderful bowls to get out of trouble. Otherwise he will be quick

at losing this set. It is a good one here.

Leaving himself in trouble. In three matches, Alex is ahead 2-1.

Not quite sure if they played here, I don't recall them playing here.

2009. Right. Alex won 2-0, 10-5, 6-5.

That actually turned out to be a very good bowl.

Certainly has. Probably now just a draw for Robert. It wasn't meant to

be there but it suddenly turned out to have a value.

-- certainly. to have a value.

down has got a value attached to it. I agree. The short bowl was

down has got a value attached to it. meant to be there but it has

down has got a value attached to it. out to be a good blocker. Robert

looks to be under with this, I don't think it has the weight, he might

give another away. It could be three. Oh, yes, it is

indeed. Alex will be back onto his favourite forehand. And drop that

in, the second four of the match. And no way back for

in, the second four of the match. though there are

in, the second four of the match. I agree. The way this man is

playing. 18 inches to draw another. I would expect him to add.

playing. 18 inches to draw another. Here it comes. The crowd are

starting to clap already. Four it is. Robert takes the jack away

quickly, move on. Ominous signs for Robert, really.

9-2. That side of the rink, backhand towards us, forehand away from it,

he is absolutely deadly. Yes, he is finding it well.

We talked about early tactics, I am sure Robert had a plan to play one

side. However, I think he will have to be forced onto Alex's side. Alex

is getting a free run on his favourite sides. He is experienced,

he will know what to do. There we go. Once again. Just can't

stay away from that jack in this direction.

Starting to run out of words to describe the performances Alex is

putting in here at the moment. I think when someone is playing

well, you really have to accept the fact it is the way Alex can play,

the big question was, could he repeat his performance in the last

round. At the moment, he is doing exactly that.

balls he certainly has. 24 hours ago it was exactly the same. This is

just phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal. You have to have a very

good short-term memory. Robert thinking about attacking this. He is

on the draw. But you still have to do it. That hand eye coordination is

not easy to get right every single time. At the moment it is working

for Alex and working very well. Robert is making the corrections.

Alex is already there in front of him. Once again lifts looks a head

that is difficult for Robert to scoring. -- this looks airhead. Just

dropping behind the jack. -- just dropped in.

Well, it is not behind budded shamrocks the Bulls. -- but it

shamrocks the bowls. Two choices for Alex. The blocker at the front

beside the green, which is the only shot Robert Harris to hit it or go

deep. Just leave it as it is. He is 9-2 in front. I do not think Alex

needs to go near this. Three shots here and he has definitely won the

set. Not on this end. Robert needs to get him. He is not going to draw

another one behind the jack, Izzy? -- is he? I would not be one bit

surprised if he was trying that. Well, Robert... This is not easy.

Even if he hits it there is no guarantee he will take any off.

Playing the four, I think that was the only way he could score here.

Very difficult. He has given it a good goal. Just holds off on the

forehand. It is nothing new for Alex. But

Robert has held -- felt this pain before. It is just difficult to make

a case for Robert. He has two change the hand. Change the length. Get a

hold of the jack. It is not easy, Robert. He could always hide Alex's

bowls extract that might work. --! Alex just going for cover. He does

not need any more shots on the head. Just trying to match Robert's balls.

Robert needs to score two here to keep this game, to keep this set

going. Good try here. Well played. Good ball. Keep in the rink, just

try to change things around. He will not win this opening set, Robert.

Alex will be quite happy to see that one go there. He needs to score a

double to keep this set going but it has gone too wide and heavy. He

draws one. He has done it again. This is

getting outrageous. Robert is in the drive. Get the frustration

getting outrageous. Robert is in the Robert. Good strike. There was

getting outrageous. Robert is in the little frustrating. -- frustration.

However, gets the opening set. This is what happens when you get a

player in top form. To be fair and eager make you get any of the

player in top form. To be fair and ten playing at their best, the

opposition has not got a hope, really. No. The way Alex is dying at

the moment is unstoppable. Robert cannot do anything. Alex is closing

the ends down every time. He has got to try to score and change the

length. Full jack length. Alex has been

playing very well every jack length. A strange old game. You can lose the

first set comprehensively and sneak the next one by one shot. The match

is level. That is what Robert will be trying to do. Alex is aware of

that. He has to keep his form up. He will not let go of this. Quite often

the player who wins the first set has a dip for the first end or two

in the second. The more experienced players know how to counteract that.

A bit of work to do here. That is amazing what the averages of

there. Alex Marshall averaging four shots. Three shots, probably. That

is too much really. Simple mathematics, I suppose. Four ends

is too much really. Simple has won, you cannot afford to lose

one full house. Losing two almost guarantees you will lose the set.

This is a better end for Robert Paxton. The contact avid solid. I

think it might just be one. Sandra McLeish, Aramark, just saying

measure for a shot. They can only give an opinion.

Sandra has quite rightly called this a close shot. It is a matter of

opinion. It is probably fair to say this has

been Alex's worst end of the game. He needs to hurry with this. The

inside of the green ball... Another little foot or two on that, that is

what he needed. Robert, are you going to take a chance? Draw

another? Draw another. Very hard to remove that red ball.

Very difficult. He wants to get off to a decent start. The chance for a

double. He did have a score at the opening end in the first set. Not

the jack. He has been a bit unlucky there.

He was always going to have the shot. One in, one out.

Another day you hit your own ball fairly solid and you might even

score three. A better end from Robert.

27.5 metres. It is not a big variation of the length. Get the

opening ball in, Robert, that would help. A change to Alex's forehand

side. That is a good move. Once again Robert forced into

playing a really good second ball. Good ball. Robert made it better.

That is a pity. He wanted to get in to the inside of the green and red.

Roll off them. That was a chance. The difficulty here is you do not

expect Alex to mess with both of these two. His previous delivery was

three feet through. I would expect this to be closer.

A click of the fingers suggests it is heavy. Not quite. It needs to

drop in. If it had have dropped it was definitely number two.

Definitely giving this one a chance. Yes, that is it. A good result.

Perfect play. We'll Alex try to draw or play the

running ball? A choice of shots. Alex may take a chance. He has got

the position for it. No doubt about that. He is going for it. To me. He

was unlucky. I thought he was just a bit inside. The question is, which

one is closer? I think it is one to Robert. REFEREE: 1-shot, Robert

Paxton. Did not get the best result on the

run-through. I think the matter is slightly up

the green. Slight change of length for Robert. -- the mat.

Right Robert, second ball. This is where you need to repeat it. But the

pressure on Alex. Force him to play the difficult shots. Much better

with this. That is better from Robert Paxton. The second bowled has

been a recovery ball or dropping them short. Does look a forehand

shot. Alex is so confident on the back and side, he feels as though he

could draw the shot on the wide side.

Alex changing this time. A good forehand shot. He has got his own

ball to use and also drop onto the green one. Double option with this.

That would have been the perfect angle. Just a nickel of the ball

would have sliced it into the jack. -- in Nick of the ball. That would

have been a bit cruel. -- in Nick of the ball. That would

better for Robert. The chance to add a fourth.

that... That is where he wanted it. Play the same ball again and hope

she gets inside. Or he Play the same ball again and hope

this. I think he will play the same ball. He was only two feet heavy.

Takes a slight pace ball. He was only two feet heavy.

think he can draw this still. He likes it. He

it. A better line. Brilliant. Superb. Three down, green falls in.

The difference between 6-0 and 2-1. Robert Paxton is back in this game

now. Encouraging signs for Robert. When you are out there playing

someone of the highest quality you are just hoping for the odd mistake,

a chance to build on things. Even 6-0, there is a long way to go and a

lot of work to be done. Yes, he played well that last end. He has

slightly changed his hand, which is a good move. Alex will be thinking

how well he has played. Robert, such a talented player, he can come back

into this yet. Robert, just keep working hard. Try

to secure singles all the way if you can. If you are in touch, you have

got a good chance. That has given Alex bit of Ashok here. Alex has got

so much confidence on this forehand side, I would not be surprised to

see him draw this. The running ball is on. But the way he is drawing, he

will feel confident he can draw. Once again he is trotting after the

ball. You cannot see him but we can. There he goes. The line was perfect.

The problem here for Robert is if he leaves these two, they can be taken

out. The back position is not clever. I would be trying to draw

another here. I would be trying to draw a third shot. I'm with you on

that. Pack the head and hope she gets a good turn-off.

He tried to draw another one on the back and side. -- backhand side.

That is not bad. It is a protector. If Alex was thinking about the

forehand, it is not there now. I think it is only two.

REFEREE: close for a third. Just a draw from Alex. He ran after

his last delivery and was a yard through. It still needs to stop. He

has played it. Every question that has been asked, he has the answer.

Robert must be thinking, what have I got to do? Here we go, Alex, same as

the last end, three down. A brilliant final delivery. Takes the

shot. Sometimes there is not a lot Robert can do. He has played a good

end again. He has given us a chance. A little touch on the jack would be

good. He has got its! Great ball. A little touch on the jack would be

Good ball to put away the disappointment of Alex drawing the

shot. Just how important have these last balls being? Yes, here is the

final delivery from Robert. The jack was good. He establishes a small

lead in the second set. These games have been pushing on.

The one thing we do get occasionally asked about is if two balls were

equidistant from each other, what happens? There is no score for

either player. It is the same if two bowls are touching the jack. Does

not happen too often but it does happen.

REFEREE: half inch past. Robert Paxton is fighting hard. Digging

deep. As all good players have to do to

get to the semifinal of the world singles, you are not going to let it

go easily, are you? You have to put everything into it. Robert is now.

The forehand looks odds-on favourite to turn the jack.

I do not know if he is shaping up for a heavy ball here.

He looks narrow. He will not hold up that line. No damage done. I think

it was more the weight than anything else. He probably would have held

the line with another five or six feet on it. Another opportunity for

Alex. Alex still playing the backhand. Still confident he can

draw around the balls. It looks under. Yes.

Again, no damage done, if anything he might protect his own bowl a

little bit. Still a draw, though.

I think some players would be running at this.

Quite a good forceful shot in here. But too wide and heavy.

Alex's last bowl forced him a little.

There is an opportunity for the extra shot here for Alex. The way

things have been going today, he will draw this.

Deciding to change to the forehand for his final delivery.

He knows he can play right up to the green bowl and drop in.

Falls in, it scores two. The last bowl, he knew he wasn't

going to leave Robert anything. 3-3 at five ends, the spare shots he

has picked up have been considerable.

has picked up have been Certainly have. A lot of good last

bowls, Alex has. Once again,

reliable forehand, exactly knows where to go on it. End after end.

Roberts has been matching himself well in this set.

He has with this bowl. Dropping away.

REFEREE: Inch and a half. A very small gap. Behind?

No, it is exactly jack high. Not just going to make it but it is

a protector. Forcing Robert onto the backhand

side now. REFEREE: Eight inches. He can afford

to be positive here. He would be very unlucky to take his

own bowl out, put it that way. It was positive, but always on the

high side. Coming to a good home. Alex knows

that. Robert has a good bowl on here. He might decide to go deep

himself. I think he will.

Robert will be looking at all the angles here. The shot really is the

attacking shot, to bowl onto the jack.

Very unlucky to remove his own bowl out. If he clips it, he could slice

it out but he would be very unlucky. This is a positive shot on the

backhand. There is the positive shot. If he

does get it and brings it right out into the open, that is good. At the

moment, it will be very difficult. Those two back bowls are pretty well

matched. If he is slightly under, he could

remove both red bowls as well. Play this with a difficult weight,

that will never hold up. That is so hard to play. Five feet

of weight. You might get it, Andy, but you will probably get it less,

maybe three or four times if you are lucky.

You have to be more positive on the backhand to play that shot.

Terribly frightened of removing his own. I think he will be very unlucky

to take it out of the head. Once again, Alex making sure he is

beyond the jack. Another one in position.

If you hit this, and it goes wrong, you will be in trouble.

Now, the last delivery, he might not be so adventurous. One down is not a

disaster. This is where tactics coming. The

psychological aspect of the game. He is forcing Robert into playing a

very hard shot here. Simply by putting the position bowls in. It is

understandable. Those two bowls from Alex, by doing that and keeping it

on the high side, the jack, he left him with nothing.

Robert was happy to be one down there. He knows the set is tight.

Still with chances. I don't think I've ever seen Alex

Rob so much chalk from the bowls. We will be able to reveal how many

at the end of the game. I suspect there are a few.

Forehand and backhand he has been very happy on. When he is moved to

play good bowls on the other side, but most players have a favourite

start off on the side of the rink. This is good from Robert.

Unlucky. A good try. Just wanting to snaffle that up.

Now, Robert, turning it into the jack would be a real bonus.

Backhand draw. He is close here, very close. He has got it. Depends

how far it bounces. On a club green, you would hit that and run up close

to it. On the Portable Rink, it floats to the top very quickly.

A good bowl. Excellent bowl. A shot down. Trail is the jack, lies two. A

bit of room for Alex. Asking Alex some questions.

I think he was really put off with that movement in the crowd.

There is a chance here for Robert. A bowl on top of the jack, Alex

struggling to score. He wants this really close.

No problems with this one, got away nice and sweet. Has he got enough to

carry him? I think he has got enough to get

second. Reasonably happy with that. That is a good effort. Second bowl,

the best Robert can do is a double. Not a time to lose a loose four.

Three touches, going from number four.

Any prizes that this year, David? Just as well because he has made the

four. Well played. There was in the past.

There was in the past. REFEREE: Two shots, Robert Paxton.

There we go, final delivery, final touch.

More importantly for Robert, that puts him in a much better position.

Looking to score here. Possibly forcing a tie-break.

It is going to be an interesting last two ends here.

It certainly is. Alex will be try to get over the line quickly, doesn't

want this to go to a tie-break. He certainly doesn't want to go to a

tie-break. The danger of the tie-break if it takes two really

tie-break. The danger of the good bowls or really a lucky one.

REFEREE: One inch past. Allowed to do that with a shot clock

in play, he has to make it back in time, though.

in play, he has to make it back in little bit on the

in play, he has to make it back in will come around into a very good

back position. He hasn't missed too many on the forehand.

The tactics for Robert is to try to draw the winner, try to secure a

single on this end. Worst case scenario really is dropping a one

com he doesn't want to drop two. Looking at this one. It is a bit

heavy. Robert loses a single. Looking to win the next hand, if he

manages to get the shot, it gives him a buffer. That will apply to

Alex Marshall as well. If he can gain a double, he can afford to lose

a single in the last end. There is a chance here for Robert. I

think it is just a draw, David, nothing trails or drives, just a

draw. The hard shot is to pull the jack back. If he goes looking for

the tight line, it will whip across. He has to be confident with the

weight here. He likes this. It has two reach.

Oh... His other green bowl has actually dropped which has taken

about six bowls that to happen. No one was near it.

That is unusual. Rare. It is a bonus. Normally you would

see that if someone was walking around, looking at measures, but no

one was within five feet of that for a long time. Suddenly, it dropped.

And that does make a difference. It put Robert Paxton two up on the

last end. The danger for Alex, and he had to

be very careful, he could just drop on the bowl. If he gets the inside

edge and runs through the gap, it could lead more. I do think he will

do anything other than draw. He will take his chances in the last end. He

plays this forehand so well. He has the back position of course. He has

been drawing so well, you think, I have got to draw this.

He has also played a lot of big last bowls on the draw. There is too much

risk in attacking this. Forehand draw.

Is he saving the best till last again? Down this line, he just loves

this forehand. He just needs to tap his own bowl for it to drop.

Unbelievable. What happened was that the forward motion was transferred

through the Red Bull onto the green, fell back again onto the other Red

Bull, and transferred to the back one.

Still sitting up there. Alex has 30 seconds but I think that is now

passed. It is well out -- well up.

That is why Alex is waiting. Absolutely right, you are allowed 30

seconds of forward movement of the bowl to drop. In this situation, you

certainly couldn't walk away from that.

Alex was within his rights to delay kicking the bowl is in. You can't

blame him. It took so long for Robert's bowl to drop.

That was a surprise. Alex needs to score two to make the

final. Robert, anything less and it is a tie-break.

All credit to Robert Paxton fighting back in this match. He was really

under the cosh in the first set, 12-3 come he didn't play the last

two ends. He has come back very strong on the second.

Staying with the long jack length, the length Alex Marshall has been

really doing a lot of damage. I think it is also Robert's

favourite length. I would agree, if your opponent is getting sat in the

than you, you should try to change it. Once again, it is Alex in first.

I think the jack is on the T every single end. No variation. If any

variation, it is where the mat has been placed. This is short which is

not good. Under pressure now because Alex will count two.

Should have been aiming for the same bowl as his last. Keep matching the

red roles. That short one will also hamper any

drive he might need to get out of trouble.

Exactly. This is a loose one from Alex.

That is under. What is going on out there?

That is not counting. Very unusual. I would expect Robert

Paxton to draw the winner with this bowl.

I know there is pressure out there, Andy, but these two have been here

so often, particularly Alex. This is very important for Robert,

he has two, at the very left, beat the back bread bowl, it is looking

like it is heavy. I think he will catch the red, this

is going to be good enough. APPLAUSE

Still 15 inches behind the jack so there is still room for Alex to draw

the winner. He is not out of the woods yet. I

expect Alex to draw this shot. Then, the pressure really will be on

Robert. It is looking good. The shot bowl

coming in. In by some distance. A little bit less weight. Last time he

tried that he dropped a yard short. The pressure on this bowl from

Robert. It needs to be within six inches.

He is close. He is encouraging it. It is already starting to pump the.

He knew he was close, he knew he had a great chance. That last bowl will

force Alex into playing a very hard shot.

He kept it late. A brilliant bowl. Fantastic bowl. He

knew if he failed, he was probably going to lose the game.

Robert's shot bowl. The going to lose the game.

there is another front bowl in front of that top of the screen, a red one

beyond that which is awkward to negotiate.

Fairly difficult I think to score two.

The top red one is the problem, Andy, because Alex would really love

to get into that bowl but he has to shave the front one with perfect

weight to do it. The backhand shot, he has to carry the jack and trail

it across to the red. The forehand looks the favourite.

Certainly be the forehand. I think this is a low

Certainly be the forehand. I think target here. This will be difficult.

The front bench makes it very hard to get around. It is possible,

though, he has a very strong bias bowl and where he is standing on the

front edge of the mat, it will help this bowl get back.

It looks under. I am not surprised, to be truthful

with you. It is tie-break.

A very hard shot, Alex knew that. It is tie-break.

All credit to Robert Paxton. It is tie-break.

match by winning the second set, 7-4.

A major effort. Yes, he dug deep, did Robert.

Better bowls in the second. Alex, bubbly not as dominating as the

opening set. It was all about this man. He has upped his performance.

Tie-break. The rules change yet again. REFEREE: 28.5 metres.

Just when the end. Still going for the long jack length.

Alex hasn't changed this all game. To be fair, Roberts has been happy

to stay with it. -- Robert. This is forcing Robert on the

backhand, he had not played many bowls well on this backhand, a

cardinal called him bowls well on this backhand, a

short, that is where the problem is. bowls well on this backhand, a

He has always been under all high. You really want to get in first, in

a tie-break end trying to You really want to get in first, in

really good touching bowl. I am surprised actually with Robert, I

thought he might have stayed with the forehand.

thought he might have stayed with He has been playing the forehand

more in the second set. I don't think he has mastered the back.

There are still room on the forehand side.

Robert still sticking to it. I'm sure he will prove

Robert still sticking to it. I'm He looks wide over this one. But a

bit of work to come back He looks wide over this one. But a

worry. Has it got enough? Maybe. Yes, he has. It is a jack high bowl.

He can use the bowl and get onto the jack. It depends how much weight he

wants to use. The choice for Alex, keep the door

on the forehand will be posted on the back. I wouldn't be surprised if

he tries to take this jack into the ditch.

That is what he's playing, bowl or jack.

Very positive. And he's in the area. Certainly is.

Oh, perfect. Always looked good for the bowling

jack. He hit the bowl. Take a lot of the weight off. And running through

onto the jack. It is beatable. Alex's third delivery, uses the

green bowl, trails the jack, finishes about 15 inches away. This

can be a draw. This is the one that Robert will

want to do with with, he will want to get very close to it if you can.

-- do it with. I am not sure with the weight, it looks heavy to me. Is

it going to drop back? It is going to be close. Favour red.

That was the one to do it with when you didn't have to play your last

bowl. Robert will be disappointed, he

thought he was good. I would expect Alex to be shot here.

That creates a big problem for Robert. It is on the high side. I

think Roberts will still have room here.

That is the shot bowl. Dropping in for number one, the one to beat.

Absolutely anything off his last bowl and he's in.

Diane is still cheery. I think Roberts would be disappointed not to

draw this. Get first things right. Is it? It

looks a bit on the narrow side, had to negotiate the front bowl. That is

the problem, he was narrow. Oh, dear me.

It looked a bit narrow out of the hand.

Always on the narrow side. Alex Marshall, started favourite,

sadly favourite now after winning the opening end of the tie-break.

Alex Marshall will have the last bowl in this second end. And Robert,

oh, dear me, he will be thinking about that last bowl for a while.

Yes, had a chance to take a 1-0 lead.

Is this the winner? Just need to hurry. It is very close. Yes, it is

the number one. Yes, no attacking option here for

Robert. Still seven or eight inches to draw. Just a drawing shot on the

backhand. It was a couple of feet the last time, Andy, but pressure

tells. It certainly does. Cannot afford to be too wide. Wide and

heavy. He was trying to force the jack and the bowl. He has got the

back position. Alex asked to take a chance. Alex will try to get a

closer bowl. He has got the last delivery of Robert does decide to

attack it. Yes, that is why he is just trying

to get down to it. That is good. I think now we will see a weight shot

from Robert. Yes, forcing Robert into playing the weight shot. It is

going to be hard to actually get this jack clean, the way they have

angled the balls. You would expect Robert so hit this target. However,

it is not a good head. No, it is not. The ideal result for Robert

would be to get onto the jack and run it all the way back. What is

also possible for him to get is, if he is in the inside, the jack could

bounce of the green ball and back into this position. He cannot afford

to be white. Correct. I think you will be positive. He is shaping up

for a draw. That is incredibly difficult. I think the way the

angles were, it was difficult to run at this. You know what, he is close.

What a bowl! Absolutely amazing. A really pressure bowl. Fantastic

pressure bowl. Alex would normally tap his leg when the opposition

plays a bowl. He is clapping that one. What a bowl from Robert Paxton.

Got a shot. Alex is in a position where the back bowl is against him.

It has to be a forehand runner. 100% agree with that, David. A backhand

runner takes the jack over away agree with that, David. A backhand

back bowl. The forehand, he has got a chance to punch a front bowl

straight through and get it on the re-spot. The bowl on the left-hand

side, that is the target ball really. -- bowl. Either way it will

have to be a forehand Yes, forehand runner. He is looking

at this. He is not getting back. There was a chance of the got the

outside edge under the jack. But it is going to be a last end shoot out

in this match. What a fantastic game. That last bowl from Robert

Paxton was unbelievable. Superb. What a bowl. A shoot out for a place

in the world singles final. Diane waiting there, nervously, I

suspect. Just a little. Every right to be. I think this year there have

been more tense matches. We have had a lot of tie-breaks. A lot of last

end shoot out. Alex going very short with this. A big change of length.

23.5 metres. He did this with Mark Dawes, changed the length. He is

very good on the short jack. One of the best in

very good on the short jack. One of particular distance. The rules

change again on the third end. particular distance. The rules

Players can nominate to destroy the end and they have to play it again

in the same direction. They can nominate as often as they wish. They

are actually allowed to destroy at once. And what I mean is destroying

the end is you push the jack out of the confines of the rink. The

re-spot do not count. But if you do not nominate and it goes outside the

confines of the rink, the jack is put back onto the re-spot position.

This is why Alex likes his short jacks. It is a length they

This is why Alex likes his short as yet played. It is not foreign to

them. They are used to playing it. But the jack has basically been on

the tee all game. This is a completely new end. Still not close

enough, I don't think. No. A good bowl. A foot away more or less. What

Robert would give now for a front torture. I am not sure about this

one. Just have to wait to see if it comes back from that wide line.

Doing its best. Absolutely. I think the crowd have given Robert a lot of

respect, coming back into this game. A lot of players would have folded

under the pressure. They certainly have. Not easy. No. But you would

still expect Alex to get this. Just a slight change on his weight. Just

needs to put another ten inches on it and he will draw the perfect

bowl. He has got a perfect line. Has he got the weight? I do not think he

is running. He hasn't but Robert will be forced into playing another

good one because he cannot leave this. Either way Alex Marshall, the

defending champion, will have one bowl left to stay in this

championship. We may see a different bowl from Alex on his final

delivery. You are right, Robert needs another one in. This has to be

good. It must be good. Struggling for weight. I think he likes this.

Yes. Very clever. Alex has got a shot on.

It is not going to be easy but it is still available to them. The

players's Lounge is starting to look very busy up there, Andy!

If there is anybody going to get you out of trouble, it is this man.

However, Alex Marshall is in trouble here. This is going to be difficult.

The bowl there would be ideal. It is not easy. The problem for Alex is if

he gets the bowl, he needs to stun onto the jack. I think this might

have been worth a call here. Forehand in this direction, his

favoured shot? Yes. This is hard. He is very interested. Very

interested. Has he got past the front one? He is under. He is gone!

Very generous applause from everyone for this match. Robert Paxton, how

on earth did he dig that one out? What a wonderful performance. Robert

Paxton totally outplayed in the opening set. He dug deep, hung on in

the second, played the tie-breaks well. Through to the final. Alex

Marshall was unbelievable in the first set. 12-3. Everybody on their

feet in the international arena. Marvellous game of bowls. Tension,

pressure, everything was there. An amazing game, no doubt about that.

Both of these players acknowledging the crowd. There was a they would

provide entertainment and did they ever. An brilliant game of bowls for

an hour and three quarters. Alex Marshall getting his worst four in

the set. Robert Paxton saying, I am not going to get lets you away with

it. Once again Alex Marshall playing a brilliant third bowl. Again on the

draw with three against him to save three. Robert, brilliant draw shot.

Settles for one. And Robert playing the perfect bowl to save the set.

And that was a brilliant bowl again from Robert to save the match. And

in the end, that last bowl was enough to get Robert over the line.

Alex just did not make it. The statistics will favour Alex Marshall

a little bit because of the first set.

Yes, they do indeed. Look at the ends won by Robert Paxton. That is

due to the heavy scoring that Alex was making. Brilliant, brilliant

game. Alex Marshall really could not do any more in defending the title.

Robert Paxton through to the final. Just the most wonderful match we

have witnessed. One perhaps worthy of a final. The crowd loving every

minute of it. Alex, first of all, I would imagine you have not played

that well and lost a match in a long time? Yes, quite right. Put under a

lot of pressure but I always knew Robert was going to come back and he

did that. The big change in the game was in the sixth end. I think that

was a big turning point. Credit to Robert, he came back really

strongly. The pride in defending your title, you must take a lot out

of it? Definitely. I was happy with how I performed during the last

couple of weeks. I cannot take anything off Robert. He played

sensational and I wish him all the best for the final.

Very noble indeed. Robert, the first set, Alex was in

flying form. From the second set to the end of the tie-break, have you

played better than that? I played some good long bowls to be honest. I

was playing massive pressure bowls and getting myself out of trouble,

which will have to change tomorrow. I would not have hesitated at a 2-0

defeat. Alex was superb. He has come here to defend his title. He is the

best player the world has ever seen. To get past him in the semifinal is

fantastic. That is true. Everybody acknowledges what a great player he

is but today is your day. You produced wonderful bowls. The crowd

enthralled from start to finish. You are in your first world final on

Sunday. How good is that? Very good. Obviously there was all the hype

last year after the mixed pairs and the open pairs. To come back this

year and reach the final is pretty good. A lot of people are excited

about what is going to happen tomorrow, but having gone through

what you have gone through today, what happens in the next 24 hours?

How do you prepare? A bit more time on the green. I change colours

tomorrow. I changed to red. A couple of hours on the green today.

Congratulations on winning today. Alex, commiserations. Ladies and

gentlemen, we have seen one of the most wonderful semifinals here

between Alex Marshall and Robert Paxton. Robert Paxton goes through

to Sunday's final. Earlier today the other semifinal took place between

David Gourlay, hoping to get his hands back on the title for the

first time since 1996 and make his third appearance in a world singles

title final. His opponent, Nicky Brett, the man voted player of the

year in 2015. He was appearing in his second semifinal. We are going

to pick this up in the second set. David Gourlay narrowly took the

first set 7-6. As we pick it up, David Gourlay is leading 2-1 in the

fourth and. David Corkill and Greg Harlow are the commentators.

A quiet little on assuming number, that one.

There is a competition to see which jackets you were on the final day.

That goes to charity. Many charities have benefited over the years.

REFEREE: your ball is seven inches. -- hole.

David just looking for a small correction. The trouble

David just looking for a small that almost every bowl must

David just looking for a small value. Yes, if Nick

David just looking for a small control of this end. Perfect bowl.

Absolutely nailed on. It is control of this end. Perfect bowl.

definite double. Back can strike now possibly for David, open things up.

He has to be careful of his own bowl. That is the only danger.

He has to be careful of his own draw. He misses it. It comes behind.

That will force Nick to cover that on the forehand. I am surprised by

that. Probably only one bad connection on the red. He is running

out of time out. He did not want to go up and visit the head. Hanging

onto them for later the set. I think all David has probably got

is draw second now. Not too many other options. The second shop would

be good. -- shot. It had to be absolutely perfect.

Just the two. The advantage of this venue is a lot

of spectators will be staying for the weekend. Some were becoming in

on day passes. But a lot will be availing of the accommodation

supplied here. As I was saying before, every bowl

really need a value. That was short but it is in the way of a runner,

which is a problem. David would have wanted that right

on the jack at this stage. A touch of the front bowl. David

needs a close bowl here. That number one is looking a little bit lonely.

It looks pretty good. Well, there is a little Trail shot on, there is the

running ball available and two balls will probably go. It is a very

narrow target. Watch this bowl dropping in. He is in a very -- Nick

is a very aggressive player. He will be interested in it, that is for

sure. Shaping up quite straight. Going for the two red bowls. Level

in this set. He got them. David Gourlay knew the single bowl would

get that treatment. He put his own ball close to it. Good conversion. A

bit of pressure on this one. It is the sort of shot you can easily

miss. Yes, it is not always easy to repeat

the bowl. He has lost at least two here.

Nick is very good at looking at measures. Two shots, Nick Brett.

That little bit of daylight now. A very good conversion shot by Nick.

He is hoping to defend that lead over the next couple of ends.

We may get a drive this time from David. This looks inside.

More controlled off the backend time. That was very quick on the mat

there. It is not like him to miss two running bowls. He is in bother

here, Greg, because he has only got one bowl on the rink. I don't think

you will take it out what he is just trying to manufacture a result out

of this. You do not want to bring that jack out. That just gives David

a chance, that doors. David needs the jack clean for two. He is on a

better line this time. Perfect! Massive bowl by David Gourlay. That

was a set saving bowl. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. And very

brave. Absolutely spot on If Nick had picked up

could have defended that lead. The pushing this one

sure he has sent it. Very good judge. Not much but just

enough. Very good judge. Not much but just

Still plenty of room for either of these guys to get in.

This is good, how good is it going to be?

Dropping back. Two red. Crucial and seven.

Nick, definitely closer this time, doesn't need the gap, needs a little

bit of something. Just slightly heavy, just a matter

of a contact. These holes and gaps are very useful at the moment.

David will still be trying to draw right on top of that jack. You would

like to secure a really good one. He will feel those two of vulnerable.

Chasing after it, a good sign. It wants to miss the green one at

the front. He has narrowed down the target area

very slightly. But Nick was so close with the last one, you expect him to

draw it. Played some good recovery bowls on

this site. You doesn't like it. It must be too

heavy. The line looked good. Here it comes. Coming back into the centre

of the rink. But it was a bit heavy. He gets a double. All of a sudden,

from being in a one bowl away from virtually securing the set, at 8-2,

it is level, two ends later. A run for home for both players.

At this stage, with David having the first set in the bag, the draw very

much on his side. If you can draw this set, it is enough to get him

through. That one extra shot is massive.

He has passed it. That is a very good bowl. At this stage.

Just dropping off the front one. The way that is sitting, I don't know

how close it is to the jack, it looks about an inch. David can run

for cover and just leave that. Perfect bowl would be dropping in

behind the jack, six inches, to try and make the double. But he can't

afford to leave a shoulder therefore Nick to use.

Very confident two red called. If that is two red, Nick will be

playing the forehand drive straight through his green bowls into the

red, break open the head. Can't afford to lose a double here.

Here it comes. It must be two read him to play this shot, he needs to

split the head open. There it goes, he came out of it

very well. The jack will go on the re-spot. It shows the value of that

money bowl, both players have been using it very well. -- running. It

looks close. It is hard for us to tell.

Apart from the perfect front touch, David will be hoping to get

something close but not too close. Is it one or two, that is the

question. The back position is good. Nick has

had a good look, he has a good life. As Nick Allen said... He did say one

red. Nick has a choice, does he want to draw or drive the bowl.

Drive the bowl, I would have thought. That is why he is going for

the draw but... Not easy. Perfect road.

Probably the back position which stopped Nick from going for it. Even

if he lost one, he is in with a chance of picking up a double.

REFEREE: Jack length 28.5 metres. Last end, second set. David Gourlay

can afford to lose a single but no more than that. If it is a double or

more we are into a tie-break. Nick Brett knows exactly what he has to

do. It is amazing, Greg, one bowl really

that Nick Brett was away from almost securing the second set, to go 8-2

in front. David Gourlay had the perfect runner.

REFEREE: Four inch gap. It is a feast of bowling for this

large crowd which has really been enjoying this.

Brilliant match. It looks a little bit quick.

Nick is certainly on an excellent road. Definitely coming in for

number two. Perfect. Absolutely right on. Is it a touch? -- toucher.

I think it stopped just short. REFEREE: Time out, one time at

remaining. Definitely going to be a forehand

drive. He is right down the middle, what is

he going to get? All the way through, he was that green bolts to

go into the ditch and it just makes it but there is a lot of room.

The green bowl is taken away. One to read at the moment but it is a

distance away. You expect Nick to beat it. The difficulty for nicks,

no matter where he puts this, if David were to drive the bowl off,

the match is over. -- for Nick is. I think David will play a draw

wherever it finishes. He really should unless he feels confident.

How close is Nick going to get? Close enough. Very good. This is an

interesting position, isn't it? Fascinating game. One of the two

Nick Brett needs. This is not easy. Obviously he would love to draw the

shot but, if not, get as close as he Busby can

shot but, if not, get as close as he bowl to take it to the tie-break.

I don't think so. I think it is one to green, I think it will be

I don't think so. I think it is one me? I don't think so!

I don't think so. I think it is one still bet that Nick will get this.

These are the pressure bowls. Got to get this in to stay in the

These are the pressure bowls. Got to Championships. Looks very confident.

These are the pressure bowls. Got to Looked happy with the delivery. Yes,

he is chasing up now. Is it going to make the distance? It is not. He is

under by the looks of it to me. I think it is just the one.

Close. That is interesting. think it is just the one.

away a little. But Nick has a good eye and he won't mess about. If he

thinks it is very close, then fine. If you think it is against him, he

will shake hands. He is asking for a measure. I don't

will shake hands. He is asking for a confident ask. Always hard to tell,

Greg. The TV angles are hard to tell. They are standing above it and

they can't tell. Nick has a good eye, if it was red, he would hold

out his hand. He is a very honest player. It is also the drop into the

ditch. Goodness me. Can't be any more tense. I wouldn't

want to be doing the measure. We trust these two guys. The players

will be looking to see where this is going.

Well... I think it is green. I think it might be green. David hasn't

moved in. My goodness me. He has just made it.

A faction. REFEREE: Match tie-break. David had one foot into the wild

final and it has been snatched away. An amazing finish to this match.

REFEREE: First and tie-break, Nick has won the toss, given the jacks to

David. He had to stay away from the Red

Bull, I understand that. It looked to be going short.

Absolutely. Inch perfect. As you say, we didn't fancy it from here

but just on it on the nod, on the measure.

A little shake off David's head, he realised just a fraction has taken

him away. Three and tie-break, massive pressure now.

How can they get the adrenaline under control here, this? Nick is

there first. Note that United shots, just a

matter of try to get as close as possible and win the end. Usually

very attacking, I wonder what effect this will have on David Gourlay. I

think Nick Brett will be thinking to himself, my goodness, I have got out

of jail here. He has opened it up a bit. It is harder on the guy who is

leading the match virtually into the next round. Harder for them to

refocus. And the guy who's has just sneaked into the tie-break is fully

pumped and up for the challenge. REFEREE: Four inches past jack high.

Interesting to see whether he played aggressive and draws it. If he draws

the perfect bowl, it will be difficult to get out. It is the

harder of the two shots. Not quite going to get back. That has made it

hard now. Oh, dear, didn't want that touch. Nick is in a very strong

position now. He can afford to leave the head alone, just run to the

re-spot. David Gourlay has got very few

options here. The re-spot covered. Still have to try and draw this.

That is all he has got. I know how hard it is. Everything

has to be inch perfect. Just under. Lovely weight to

Troutbeck but just under the line. For the first time in this match,

Nick Brett is looking really good to go through.

He has only been in France in this match once and that was in the sick

and the first set, 5-4. -- sixth end.

Now, he needs just one more for his first world final.

For a while, it didn't look like it was going to happen.

Only four bowls away from it on this end.

20 years since David Gourlay last on the world title, 1996. He is still

fighting hard in this one. I believe it was at his first attempt. And I

believe, is he the first, or the last player outside of the 16 to win

it as well, I think. All the other winners have been from the seeded

positions. Great bowl from Nick. With his last bowl to beat Tony

Allcock. He came in as a qualifier, 100-1

qualifier, 20 years ago. He needs that same sort of bowl now.

I think he is slipping past. Nick, this is a run for cover here.

The perfect second delivery. Here we come for the re-spot.

Let's see how close he gets to it. Very good. They have to think about

playing this off. Not allowed to destroy the end until

the third end of the tie-break. The first two ends, the jack was on the

re-spot. Going for the runner. Forced into this. He is in so much

trouble now. The re-spot is not available.

Nick has a choice, he can either block David's draw. I think I would

go into there, Greg, and hold the second shot so David hasn't got the

drive to take the bowl out. Stay away from it at the same time. The

last thing he wants to do is make a target, that is for sure. He can

this forehand, maybe even close to three feet away from the jack and

still get a very good bowl. He has the re-spot covered. Is it going to

stop in time? I think it is, exactly what he was looking for.

Perfect. He obviously can't see what we put

on the screen but that is a He obviously can't see what we put

wonderful bowl, it has forced David He obviously can't see what we put

Gourlay. He is suddenly one bowl away from going out of the world

singles. The perfect draw to keep his World

Championship alive. He is playing the only shot

available to him. How close can he get? Just going to go under, I

believe. He is an inch under. REFEREE: Second game and match to

Nick Brett. The world number one has snatched

success away from David Gourlay in the last three end of this match. A

wonderful exhibition of bowls. 7-62 David Gourlay, 7-6 to Nick Brett,

and Nick Brett takes the tie-break 2-0.

Age Matic match this morning on the blue rink at Potters. David, first

of all, give us your thoughts how you felt the second set ended up? It

final once again? To be honest, I

final once again? Nick's bowl wasn't running. Still

when it was coming I thought it would fall back. When I looked at

it, we both fancied my bowl. Suddenly I had to take a tie-break.

At that point, Suddenly I had to take a tie-break.

difference in your Wadi language, how difficult was that this -- in

your body language, how difficult was it to throw off?

your body language, how difficult You are back in a battle again. To

play a tie-break and I didn't perform in the tie-break.

Commiserations but a good effort until that point. Nikki, first of

all, as David said, you delivered that final bowl of the second set,

did you think as you release that, that you were still in this match? I

can't tell you what I said! But I thought it was short and tight. At

the moment that the measure was going on, what were you thinking?

Waiting for the inevitable one green, to be honest. It didn't look

as if I had done enough. green, to be honest. It didn't look

the markers more money! In contrast to David in the

tie-break, you were, there In contrast to David in the

spring in your step, you looked really confident.

David was far the better player. Getting in the tie-break was a bonus

for me. I'd scratched around, David's first two bowls were good. I

had worn out sheepdogs trying to find mine! I was relieved to get

into the tie-break. I felt like wearing a balaclava, I robbed him of

a win. Fair play, David played well. I hung in and managed to sneak a

measure. This is your first final tomorrow.

Looking forward to it. However it is, it will be a monster of a task.

I can hang in when I have not gone great so hopefully I can find a few

more good ones. Congratulations to Nick Brett.

It is Nick Brett who will play Robert Paxton in the final on

Sunday, both players preparing for their first appearance in a Potters

singles final. David Gauke and I are in the players

lounge overlooking the blue rink. Nick Brett was outstanding coming

back into that match but there was a very pivotal moment at the end of

the second set. Absolutely, no doubt, that measure

was remarkable. We were chatting about this and I spoke to Nick

afterwards. He said he was thinking about shaking hands, but measure it

just in case. Normally, Nicky would get it right. The difficulty with

that is one bowl was going straight down and coming in at an angle, a

flat angle, that is the difference. Half an inch in it. Nick, Player of

the Year in 2015, something he is desperate to get hold of, a spot in

the final. He is delighted he realised over the

whole game that David was more consistent. You have to dig out the

big bowls. The other semifinal was a belter.

Andy Thompson described it as Andy Thompson described it as

He was totally blessedness, no doubt. We are in a situation of

saying when Alex is at his best no one can touch him, even

saying when Alex is at his best no number one would have been

struggling to cope with this shot. An amazing bowl. He continued

throughout the first set. The second set, slightly different. Again,

bangs another one in. He drew in the next one for four.

Bowl after bowl. Robert did the right thing. He let it happen. And

concentrated on the next step. From the second set, Robert was in superb

form, taking him all the way into the tie-break.

He has been there before, on the other side of Alex playing like

this. It didn't go well. But this time he fought really hard, got back

into it. It was anybody's game. The second end of the tie-break, you

were saying as he was getting ready to play the draw, you said you were

surprised this was the choice. Every other player would have played that

on the forehand. The difficulty was, if he had hit it on the forehand, he

was leaving a lot of room for the next bowl. That was an unbelievable

pressure shot. He left Alex very little to play out of that.

The most amazing match. The crowd The most amazing match. The crowd

were so into it. Everybody was into it, no doubt. The number of messages

coming through saying the same thing, a brilliant game. One of

those games you want to review and think about, the psychology was very

strong. Alex being so good. A great learning curve for anyone who wants

to enjoy bowls. The type of day we can put together

a long highlights package. It would be that long but tonight if you want

to catch it, you can do on BBC Two at 11:35pm. Both semifinals most

certainly worth watching once again. And tomorrow, the final on BBC Two

at 2pm, Robert Paxton against Nick Brett.

We are going to have a new name on the trophy. Any idea who might come

out on top? I am really not sure, to be

truthful, the other two guys could have been in the final. Both these

players scraped their way through and showed what true champions they

are. Will it be a tie-break, I hope so.

Two Casbah battled hard over five years coming up through the ranks

and now getting their rewards -- two players.

I remember when they were outside the top 20, coming through

qualifiers, making second round. They really have played well. They

deserve this. They beat David Gourlay and Alex Marshall, a

fantastic thing to do. Sadly, Alex Marshall's quest for a

seventh title has come to an end. We have two new finalists at Potters,

Robert Paxton and Nick Brett, battling it out for the title here

tomorrow on the blue rink, the most famous arena in the world indoor

bowls. Whatever happens, there will be a new name on the trophy come

close of play on Sunday, will it be Robert Paxton of Nick Brett Quetta

Mark join us on BBC Two at 2pm to find out, goodbye. -- Nick Brett?