The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
World number 11 Mark Royal won the annual Spalding Indoor Bowls Club open singles tournament after beating current world champion and world number one Nicky Brett in the final.
Some 62 bowlers entered the tournament, which is part of the National Open Singles circuit and was played across December 27 and 28 at the Castle Sports Complex.
With Hughes Electrical generously sponsoring the event, there was a total of £1,800 in prize money up for grabs – which attracted some of the best players from across the country, including Spalding’s best.
After a full day’s play, the quarter-final line-up had three Spalding players still going, but Mathew Orrey and Graham Smith found their opponents on form, both losing to the eventual finalists.
Orrey took Brett to a tie break before losing 2-0, while Smith narrowly lost his tie break against Royal.
Ben Wilson continued his good form by beating Tom Holmes 9-1, 5-2 to claim his place in the semis.
In the final match, Ely’s Ed Elmore was too strong for Thomas Towle, winning in straight sets.
The losing quarter-finalists each received £75.
An open draw saw Wilson face Suffolk based Royal but despite a valiant effort, Royal took the spoils in straight sets (8-2, 6-2).
Brett’s passage to the final was straightforward as he beat Elmore 9-2, 7-1 to set up a clash of the big guns.
The losing semi-finalists each consoled themselves with £150 in prize money.
A packed crowd watched a high quality final, with two of the best players in the world producing a fine display of bowling.
In the first set, leading light Brett took a 2-1 lead after five ends before Royal took control, scoring three doubles to take the opener 7-2.
Brett found another gear in set two, but the scores were level at 6-6 with two ends left.
He did, however, hold his nerve to win both ends and force the final to a tie break.
Slight underdog Royal was unfazed, though, and showed his class to win the next two ends to take the title and the £900 prize money.
Brett settled for the runner-up spot and £300.
Organiser Graham Smith thanked all the markers, umpires and helpers for their assistance in making the tournament another great success, including his daughter Beth for providing the background and walk-on music for the players.
He also offered special thanks to generous sponsors Hughes Electrical.
Spalding IBC’s committee also thank Smith for expertly running the tournament once again.
