World Indoor Bowls Council Championships' exciting conclusion with finals at Hartlepool Indoor Bowls Club

(left to right) Emma McIntyre Scotland with Ian and Alison Merrien MBE in the final of the World Indoor Bowls Championship mixed pairs held at the Hartlepool Indoor Bowls Centre. Picture by FRANK REID

The 2018 World Indoor Bowls Council World Singles and Mixed Pairs Championships concluded with the finals at Hartlepool Indoor Bowls Club on Friday.

David Phillips, of the World Indoor Bowls Council, said finals day provided an exciting conclusion to the the four-day event at the club’s Mill House site in Raby Road.

David said: “It was a very good turn out from the club members for the final day and in general the event was a great success.

“All three events were won by the favourites.

“In the Gents Final, Steward Anderson, of Scotland, was far too strong for Andy Squire, of England, who was playing in his first major world championship while Steward is a former World Bowls Tour Champion.

“In the Ladies singles, in an exciting close first set Alison Merrien, of Guersney, took three shots on the ninth and last end to win the set against Kerry Packwood, of Wales, before going on to win the second set comfortably.

“In the MIxed Pairs, Emma McIntyre and Steward Anderson, of Scotland, defeated Ian and Alison Merrian, of England.

“The Mayor Paul Beck and the Mayoress were present all morning and assisted with the presentation.”

Players from as far afield as the Netherlands, Canada, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales were among those taking part in the event.

l Hartlepool bowlers Ian Jackson, Dale Oram and Glenn Skipp have claimed the National Men’s Triples Over 50s title.

The trio defeated Malvern Hill’s Mike Holmes 18-15 in the finals at Nottingham

In the semi finals as they collected a seven on the 16th end against Riverain’s Tony Webb to lead 19-18 and even then Skipp needed to score a last end three to book a final spot 22-21.