Falkner’s bid for a third title

TWO Ely internationals are involved in World Bowls Tour action in Norfolk this month, including Ellen Falkner who is looking to secure her third successive World Indoor title. The 27-year-old will start the defence of the trophy, at Potters Holiday Resort

TWO Ely internationals are involved in World Bowls Tour action in Norfolk this month, including Ellen Falkner who is looking to secure her third successive World Indoor title.

The 27-year-old will start the defence of the trophy, at Potters Holiday Resort in Hopton, on Monday. Her opponent is still unknown.

The Commonwealth gold medallist will also be competing in the mixed pairs event on Saturday, 7.30pm, when she will team up with world No 5, Scotsman Paul Foster, against world No 2 Jason Greenslade, from Wales and Scot Caroline Brown.

World No 1 Greg Harlow starts his challenge for the Potters World Indoor title at 3.45pm today (Thursday) in a second-round match with fellow countryman Chris Young, after receiving a bye in the first round.

Harlow will be looking to go one better than last year, when he lost in the final to Mervyn King.

Harlow, and partner Jonathan Ross, from Northern Ireland, were knocked out at the quarter-final stage of the pairs event on Friday, losing 6-5, 5-5 to Scottish duo Wayne Hogg and Neil Spiers.

The 38-year-old will also be competing in the mixed pairs event, in an all-England team with Jo Morris against Canadian Laila Hassan and Englishman Andy Thomson, at 7.30pm on Saturday.

Ely bowler Mark Smith was knocked out of his only event, the World Indoor Singles, by the holder King.

Smith, who will team up with King in the British Isles Team Championship in March, started the tournament well, edging past Brett Arkley, via a tie-break, but came unstuck against the world champion, on Tuesday when he lost 9-2, 6-6.