WORLD number one Greg Harlow and Andrew Easy have both made flying starts at the Engage International Open. The two City of Ely Indoor Bowls Club members came through tense tie-breaks to win their first-round matches. Harlow, pictured left, who is going

WORLD number one Greg Harlow and Andrew Easy have both made flying starts at the Engage International Open.

The two City of Ely Indoor Bowls Club members came through tense tie-breaks to win their first-round matches.

Harlow, pictured left, who is going for a hat-trick of successive wins at Ponds Forge, in Sheffield, after he became the first player to successfully defend the trophy last year, beat Hong Kong's Robin Chok 12-1, 7-8, 2-1. He will face fellow countryman Billy Jackson today (Thursday).

Easy, in his first World Bowls Tour competition after qualifying in Poole in September, caused an upset by coming from a set behind to defeat world number 16 and 1997 Open Champion, Les Gillett, 4-9, 10-5, 2-0. Easy is now expected to face an even tougher test against former world number one David Gourlay, from Australia.

The star-studded tournament features the world's top 16 bowlers as well as qualifiers from the UK, Australia, South Africa, USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel and New Zealand, is to conclude on Sunday.

The final will be broadcast live on BBC television.