CITY of Ely bowler Greg Harlow, pictured, has dropped to number five in the World rankings after a disappointing showing in the World Indoor Championships last month, but he has been honoured at the inaugural World Bowls Tour awards. The 39-year old – who

CITY of Ely bowler Greg Harlow, pictured, has dropped to number five in the World rankings after a disappointing showing in the World Indoor Championships last month, but he has been honoured at the inaugural World Bowls Tour awards.

The 39-year old - who is competing in this week's 2008 Welsh International Open at the Selwyn Samuel Centre in Llanelli - received the Fan's Player of the Year accolade immediately after the conclusion of the Singles Championships at Hopton-on-Sea.

"To all those who voted for me - I love you," said Harlow when accepting the award.

Back on the rink in the final event of the World Bowls Tour season, Harlow made short work of his first round opponent at the Welsh Open.

The third seed brushed aside Scottish qualifier Jamie Higgins 8-3, 11-7 on Sunday to set up a second round meeting with Nottingham-based qualifier Michael Bowley.

Bowley had upset the form-book by defeating three-times winner and Commonwealth Gold Medallist Kelvin Kerkow (Australia) in the First Round.

Kerkow was beaten 9-4, 3-9, 0-2, suffering his worst ever defeat in the process.

Scotland's Paul Foster is the defending champion in this event.