World ranked number 5, Rob Paxton became the second player to book a semi-final spot in the @Ambassador Cruise Line World Indoor Bowls Open Singles champion, beating Nottingham's Les Gillett in straight sets 10-4, 7-5.
Paxton was in form from the beginning, playing a wide range of shots depending on the situation that was presented to him, and, particularly over the opening stages, left Gillett disappointed time and time again with his specific running bowls and accurate draw shots.
Paxton held a narrow 4-2 lead at the fourth end, and over the remaining ends, scored six shots for the loss of a double to win 10-4,
Gillett did rally early doors in the second, getting on the scorecard with a double on the second end but once again Paxton stood his corner with a confident gait, adding a treble to move 4-2 ahead.
Singles were scored on each of the next six ends, but despite scoring three counts each, Paxton took the plaudits to win 7-5 and set up a last-four clash against David Gourlay MBE in the semi-finals first of the afternoon slots tomorrow. (Saturday 25th January at 1pm)
Both players have held this title before, with Paxton beating Nicky Brett in the 2020 title decider 7-10, 8-7, 2-1, whilst Gillett kept the spectators on the edge of their seats, with a thrilling last bowl draw on the deciding end of the tie break, to take the title 8-7, 4-12, 2-1 against five-time champion Paul Foster MBE.
RESULT
World Indoor Bowls Open Singles Championship Quarter Final 2
Rob Paxton (Eng/5) beat Les Gillett (Eng /4) 2-0 (10-4, 7-5).
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