INDOOR BOWLS: Simpson so close to causing upset
HOME favourite Paul Simpson almost pulled off a major upset at the third Spalding Indoor Bowls Open.
Playing among a field of world class talent, Simpson was within one win of becoming the first Spalding player to win the annual event.
After beating two-time winner Nicky Brett in the semi-final, the omens looked good for Simpson.
But he found world number ten Simon Skelton a step too far in the final, going down in straight sets at the Castle Sports Complex.
The large crowd at Spalding was certainly not disappointed with the standard of play during the two-day event at the back end of December, which has become a blue riband day on the bowls calendar.
The field had to be extended from 48 to 62 from last year, to accommodate the massive interest that has been generated - and all rounds were closely contended.
With the competition fierce, there was a few notable shocks in the opening round.
Much-fancied world number eight Greg Harlow and ladies World Match Play champion Debbie Stavrou were the biggest names to fall at the first hurdle.
The quarter final stage was reached by 6pm on the second day, where a new initiative was used to have an open draw.
The remaining eight players were pulled out at random by the crowd.
Jamie Chestney was to square off against Brett, Nottingham's Skelton met Wayne Bailey, Alex McWhinnie took on favourite and world number two Mark Royal, while an all-Spalding clash between Simpson and Simon Lilley got the crowd dreaming of a home winner.
Three of the games were decided in straight sets with Skelton, Royal and Simpson progressing.
But the clash of the round went to a tie-break with Brett - who was chasing a hat-trick of victories at the event - edging out Chestney 2-0.
The four quarter final winners went into the hat again and were drawn out by the public once more.
This threw up the possibility of the same final as last year, with Brett playing Simpson and Royal playing Skelton.
Both of these semi's were very evenly matched - and both went down to the final end of the tie-break.
Any hopes of a repeat of last years final were dashed when Simpson edged out defending champion Brett 8-7, 0-9, 2-1.
And with Skelton squeezing past former runner-up Royal 3-8, 5-3, 2-1, the crowd had a intriguing final to digest.
The final started at 9pm with a large part of the crowd still there willing on local star Simpson.
But by his own admission he did not quite find the form that had served him so well for the rest of the day - and he went down to Skelton by a scoreline if 3-5, 2-6.
The presentation took place straight after the match, with Skelton banking a cool 700 in prize money, as well as getting his hands on the Brian Thorold trophy.
Simpson's consolation was to collect a handsome cheque of 200.
Michael Penfold from main sponsors, Stonehaven Residential Home was on hand to present the cheque and the trophy.
Spalding Indoor Bowls Club thank Leisure Connection for the use of the rinks all day and for also extending their opening time to accommodate the late finish.
Everybody at the club is now looking forward to the fourth Open in 2010.
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Weather for Spalding
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 25 mph
Wind direction: South
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Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 3 C
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