World final for Torquay bowler

Jamie Walker is through to the World Indoor Bowls Championship final for the first time after the Torquay Kings BC man produced yet another never-say-die display to beat former champion Robert Paxton in a nail-biting semi-final at Potters Resort, Norfolk.

Qualifier Walker, 31, had to come from behind in both sets of the semi-final, as he had done several times in earlier rounds, to draw 8-8 against Exeter-born Paxton (Crediton/Exonia).

But he kept pulling out quality shots under mounting pressure and, after denying Paxton, 44, victory on the last end of the second set, he won the tiebreak 2-0.

Northampton-born Walker, who moved West to join the all-conquering Kings team with fellow stars like Sam Tolchard, the World Champion of Champions, and Louis Ridout, said: "For long periods in the second set, I didn't think it was going to happen.

"I really had to dig in, and I'm just delighted to be playing again tomorrow."

Walker, who won a Pairs silver medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in Augus, will play another qualifier, Scot Jason Banks from Aberdeen, in Sunday's final.