RESULTS:
The Co-operative Funeralcare
Scottish International Open, Perth, Scotland
Paxton Celebrates Historic Scottish Open Success
England's Robert Paxton etched his name into the bowls record books today at Dewars Centre in Perth when he beat fellow countryman Greg Harlow, the world No2, in the final of the Co-operative Funeralcare Scottish International Open to become the first qualifier to win the established World Bowls Tour title in Scotland.
"It's unbelievable – a dream come true," said Paxton, the world No18 from Exeter, after his maiden WBT title success in his first final.
Paxton reached the final without dropping a set – despatching defending champion Mervyn King in the previous round.
The final was truly a game of two halves. Harlow, the 2010 world champion from Ely, overwhelmed Paxton in the first set, building up an astonishing 11-0 lead before the Devonian replied.
But, with the jack now in Paxton's hands and longer jack lengths his preferred option, the Exonia club star took control in the second set – scoring in the first three ends before Harlow managed a single, then winning the set by an eight-shot margin.
Paxton held his nerve to win the first two ends of the tie break to celebrate his historic 2-11, 10-2, 2-0 triumph.
"I was just happy to come back the way I did in the second after losing so heavily in the first. And while Greg was exceptional in the first set, I felt I didn't play too badly - so I just knuckled down in the second and took my chances," said Paxton afterwards.
Harlow agreed that both players had played well: "You know a player of Rob's calibre is always going to come back at you. I played too many short bowls in the second set and Robert stamped on them."
Paxton was finding it difficult to savour the moment: "It still hasn't really sunk in – yet I've been dreaming of this since I first qualified for a WBT event in 2006!"
Currently ranked 18 in the world, Paxton was forced to qualify for the event which ensures a first round place only for the world's top 16.
"I've heard it's put me provisionally up to seven in the world rankings – and I've still got the worlds (in January) to go," continued Paxton. "But hopefully I've done enough for a top 16 place next season.
"And I can now look forward to playing in the Premier League next year – and that's fantastic!"
RESULTS: The Co-operative Funeralcare Scottish International Open, Perth, Scotland
Final: [Q] Robert Paxton (ENG) bt [3] Greg Harlow (ENG) 2-11, 10-2, 2-0
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Thanks to Howard Harding