Bowls: Royal marches into World Singles championship semi-finals

Mark Royal is through to the last four of the World Bowls Singles Championship.

But the Stowmarket bowler had to come from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Scotland's Darren Burnett at Hopton-on-Sea this evening.

Royal narrowly lost the opening set 8-7 but levelled the match with a 9-3 success in the second to force a tie-break.

And it was Royal, currently ranked No 3 in the world, who galloped through with a 2-0 victory to set up a semi-final against World No 1 Paul Foster at Potters Leisure Resort tomorrow, 12.30pm.

The other semi-final sees No 1 seed and reigning champion Greg Harlow, from City of Ely, take on Alex Marshall to complete a pair of East Anglia versus Scotland last four battles.

The final is on Sunday at 2pm.

• Keep up to date with the latest action on the World Bowls Tour website, here, or watch on BBC television - Saturday semi-finals, 2.30-4.30pm, BBC One, LIVE and 12.45-1.45am (Sunday), BBC Two, highlights. Sunday final, 2.30-5.15pm, BBC Two, LIVE.