BOWLS: Yaxley's Nicky Brett is on top of the world

Brett, the world number one despite never reaching the final before, beat England international team-mate Robert Paxton 9-9, 12-9 in Norfolk to claim the £55,000 first prize.

Brett produced a brilliant last bowl on the final end of the first set to take the two shots he needed to force a draw.

He then promptly claimed a rare four-shot win on the first end of the second set to take a big advantage he never threatened to lose. He was 9-2 ahead after four ends and fought off a mid-set rally from Paxton before taking the set and the title 12-9.

A tearful Brett said after the game: “It’s a pretty bloody good feeling! To win my first title in front of so many of my family and friends is a special moment.

“The crowd pulled me through in the semi-final as I was struggling.

“It was a massive bowl for me to end the first set. If I’d not pulled that shot off I’d have had to go through a tie break to win and no-one wants that.

“You then try and get momentum and I scored heavily at the start of the second set which put me in the driving seat.

“I don’t remember too much about the match. It probably wasn’t an epic, but I’m happy to have won.”

Brett had his toughest encounter in yesterday’s (January 23) semi-final when he pipped Scotsman David Gourlay 6-7, 7-6, 2-0.