Blackpool bowler Dawes conquers the world

Blackpool's Mark Dawes is a double world champion at indoor bowls.
Mark DawesMark Dawes
Mark Dawes
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Dawes reaches world final

The 35-year-old defeated Robert Paxton of Somerset 8-7, 6-7, 2-0 in a thrilling final at the Potters Resort and thanked supporters from the Staining club.

it followed Saturday's straight sets semi-final victory over Commonwealth Games gold medallist and former world champion Darren Burnett.

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Delighted Dawes, who had lifted the pairs crown in tandem with Jamie Chesney, said with great understatement: "The last two and a half weeks have gone pretty well.

"Family and friends have come down and people from the club, some of them setting off really early, and hearing their voices in the crowd really helps. I'm over the moon."

Having lost in the first round 12 months ago, Dawes added: "That was a long four and a half hour drive home but this one may be better.

"The difference this year is up here (pointing to his head). I'm playing with confidence and playing well in the pairs helps.

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"I play like that at the club and put the bowls near. I just haven't done it on the portable rinks until now."

Paxton was gracious in defeat despite being put off by a call from the crowd as he delivered his final bowl in the tie-break.

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