Pathway cleared for title crack

GUERNSEY'S Craig Dorey and Lianna Bichard are both through to today's singles semi-finals of the world under-25 championships. The Sarnian duo each won their last group matches yesterday at the Guernsey Bowls Stadium to stay within a shout of making it to tomorrow's finals.

'I'm really pleased,' said Bichard yesterday.

'I never expected to get through. Regard-less of how tomorrow goes, I've achieved more than I thought I would especially by going on last year's performance.

'I'm quite pleased with my game at the moment. If I play like I have been I'll be pleased, win or lose.

'I've played quite consistently and if I can keep that going for another day then good.'

Bichard booked her place in the last four when the 21-year-old beat Wales' Kerry Packman 2-0. The Sarnian took the first set comfortably 10-4, while the second was a tighter affair at 4-3.

Whereas Bichard's match had been relatively plain sailing, Dorey's was another matter.

Needing just one set to progress to the semis against David Thomas, things did not go to plan as the 18-year-old Isle of Man bowler, who had not won a match all tournament, took the first set with one end spare at 7-3.

Thomas was playing some magic bowls.

'I didn't panic but I was pooping myself,' said Dorey.

'The first set was crazy. He made me look bad and I wasn't playing that bad.

'I would have a side touch and then he would out-draw it. In the second set I knuckled down.'

The Guernsey bowler started the second set in fine style as he notched up two threes from the first two ends. The six points set him up nicely as Thomas got two points from the following two ends.

Both players picked up a single point each going into the final end that saw Dorey gain another triple to take the set and to earn a place in the semis. The partisan Guernsey crowd on the balcony celebrated as Dorey gave a double thumbs up to his supporters.

Dorey then claimed the tie-break 2-1.

'It was a good game,' said Thomas.

'I started very well and in the second it was a battle. I enjoyed it.

'It's a good level of competition and it's my first time bowling out side the Isle of Man. I'm just pleased for the opportunity to play.'

Guernsey's other bowler in the competition,Kris Bichard, did not make it out of the group stages.