Duff on course for double

Bowls

Hugh Duff, the International Open winner, continued his quest for double success at Preston as he moved through to the semi-finals of the Churchill Insurance World Indoor Championship with a five-set win over Ian Bond yesterday.

Duff, who gradually found his form after a slow start, said: "I could have been in all sorts of bother had I lost the second set but fortunately I managed a last-bowl win."

He then took the third 7-0 and opened up a 4-0 lead in the next. Bond hit back to snatch the set 7-4 and force a decider but the Scot cruised through 7-1 to secure a match against the defending champion, Andy Thomson.

Bond was in positive mood despite his defeat, saying: "I've really enjoyed the championship. I didn't play as well today as I did in my second round win over Ian Taylor but I'm delighted to have got to the quarter-finals at my first attempt."