Burnett continues pursuit of World Youth singles title

Arbroath bowler Ryan Burnett has qualified for the knockout stages of the singles at the World Youth Championships in Queensland, Australia.

The Angus ace has also guaranteed himself a medal in the mixed pairs of the event which is being held at Broadbeach club – where he plays professionally – on the Gold Coast.

Burnett, who captained Scotland in last week’s British U25 Team Championship in Ireland, welcomed the chance to exploit his knowledge of the fast-running Broadbeach greens.

However, he struggled in his qualifying group, losing four of his eight matches and finished equal third with three other players after four victories.

The 24-year-old’s superior shots difference – he returned a 21-1 card against Papua New Guinea’s Allan Kauru – meant he took third spot and kept his title hopes alive.

With wins over New Zealander Rory Soden, Hong Kong’s James Po and Canadian Rob Law, Burnett’s 26-plus shots credit saw him through to today’s quarter-finals.

The 24-year-old teamed up with Norfolk Islander Shae Wilson in the mixed pairs and won five of their seven matches – against Canada, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Ireland and Wales – to finish second in their group.

They were assured of a bronze medal at least after a 16-14 quarter-final victory over Malaysia’s Nurain Tarmizi and Daeng Dahastry booked them a place in today’s semi-finals.