Anderson wins all-ayrshire final

Stewart Anderson thanked his parents and fiancée after beating fellow Ayrshireman Paul Foster to claim the Scottish International Open title at the Dewars Centre in Perth on Saturday.

In a repeat of the 2013 World Indoor final, 33-year-old Anderson, seeded eight, overcame his 45-year-old opponent in two straight sets, 8-6, 12-4.

It was closer than the scoreline suggests, with Anderson taking the opening set after Foster’s three had cut the gap to 6-5. Anderson then cut loose in the second set, scoring three threes to lead 11-2.

“I’m over the moon,” he said. “I had to be at my best to beat Paul because he did nothing wrong all game. You have to play big bowls at the right time if you want to win.

“My mum and dad aren’t keeping too well at the moment, so thanks to them for everything, and to my fiancée Claire too.”

Five-time world indoor champion Foster said: “I don’t think I did much wrong but Stewart was absolutely relentless. I didn’t deserve to be 6-2 down in the first set, but that’s bowls. Whatever I did, he had an answer for it but I’ve still had a great week. I’m pleased how I played and I lost to a great guy.”