Burnett breezes past Jackson

Darren Burnett wasted no time in showing spectators what he is capable of at the Co-Operative Funeralcare World Bowls Tour International Open in Blackpool yesterday.

The Arbroath policeman delivered a clinical dismissal of Lincoln’s Billy Jackson, who was world champion in 2009, five years before Burnett won the title, winning 10-2 9-3.

Burnett had watched some first round games on YouTube at his home in Arbroath before leaving for Blackpool and knew the carpet was “challenging”.

“The hands were different speeds, and one way was slower than the other,” he said.

“That’s why I decided to play on one side of the rink and leave the other side well alone.”

Burnett dominated throughout against an opponent who was actually playing well – and the score reflects the Scot’s superiority.

In an all-Scottish battle, world No 2 Paul Foster got the better of the new national indoor singles champion John Fleming, who is only 18, but the 8-3 11-4 scoreline does not reflect how close the bowling was.