Simon Martin roared into the final of the 2013 British Isles Singles Championship at Stanley Indoor Bowls Club.
The Belfast player had to rely on all his battling qualities to shrug off the challenge from England’s Perry Martin – the Irish international winning 21-18.
Martin will now face Wales’ Damien Doubler in Wednesday’s showcase decider.
But he’ll not be the only Irish player in a hunt for glory because Alistair Coleman will feature in the final of the Under-25 singles and Chloe Watson will attempt to win the ladies Under-25 title.
Coleman will line out against Todd Priaulx (Channel Islands) or England’s Ashley Clipston, while Watson goes head to head with Wales’ Amy Williams in what will be a daunting task for the young Comber girl.
Martin led from their third end of his semi final tie with Perry Martin, having built up a 16-10 lead at the 15th end. However, he dropped a count of three on the next, which injected new life into his opponent.
The Watson Stadium player responded with a single and a three, but still Perry Martin failed to toss in the towel. He hit back with two twos and a single.
Simon Martin had to wait until the 25th end before he managed to cross the finishing line (21-18).
Young Coleman was also in excellent form. Even though he trailed the impressive Daniel Salmon (Wales) during the early exchanges, the County Antrim player moved into overdrive on the 16th end by claiming a two to put him 13-8 in front – he then followed up with a count of four.
His opponent replied with a single and a two, but Coleman finished with two single shot winning ends to claim his spot in the final.
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