Harlow falls at final hurdle in Grand Prix
WORLD number one Greg Harlow proved to be no match for David Gourlay in the final of this year’s Co-operative Funeralcare Welsh Grand Prix on Saturday.
After over coming former world number one Paul Foster 2-0 in the semi-final, the City of Ely star failed to repeat his performance in the final against a rejuvenated Gourlay.
Harlow’s controlled aggression, combined with subtle drawing bowls when necessary, had paid handsome dividends during his 9-4,9-4 semi-final victory over Foster earlier in the day,
But during the opening set in the final Cambridgeshire star struggled with his weight and direction, and within five ends Gourlay, beaten finalist in the competition 12 months ago, was virtually home and dry with an 8-0 lead.
The clash between the two most successful players in terms of World Bowls Tour final appearances certainly never lived up to expectations, as Gourlay continued to apply the pressure with his opening bowls in the second set, while Harlow, for some inexplicable reason, could not find his weight and line.
Although Harlow, scrambled a few shots in the second set, Gourlay always held the upperhand, and two perfectly drawn bowls on the eighth end when 6-4 ahead only served to emphasise the difference between the players on the day, before running out a 10-1, 8-4 winner.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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