England’s Mark Dawes and Jamie Chestney, who claimed the ‘Just’ Open Pairs title in 2018 against Greg Harlow and Nicky Brett have once again thrown their hat into the ring after negotiating a passage into the semi-finals tomorrow night against Jack Bird and Stuart Irwin.
In the last of the four quarter finals that were decided today, Dawes and Chestney’s match against Mark Royal and Rob Paxton was the third that was decided after a best of three end shoot out.
Dawes and Chestney dominated in the first set, only dropping three ends and winning 9-4 with an end to spare.
However Royal and Paxton rectified that in the second. They looked to be in command at 5-0 up after just three ends, but a 1, 3 and 2 reply saw the former holders edge ahead at 6-5. Royal and Paxton though steadied the ship and won the set, taking out doubles on two of the last three ends to take the set 9-7. However they failed to score again, losing a hard fought tie break 2-0.
Chestney mused later “it was a very competitive game. All four of us played well. It wasn’t an easy passage by any manner of means. We were just happy to get the result to stay involved and keep our title hopes alive”.
Both Open Pairs semi-finals will be down for decision tomorrow (Monday 11th) with title being decided on Monday 19th .
“JUST” World Open Pairs 2021
RESULT
PQF3 Mark Dawes & Jamie Chestney (Eng) bt Mark Royal & Rob Paxton (Eng) 9-4, 7-9, 2-0
Report by Anne Dunwoodie (WBT Press Officer)