26 January, 2017
For Scotland, world number 6 David Gourlay, winner of this title in 1996, and a beaten semi-finalist on four of the last five years held off a determined effort from Neil Furman from the USA 9-5, 13-4 and meets 2010 holder Greg Harlow who is employed by the Potter Resort as their Bowls Ambassador.
The 50 year old Scot, who now lives in Sitges, near Barcelona, made a tentative start, but with the scoreline showing 4-4 midway through the opening set he scored on three of the last four ends and he kept that momentum going in the second and took an early 7-0 lead after just three ends.
Furman responded with a single and treble but Gourlay headed off the danger, counting six shots over the last three ends to win.
“It was a much harder game than the scoreline suggests” said Gourlay later. “Neil is always dangerous and determined so you’ve just got to stay focused all the time. He started well and it took me a few ends to settle”. I’m aware though that I’ll need to get my first two bowls a lot closer when I play Greg. I’m really looking forward to that. After a 9 day wait to play my second round game I feel as though the Tournament is alive and kicking now”.