Skelton makes it in the first round of the singles

20 January, 2020

The last match of the day here at Potters Resort from the International Arena in the ‘Just’ 2020 World Indoor Open Singles Championships was between England’s Simon Skelton, ranked at 16 against PBA Qualifier from Scotland, Colin Banks.

Skelton and Banks

The first set saw Banks taking Skelton to the limit and a shock looked on the cards for the Top 16 player as Banks held him almost end for end on shots and by the close of the seventh end it only 4 all. It was Banks that managed to hold a two count on end eight and then a further single on end nine to seal the first set 4,7.

Second set though was slightly different as Skelton played better and Banks made a cuple of small errors that let Skelton off. Skelton was one up by the start of the eighth end at 6,5 and carried to take the second set 9,5.

The tie break it was both that had very nervy starts and plenty of room around the jack and it was Skelton that took the first end. Second end and with Banks holding a good shot Skelton drove the jack in the corner of the back ditch with a toucher that followed it through about 4 foot away. Twice Banks tried to draw to beat this bowl but the second attempt just fell about a foot short and it was Skelton that heaved a huge sigh of relief as he goes through to the second round.