ANNAN bowler Daniel Pool has secured back to back world championship indoor bowling titles after defeating the same opponent in the final for the second year in succession.
The 22-year-old became the first to ever retain the U25 World Indoor Bowling Championship title at Potters Resort, Hopton on Sea after beating fellow Scot Darren Weir in the final on Saturday.
Weir led 6-3 in the opening set, but Daniel replied with a single and two doubles to take an early advantage in the best of two sets of 11 and final.
Weir came out fighting in the second set and opened up a 6-0 lead. Daniel responded with a treble, but Weir opened up a 12-3 advantage. Back to back doubles from the Annan bowler were not enough to claw back and Weir won the set 12-7.
In the tie break Daniel won the first two ends to make sure he would hold on to the trophy for another year.
Last year Daniel said his aim was to retain the title. This time round he made the six hour drive down to Essex with his dad, James Woodhouse and John Quinn. And he was overjoyed after achieving back to back wins.
He said: “It’s brilliant. It feels very good to have done it. I was against the exact same guy in the final. I do get nervous before it, but when I’m on then I’m alright. It’s the walk on I don’t like.
“I want to win it again next year and be the first person to win it three times in a row. I’ve got three years left at it.”
Daniel plays outdoor for Annan Bowling Club and indoor for Cumbria Indoor Bowls Club. This year, he would like to achieve success in the outdoor events as well as try and encourage more young people to take up the sport.
He added: “I would like to get in the U25 Scotland squad and win a Scottish title.
“I enjoy playing indoor more because you don’t get soaked while you’re playing!
“We need to attract more young folk to bowling. I might see if I can do some open days in Annan this year if anyone would be interested.”
Daniel would like to express thanks to his family and friends for their support and also to his sponsor, BSW Group.
