PAST champions bit the turf with alarming regularity in the men’s singles of the 44th York Open Bowls tournament.
As the competition prgressed two former winners exited, led by 2008 winner Ray Calpin, who perished in the third round.
Last year’s winner Mike Bruce was vanquished in the second round.
Even Gary Bunce, the runner-up from 2010, failed to get beyond the third round.
But through to the semi-finals went Paul Humphreys, who won the crown six years ago. After a walkover in the first round, he cruised past his next two opponents before beating J Dobbin 21-14 in the quarter-final.
He was next up to take on Gordon Walker in the semi-final.
Walker was the 21-16 conqueror of Tex Stevens in their last eight encounter.
Kevin Liddell, who ended champion Bruce’s reign in a round two tie, shaded a tight quarter-final showdown against Brian Gray 21-20, while Josh Cahill was toppled 21-19 in the quarters by Eddie Howcroft.
The 44th York Open Bowls tournament rolls to a finish today.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here