Harlow was the beaten finalist at Potters in 2006

England's Greg Harlow overcame a stiff challenge from Scottish qualifier Stewart Anderson to win the world indoor bowls title for the first time.

Harlow outlasted his younger opponent to win 9-8 10-3 in a thrilling final.

The 41-year-old, runner-up in 2006, told BBC Sport: "It's been a long time coming. Stewart's been playing fantastic all week and did so again."

Anderson, 24, said: "Well done Greg. I am not complaining as it was a great achievement for me to reach the final."

But the world junior champion from Cumnock could not hide his disappointment at not becoming the second-youngest ever winner of the title, a mantle he would have inherited from fellow Scot Richard Corsie.

Anderson thought he had a great chance of victory

It had looked like he might produce another surprise result following his earlier victories over five-time champion Alex Marshall, 15th seed Mark McMahon and 18th seed John Price after a dogged display to level the first set.

Harlow raced into a 3-0 lead at Potters in Great Yarmouth after the opening end, when Anderson appeared to choose the wrong option with his final bowl.

The Scot clawed his way back to edge 4-3 in front and, after Harlow himself recovered to lead 8-4, the scores were level going into the second set.

Anderson led 1-0 and 2-1 and it was 3-3 after six ends as singles were exchanged during a tight match that looked destined to go to the wire.

However, when Harlow stole three shots at the eighth end to lead 8-3, it was virtually all over and the Englishman's greater experience produced a deserved victory.

It meant that the world title remained in England, Billy Jackson, who took an early exit this term, having produced a surprise win 12 months ago.

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