Gallant Smith exits World Championship
Former Sunderland star Gary Smith's hopes of having a good run in the Just Retirement World Indoor Bowls Championships were dashed in the first round as he suffered a straight two-set defeat at the hands of Scotland's David Gourlay.
In the first set, Smith (South Shields) nearly completed a great comeback. On the final end and trailing 7-4, Smith played a tremendous double take-out to hold four for the set, however Gourlay drew within a couple of feet for third to take the first set 7-6.
Smith looked in control of the second set, leading 6-2, but Gourlay rallied and notched up eight shots without reply to take it 10-6 and the match.