6th February 2010
Howard Harding

Scotland's 16th seed Darren Burnett emerged as the 2010 Gravells Welsh International Open champion after beating Englishman Simon Skelton in straight sets in today's (Friday) final of the World Bowls Tour ranking event at the City and County of Swansea Indoor Bowls Club in Swansea.

The 33-year-old from Arbroath survived a close encounter in the second semi-final earlier in the day, only beating in-form Australian Brett Wilkie 2-1 in the tie-break.

But despite the fact that Skelton - who played a supreme game to overcome out-of-sorts Welshman Robert Weale in straight sets in the other semi - led in the two sets, it was Burnett who took the upper hand on both occasions to record a magnificent 9-4, 9-5 title-winning triumph.

Burnett was celebrating his second WBT title success in 15 months after winning the International Open in Burgess Hill, Sussex, in November 2008. 

"I came to Swansea hoping to secure my place in the top sixteen - and I'm delighted to have done that," said the Dundee policeman.  "To have won the title is a bonus - and I can hardly believe it - because I know just how strong a field it was.

"It was good to have my family with me for the last couple of days - my wife Lindsey and daughter Isla flew down with my in-laws, and I was aware of their support."

The success sees Burnett, just outside the world top 16 this season, leap to 12th place in the WBT rankings for next season.

"It's a great relief not to have to turn up at the PBA qualifying events next year, and I am looking forward to playing in all three ranking events."

It was a double disappointment for Simon Skelton, the 15th seed from Nottingham who finished as runner-up in Swansea for the second successive year.

"I'm very disappointed, particularly after the way I played against Robert this morning.  The green seemed heavier to both of us in the final, but Darren found it much better than I did, and was a worthy winner," said the 37-year-old.

"I was hoping to put last year's defeat in the final behind me, and was very pleased with the way I played on the way to the final."