FOLLOWING a tie-break victory Crediton’s Robert Paxton made it third time lucky as he became World Indoor Bowls champion last weekend.

It was a nerve-wracking tie breaker victory for Robert over Nick Brett in the final.

Robert, who plays indoors at the Exonia Club in Exeter and outdoors with Crediton Bowling Club, had twice lost finals in 2016 and 2018.

This year he earned his title as he beat Brett 7-10, 8-7, 2-1, battling back well after losing the first set at the Potters Leisure resort in Hopton in Norfolk.

Brett had beaten Paxton in the final in 2016 and has also attracted widespread attention in recent weeks after a video of a remarkable “miracle” shot in the men’s doubles final went viral.

Robert (41) has worked for Bond Bowls and Mid Devon Trophies in Crediton for the past 10 years, was seeded eighth and clinched a close tie breaker to lift the trophy for the first time in his career.

He has lived in Crediton for the past three years and said he was “thrilled” with his win.

He explained: “I am over the moon.

“It was a hurdle to get over but I did it, so it was third time lucky.

“I think I played well and only knew I had won on my opponent’s last bowl.

“It is the biggest indoor tournament we bowlers play for so it is a massive pinnacle to win.

“Competitors take part from many countries around the world and it is three weeks of intense competition, more of a mental strain than a physical one, and certainly a long time to keep focussed.”

Robert was seeded eighth in the open singles, and had beaten another Englishman, Les Gillett, in his semi-final to reach this showpiece match.

In 2018 Robert claimed bronze in the singles as part of England’s 2018 Commonwealth Games team in the Lawn Bowls tournament in Australia.

His World Bowls Tour success previously included a Scottish International Open win in 2011, and the pairs and mixed pairs double at Potters in 2015, as well as another mixed title, alongside Ellen Falkner, in 2019.

Chris Bond, Robert’s employer, said: “I would like to congratulate Rob, it is a thoroughly deserved win.

“It has come from years of hard work and dedication to his sport.”