Devon bowler crowned world indoor champion following tie-break victory

Crediton's Robert Paxton made it third time lucky as he became World Indoor Bowls champion with a nerve-wracking tie breaker victory over Nick Brett in the final.

Paxton, who plays at the Exonia club in Exeter, had twice lost finals in 2016 and 2018.

But he earned his first 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 over the last week after a video of his remarkable 'miracle' shot in the men's doubles final went viral.

Paxton, a 41-year-old former postman who now works for Bond Bowls in Crediton, was seeded eighth and clinched a close tie breaker to lift the trophy for the first time in his career.

To watch Paxton's win over Brett in full, click here for World Tour Bowl's YouTube stream.