TWO East Lothian bowlers will today (Thursday) bid for a spot in the quarter-finals of the World Indoor Bowls Championships.

Alex Marshall and Billy Mellors both came through their first-round ties last week to reach the last 16 at Potters Holiday Resort at Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk.

Now, both will aim to go one step further in the singles, with six-time singles winner of the event Marshall in action first.

Marshall has an incredible 14 titles overall from the World Indoor Championships.

The 56-year-old, from Tranent, tackles New Zealand qualifier Martin Kreft at 10am.

Speaking after defeating Greg Harlow, 9-8, 9-3, in the first round, Marshall said: “I’ll need to play a bit better to make it 15 [world titles]!

“The surface at Potter’s [this year] is the hardest I’ve ever played on here.

“As players, we normally know where our bowls are going but today was so hard. Both Greg and I struggled.”

Meanwhile, Mellors, who had not played at the competition for more than 20 years, faces off against Nick Brett in the afternoon clash.

The East Lothian bowler came through against No.9 seed Jason Greenslade in the first round in dramatic fashion, after taking the tie-break.

The Aberlady man told the Courier yesterday (Wednesday): “I’m happy with my preparations so far and practice sessions with Alex are giving me more experience on the portable rink.

“I’m still on a learning curve here but I’m confident that I can put on a good display tomorrow against a top player in Nick Brett.”

Marshall is in action from 10am today, while Mellors’ match is due to get under way at 3pm.

The quarter-finals are played tomorrow (Friday), the semi-finals on Saturday, and the final on Sunday.

The World Indoor Bowls Championships can be watched live via the World Bowls Tour channel on YouTube.