Huntingdon star Nicky Brett is on top of the bowls world
Huntingdon bowler Nicky Brett holds aloft the Just Retirement World Indoor Championships trophy. Picture: JAMES BASS - Credit: James Bass
There was crying and cartwheeling as Huntingdon gained a new sporting world champion today.
Bowls star Nicky Brett captured the Just Retirement World Indoor Championships title for the first time.
The Huntingdon IBC man beat Robert Paxton 9-9, 9-12 in the final at the Potters Resort, Hopton-on-Sea.
World number one Brett found himself trailing in the opening set until producing a nerveless final bowl in the final end to gain a second shot and earn a tie.
He then took command with a full house of four shots in the opening end of the second set and never looked back as he made his first final appearance a winning one.
It was also a lucrative afternoon’s work as Brett banked a cool £55,000 for his exploits.
No wonder he felt the urge to somersault his way down the famous blue rink with a cartwheel before collecting the trophy.
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Brett was also left hugely emotional by his success and was reduced to tears during a televised post-match interview.
He said: “It sounds pretty bloody good to be world champion.
“I can’t really remember any of the game although I know both Robert and myself played well at times.
“I must admit I was quite pleased with the final bowl to tie the first set. It was a massive one in the context of the match.
“Then I just managed to do enough when it counted in the second set to win the game.
“I can’t thank my family and friends enough for coming along to support me and my father who I’m sure will have been looking down.”
Brett was first introduced to the game by late father, Brian, as a 12 year-old.
Now, aged 41, the father-of-two from Yaxley, near Peterborough is on top of the world.
