THE 46th annual York Open Bowls Tournament served up its first surprise result early on the opening day as reigning mixed pairs champions Laura Clarke and Scott Burrell bowed out in round one.

Clarke and Burrell were dumped out 22-17 by 2012 ladies singles winner Sandra Grantham and Brian Gray, who progressed to the quarter-finals in their quest for a third title after lifting the trophy in 2004 and 2005.

2008 champion Betty Richardson and new partner Bill Waldie bowed out in round one, losing 15-7 to S Dalton and T Wheatley.

Gary Bunce, who won the mixed pairs title in 2001 and 2004, was a late substitute in tandem with G Newton, and they stormed through to the quarter-finals.

Sheila Turpin and Kevin Liddell, last year’s runners-up, came through three tricky matches to book a quarter-final place.

In round one, they were 18-14 winners over 2007 winner Christine Guy, who was in tandem with new partner Gary Lewington.

2011 runners-up Pauline and John Cooper exited at the first hurdle, falling 18-12 to J Williams and A Potter.

Hayley and Nigel Macdonald were 18-15 victors over Lynn Tattersall and Eddie Howcroft in round three to book a quarter-final spot.

The Macdonald duo had a first round bye before winning 18-15 in round two, while 2012 ladies singles runner-up Tattersall and Howcroft were 22-5 winers over Moira and Colin Ellis in round one and 14-11 winners against M and E Walker in round two.

Pauline Veitch and Tim Winter, who were beaten finalists in 2010, bowed out after a 23-9 first round defeat by M Watson and A Phillips.

Pat and Gordon Storey needed an extra end to beat S Wallace and J Stankler in round one, but they then exited 20-18 to C and V Thompson in round two and their conquerors went on to seal a quarter-final place.

Judy Abel is no stranger to victory at the York Open Tournament and she teamed up with Sean Daly to reach the last eight.

Abel, ladies singles winner in 2004 and 2005 and ladies pairs champion in 2011, and Daly were on the brink of defeat in round three.

They trailed 16-14 to J Howat and P Jackson but levelled on the 18th end before winning the match on the extra end.

The tournament was opened by the Sheriff of York, Coun Brian Watson and his Lady at Clarence Garden.

Chairman Doug Richardson and secretary Graham Brooke welcomed the civic party, after some speeches, the Sheriff delivered the first bowl and declared the tournament open.