THE Open Singles Circuit returned to York & District Indoor Bowls Club as players from across the country descended on the city in the hope of claiming the £800 winner's cheque.

The two-day tournament was given an extra boost this year by the presence of six times World Indoor Singles champion Alex Marshall MBE.

It began with 60 entries and culminated the following day with a final between Gary Smith, from South Shields IBC, and Kevin Rands, from Lincoln & District IBC, Rands winning 2-0 in sets after a top class final.

Hopes of a York-based winner had ended in the last 16 as both Hayley Macdonald and Paul Humphreys failed to make it into the quarter-finals.

Marshall also participated in an evening question-and-answer session before taking to the green to play exhibition matches against two prize-draw winners and York’s senior international, Zoe Eagles.

This also raised £450 for the Av It fundraising campaign, created in memory of Scarborough bowler Carole McLean which passes on all it collects to Cancer Research UK.

The event was sponsored by Cooperative Funeralcare, Haxby Garage Doors, Wheatlands Lodge, Jorvick Flooring and Carpets and AeroBowls.