YORK'S Amy Monkhouse saw a lucky strike by record 14 times world champion Tony Allcock from Cheltenham deprive her of the inaugural Potters World Mixed Pairs Matchplay bowls title last night.

Commonwealth Games Pairs bronze medallist Monkhouse teamed up with world number four John Price, of Wales, and they produced a sizzling finish to take the opening set in the final against Allcock and Lynne Whitehead at Hopton, Norfolk.

Whitehead and Allcock seemed poised to take the first set when they led 5-3 with just two ends to play but Monkhouse and Price swooped with a double and single to snatch the set 6-5.

Back came Whitehead and Allcock in the second set, charging 5-1 ahead over the first four ends and although Monkhouse and Price slashed the gap to 6-4, a last end single enabled their rivals to capture the set 7-4 to force a sudden death shoot-out.

In the showdown Allcock drew first blood but Monkhouse and Price battled back to square the decider 1-1.

In the final drama, Monkhouse and Price were on the brink of victory, but Allcock enjoyed a huge slice of luck with his final delivery as his off-target wood glanced off a short bowl and homed in on Price's wood, taking it out.

Price had a chance to scoop the title with his final effort, but disaster struck when his bowl died a death 18 inches from the jack and he and Monkhouse were edged out 2-1.

Monkhouse, who had teamed up with Whitehead to win the bronze medals in Manchester last summer. said: "It was an extremely close battle which could have gone either way.

"Tony's final effort enjoyed a slice of luck, but that's bowls. It's swings and roundabouts when you battle it out in such a close final.

"This tournament has given me a new confidence. I've never played at this kind of level and in such a dramatic atmosphere before. When I came here I was worried that I might not strike my best form and that I might make a fool of myself.

"However, I've been boosted by the way I've played and the experience has been magic."

Price said: "I've been absolutely delighted with Amy's performances in this event. She has proved herself a real star."

Updated: 13:08 Thursday, January 23, 2003