TORFAEN Indoor Bowls Club member Marion Purcell is celebrating after being crowned world champion, writes Andrew Penman.

The 54-year-old from Cwmbran won the mixed pairs title at the World Indoor Bowls Championships with England’s Rob Paxton.

The pair beat Wales’ Laura Daniels and Scotland’s Paul Foster, the defending champions, 2-1 in a tie-break set in a closely fought final having lost the opening set 10-8 and won the second 9-7.

“It’s absolutely fabulous, said Purcell yesterday. “I will come back again to play next year, which is even better.

“I’m celebrating with an evening meal, a glass of wine or two and I might even stretch it to three.

“I’m going to cool out tomorrow, go for a little run and a little swim maybe and I will be back home on Thursday.

“I’m world champion. People in Wales won’t believe that but I am lost for words. I’m so pleased.”

Purcell and Paxton had beaten Victoria Bilson and David Gourlay 10-3, 7-5 in the quarter-finals at the Potters Resort in Norfolk.

The pair then overcame Julie Forrest and Alex Marshall 8-7, 6-6 in the semi-finals before triumphing in today’s final.

Their success is notable because this is the first time they have played as a pair having met for the first time only last week.

After the semi-final win Paxton said: “Marion and I met for the first time on Thursday but we clicked very well. Marion played very well.

“Marion was the most consistent player out there, but it was a great game. I thought all four of us played well, and the close scoreline says it all.”

The pairs success made up for Purcell’s 8-6, 10-5 defeat to world number one and defending champion Katherine Rednall in the women’s singles on Saturday.

The Torfaen star earned her place at the World Championships with a fine performance at the Ladies World Professional Bowls Association (PBA) Singles qualifying rounds at Cynon Valley Indoor Bowls Centre in October.

She has played for Torfaen for 14 years and has won a number of national championships and international titles.

“I really enjoy playing and will continue to compete for as long as I am able,” she told the Argus last year.

“I am a competitive person and this is the first time I have entered the PBA Championships and it would be a dream to win.”