EAST Lothian star Alex ‘Tattie’ Marshall’s hopes of ending the 2017/18 World Bowls Tour season with a title triumph ended in disappointment after he suffered defeat at the semi-final stage in the Co-operative International Open at Blackpool Newton Hall IBC.

Marshall’s opponent in last Friday’s semi-final was his fellow Scot and head coach for the upcoming Commonwealth Games David Gourlay.

The opening set was nailbiting stuff before Gourlay edged it 7-6 but Marshall hit back and totally dominated the second set to win 13-4 and force the match into a tie-break.

Marshall won the first end but Gourlay claimed the second and the match went into a sudden-death end.

Gourlay drew in a close bowl with his opening delivery and, despite his best efforts, Tattie could not beat it as Gourlay emerged victorious. He went on to win the title by defeating current world number one Greg Harlow in a close final.