TWENTY-ONE-time world champion Alex Marshall has missed out on adding to his incredible title haul.

The Tranent bowler was among those taking part in the World Indoor Bowling Championships at Potters Leisure Resort, near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.

Marshall is a six-time winner of the World Indoor Singles title and reached the semi-finals last year.

However, this time around he lost in the opening round for the first time since 2018.

England’s Mark Royal was the victor as he wrapped up a 7-4, 9-5 victory over the county legend.

Fifty-five-year-old Marshall also teamed up with close friend and former East Lothian team-mate Paul Foster for the open pairs competition, which he has won on six occasions.

The duo defeated Australia’s Sean Mawdsley and American Neil Furman 11-6, 10-3 in the first round.

However, they were unable to make a run at another world title, going down to Jason Greenslade and Michael Stepney 8-3, 6-7, 2-1 in a close-fought tie in the second round.