Robert Paxton Triumphs In Thrilling World Indoor Bowls Final

The 2026 World Indoor Bowls Championships reached a dramatic finale at Potters Resorts in Hopton-on-Sea as Robert Paxton of England clinched his second Open Singles title in a nail-biting encounter against Scotland’s Paul Foster MBE. The atmosphere was electric on Sunday afternoon, January 25, as fans across the UK tuned in live on BBC Two to witness one of the sport’s most captivating duels in recent memory.

Paxton, aged 47 and a familiar face at the Exonia Club in Exeter and Crediton Bowling Club, entered the final seeded third, while his accomplished opponent Foster, a five-time world champion, was seeded just behind him at fourth. Both men had battled their way through a field packed with world-class talent, setting the stage for a showdown that promised fireworks—and delivered in every sense.

The path to the final was anything but straightforward for either player. In the semi-finals, Paxton faced Scotland’s Darren Burnett, a 2014 champion known for his cool under pressure. The match unfolded as a tense back-and-forth, with Paxton eventually prevailing 2-1 (9-3, 6-11, 2-0) thanks to a “fantastic” final bowl that had spectators on the edge of their seats. Afterwards, Paxton told the BBC, “It is fantastic to make it through to the final.” His determination and poise under pressure were evident, setting him up for the ultimate test against Foster.

Paul Foster, meanwhile, had to overcome the reigning champion, Jason Banks, in his own semi-final. Banks, who last year achieved the unprecedented feat of winning the singles, open pairs, and mixed pairs in a single tournament, was aiming to become the first back-to-back singles winner since Alex Marshall in 2008. Foster dashed those hopes with a clinical 2-0 (5-8, 3-10) victory, proving once again why he’s considered one of Scotland’s greatest indoor bowlers.

The final itself was a masterclass in skill, nerves, and sheer willpower. Both men traded shots and momentum, with neither able to establish a decisive lead. The match went the distance, culminating in a thrilling tie-break that saw Paxton edge out Foster by the narrowest of margins. The crowd erupted as Paxton secured the final point, sealing his second career Open Singles crown and earning the £50,000 winner’s cheque.

For Paxton, this victory marked a sweet redemption after the disappointment of last year’s final. “It’s been an incredible journey,” he said, reflecting on his triumph and the challenges faced along the way. As the sales manager at Bond Bowls in Crediton, Paxton’s success is celebrated not only by his local club but by the entire community, who have followed his career with pride and anticipation.

Foster, gracious in defeat, added another memorable chapter to his storied career. With five Open Singles titles to his name (1998, 2001, 2005, 2011, and 2017), Foster remains a legend of the sport and a formidable competitor on the world stage. His partnership with Alex Marshall in the Open Pairs earlier in the week saw the Scottish duo claim their fifth title together, further cementing their legacy.

The 2026 Championships were notable for more than just the Open Singles drama. The tournament, first held in Coatbridge in 1979 and now firmly established at Potters Resorts since 1999, showcased the depth and diversity of talent in the sport. In addition to the Open Singles, the event featured an array of competitions, including the Open Pairs, Mixed Doubles, Ladies Matchplay, and the newly established Open Masters Championship.

England’s Russell Bewick made history by winning the inaugural Open Masters title, a competition open to players aged 55 and above. Bewick, 57, defeated Danny Denison 2-0 (10-5, 12-2) in the final, adding to his already impressive resume as a former Under-25 international and five-time Liberty Trophy winner. The Masters event, which had been trialed as an invitational the previous year, drew significant interest and is expected to become a staple of future championships.

The week’s action also saw England’s Jamie Walker and Northern Ireland’s Chloe Wilson capture the Mixed Doubles title, while Katherine Rednall stormed to victory in the Ladies Matchplay, defeating compatriot Nicole Rogers. These results highlighted the international flavor and competitive spirit that define the World Indoor Bowls Championships.

For the fans, the tournament offered non-stop excitement, with matches broadcast live on the BBC iPlayer, Red Button, and main channels. The accessibility of the coverage brought the sport to living rooms across the UK, allowing supporters to follow every bowl, every upset, and every triumph as they unfolded.

The prize money at stake added an extra layer of intensity to the proceedings. Both the men’s and women’s Open Singles champions walked away with £50,000, while the Open Pairs and Mixed Pairs winners shared £20,000 apiece. Such rewards reflect the growing stature and professionalism of indoor bowls, a sport that continues to attract new audiences and inspire the next generation of players.

Looking back on the tournament, the performances of Paxton and Foster will stand out as defining moments. Paxton’s resilience, especially after last year’s heartbreak, speaks volumes about his character and competitive spirit. Foster’s enduring excellence and sportsmanship once again won him admirers from all corners of the bowling world.

As the sun set on Potters Resorts and the 2026 World Indoor Bowls Championships drew to a close, there was a sense of satisfaction and anticipation in the air. The event had delivered on every front—drama, skill, and emotion—leaving fans already eager for next year’s action.

For now, Robert Paxton can savor his hard-earned victory, knowing he has etched his name into the rich tapestry of indoor bowls history. And for Paul Foster and the rest of the field, the journey continues, with new challenges and opportunities just around the corner.