Neil makes a perfect start (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Neil makes a perfect start

NEIL HOPE made a winning debut in his first indoor World Tour event.

The 25-year-old England junior outdoor and indoor international and qualifier, who was competing in the first round of the Welsh International Masters at Llanelli, beat Hong Kong's Noel Kennedy 2-0.

The Westlecot bowler and 2002 Young England Bowler of the Year stormed to a 12-3 success in the first set over the world ranked No 12

But in the next Hope came from 4-0 down to draw level at 6-6 but then found himself 8-6 down with one end to go and facing a tie-breaker.

However, Hope produced a superb last wood to take out one of Kennedy's bowls and collect a three for a last gasp 9-8 set win and a 2-0 success.

Hope now faces former world champion, Welshman Robert Weale, the world No six, in front of the television cameras today in the second round.

A total of 32 bowlers began the competition on Sunday and Hope is one of only two non-seeds left in the last 16.

The victory over Kennedy earns him valuable world ranking points and the possibility of more to come.