Scotland's David Gourlay fell to a surprise first-round defeat in the singles event as competition continued today at the World Indoor Bowls Championships in Norfolk ©Bowling(.)CLUB/Twitter

Scotland's David Gourlay fell to a surprise first-round defeat in the singles event as competition continued today at the World Indoor Bowls Championships in Norfolk.

The third-seeded Scot lost 7-8, 5-8 to unseeded Englishman Simon Skelton at Potters Resort.

Skelton will now go onto face Wales’ Jason Greenslade, who beat South Africa’s Craig Rimmington 9-4, 7-9, 2-0.

He is due to return to action on January 23.

Robert Paxton beat fellow Englishman Ian McIntosh in round one ©World Bowls Tour
Robert Paxton beat fellow Englishman Ian McIntosh in round one ©World Bowls Tour

The two other first-round matches played today were all-English affairs with fourth seed Robert Paxton beating Ian McIntosh 8-2, 7-4 and qualifier Scott Edwards defeating 13th seed Mark Royal 7-6, 4-10, 2-1.

Paxton and Edwards will meet each other in the second stage on January 22.

Pairs, mixed pairs and under-25 competitions are also being held over the course of the 17-day event.

Competition is scheduled to conclude on January 27.