Andy Thomson partnered Mark Royal to open doubles success today ©Getty Images

Andy Thomson moved a step closer to a first open pairs title at the World Indoor Bowls Championships since 2010 with victory today alongside Mark Royal.

The English duo won in two sets 4-3, 8-3 against Anglo-Scottish pairing Mervyn King and David Gourley at the Potters Leisure Resort, in Norfolk.

Thomson earned his first open pairs crown at the world indoor event in 1993 alongside Gary Smith.

He then won again alongside Ian Bond in 2008 and 2010.

The victory today earned them a place in tomorrow's semi-finals.

Defending champions Jason Greenslade and Les Gillett have already been defeated at the World Indoor Bowls Championships ©World Bowls
Defending champions Jason Greenslade and Les Gillett have already been defeated at the World Indoor Bowls Championships ©World Bowls

England's Greg Harlow and Nick Brett now lie in wait in the final after completing a three set victory over Scottish opponents Stewart Anderson and Darren Burnett.

Harlow and Brett are seeking a repeat of their 2014 success.

Another Anglo-Scottish partnership in Robert Paxton and Jonathan Ross have already secured a semi-final spot after beating defending champions Jason Greenslade and Les Gillett yesterday.

They will face Jamie Chestney and Mark Dawes tomorrow for a place in the final.