Who is World Indoor Bowls Championship star Alex Marshall MBE?
ALEX Marshall is one of the most successful bowls players in the history of the sport.
But who is he and who does he play for? From his sporting achievements to his life off the lawn - here's everything you need to know about Alex Marshall MBE.
Who is Alex Marshall?
Alex Marshall MBE, born February 8, 1967, is a record-breaking Scottish bowls player.
Marshall began bowling at the age of eight and has represented Scotland since 1988 - after being introduced to the sport by his grandfather.
In an interview with Bowls Scotland, the bowls player previously explained: ''My father and grandfather got me started playing bowls at Gorgie Mills which was just across the road from the school which was Tynecastle High.
''Instead of playing other sports or other games at lunchtime in playground I used to walk across to the club and play bowls with the members.''
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Dubbed ''one of his proudest moments'', Marshall was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2007 New Year Honours for services to bowls at Hollyrood Palace.
He was one of the first bowlers to be recognised with an honours title.
Who does Alex Marshall play for?
Alex Marshall's home club for outdoor bowls is Gifford Bowls Club.
Meanwhile, he plays at East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club during the indoor season.
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What has Alex Marshall won?
During his career so far, the sports star has enjoyed great success.
He is a record breaking six-time World Indoor Singles Champion, and has eight World Indoor Pairs titles to his credit - six Open Pairs and two Mixed Pairs.
As well as this, Marshall's achievements include winning seven World Outdoor Championship Gold medals, five Commonwealth Games Gold medals and one Silver, one Atlantic Games Team Gold, three Hong Kong International Classic Pairs titles, and winning the Australian Premier League with the Murray Steamers, where he was named Most Valuable Player.
In 2012, Marshall and fellow playing partner became the first pair in history to win the World Indoor and Outdoor Pairs titles in the same year.
On January 21, 2024, Alex Marshall and Stewart Anderson will battle it out to be the World Indoor Bowls Championship 2024 Open singles champion after both Scottish stars won their semi-finals.
After winning his semi-final, Marshall told BBC: “Stewart is a class act. But if I can perform like that tomorrow, I think I will have a chance.
“It will be a great game. He really is a class act.”
The Ladies Final saw Katherine Rednall retain her title over Julie Forrest after a stunning comeback win.
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Rednall fought back to secure the title for the second year running.
The winner of the huge final at Potters will receive a huge £50,000 in prize money.