Julie Forrest has retained her women's singles title at the World Indoor Bowls Championships ©World Bowls Tour

Scotland's Julie Forrest beat England's Janice Gower today to complete the successful defence of her women's singles title at the World Indoor Bowls Championships in Norfolk.

Forrest claimed an 8-7, 15-3 win to follow-up her triumph from last year at Potters Leisure Resort's International Arena.

Gower had to settle for second place in her first final at the event.

Three matches in the last-16 of the open singles competition were also held today.

England's Nick Brett beat compatriot Mervyn King in the last-16 of the open singles event ©World Bowls Tour
England's Nick Brett beat compatriot Mervyn King in the last-16 of the open singles event ©World Bowls Tour

The first saw England's Nick Brett defeat compatriot Mervyn King 9-5, 7-7 in a battle between two former champions.

It sets up a quarter-final meeting with another Englishman, Mark Royal, tomorrow.

Also through to the last eight is 2018 champion Mark Dawes of England, an 11-5, 6-5 winner over 2014 champion Darren Burnett of Scotland.

Next up for him is set to be Wales' Jason Greenslade, who came from behind to overcome second-seeded Englishman Greg Harlow 3-10, 10-8, 2-1.