Scotland's Stewart Anderson, right, was knocked out of the open singles event by England's Robert Paxton, left, at the World Indoor Bowls Championships ©World Bowls Tour

Scotland's Stewart Anderson's defence of his open singles title came to an end today as he was beaten by England's Robert Paxton at the World Indoor Bowls Championships in Norfolk.

Anderson, who claimed the second of his two global crowns last year, lost 7-4, 3-10, 0-2 to the eighth seed at Potters Leisure Resort's International Arena.

Standing between Paxton and a place in the final is fellow Englishman Les Gillett, who defeated Scotland's David Gourlay 9-2, 9-6 in the quarter-finals.

The other last-four encounter pits England's Nick Brett against Wales' Jason Greenslade.

England's Nick Brett is through to the semi-finals ©World Bowls Tour
England's Nick Brett is through to the semi-finals ©World Bowls Tour

Brett, the 2016 champion, overcame fellow Englishman Mark Royal 7-8, 6-5, 2-1.

Greenslade, meanwhile, registered a 4-8, 9-8, 2-0 win over England's Mark Dawes, the 2018 champion.

Both semi-finals are due to take place tomorrow.

The under-25 semi-finals and final are also scheduled to be held.