Mervyn King made a blistering start to his defence of Co-operative Funeralcare Scottish International Open in Perth yesterday.

The man from Fakenham made short work of Scottish qualifier Mark Radigan, winning 10-6 11-0.

He now faces a re-run of last year's final against rising Scottish star Stewart Anderson, who survived a tied first leg against Wayne Hogg before prevailing 8-8 13-3.

Norfolk's other participant, Acle's Tim Stone, gave a good account of himself before bowing out to Darren Burnett, another former winner of the trophy. Stone drew the first leg 7-7 but the Dundee policeman won the second 10-5.

There was a first round exit for Suffolk's Mark Royal, the fifth-seed from Stowmarket going down to England international team-mate Ian Bond in a tie-break.

But City of Ely's Greg Harlow blasted his way through to a second round meeting with Brett Arkley by thrashing Israel's David Kontente 12-1 12-2.

Among the surprise first round casualties was five-times former world indoor champion Alex Marshall, who lost two ends to one in a tiebreak after two shared legs with Les Gillett.

• With the Denny Cup and Denny Plate being played there were no weekend games in the top three divisions of the Norfolk CIBA County Bowls League.

The closest of several nail-biting Denny Cup ties saw County Arts beat Gallow 80-79. The other games saw Lakeside beat Pinewood Park 86-83, Diss beat Wymondham Dell 84-76 and Acle beat Browston Hall 99-48.

In the Denny Plate, Roundwood beat The Brecks 86-83, Norfolk BC beat Dereham 126-49, Pentney beat West Row 102-72 while Shotford lost to Beccles 93-58.

Denny Cup 3rd rd draw: Lakeside v County Arts, Diss v Acle, Lynnsport or City of Ely v Haverhill or Ross Peers.

Denny Plate 2nd rd draw: Roundwood v Norfolk BC, Lakenheath v Pentney.

Games to be played on Saturday, November 19.

Division Four leaders North Walsham continued their strong start by winning 93-59 at previously unbeaten Pentney B with Derek Jeary's rink top scoring 25-11.

Norfolk BC C have moved into second place after beating Great Yarmouth A by 72 shots to 67 with D Jessett (19-11) sharing top rink honours with Yarmouth's Mal Cook (24-16). Following their 93-70 win at home to Diss B, Pinewood Park B are third in the table, their rink skipped by Jim Duncan winning 28-13. County Arts C beat Wymondham C at home by 85 shots to 69, with Bob Hurns rink top scoring 34-12.

The only game in Division 5 saw Shotford B move into second place after beating Great Yarmouth B 97-82, John Hutson (37-12).