Fifteenth seed Mark McMahon became the latest seed to bow out of the World Indoor Bowls Championships and he immediately announced his retirement from the sport in what has been a week of surprise results, with the event being re-named the 'Jaffa Orange Cup' by former world champion Billy Jackson due to the lack of seeds.
And the Brisbane-based Englishman could be followed by yet another top-16 seed this afternoon.
Greg Harlow v Phillip Rowlands
The World Indoors title is one of the few crowns City of Ely star Harlow hasn't won during his bowls career and while he's a few matches away from ending that particular drought, he should be able to defeat Welsh qualifier Rowlands today.
Harlow, the face of bowls if the BBC had their way, does not have the greatest of records at Potters, reaching just one final in 14 attempts – in 2006 – while he also has only one other semi-final outing to his name, way back in 1996.
He has actually failed to progress past the second round on eight occasions, a poor record for someone who is such an excellent bowler, and with seeds dropping like flies this week, it could take a big leap of faith to lump on him at 1-4 with Ladbrokes.
Rowlands overcame Scottish teen Jamie Hanlan in round one. After blitzing his opponent in the first set, he was heading for a tie-break, but scored three on the final end to make it 7-7 and give him safe passage.
The 52-year-old is well-regarded in his Welsh homeland, but the experience of Harlow will be too much for him.
Verdict: Harlow to win, but no value at 1-4.
Darren Burnett v Les Gillett
Loughborough's finest Gillett is another fine example of what is so wrong with the ranking system in the World Bowls Tour.
The 13th seed, nicknamed 'Razor' has failed to reach a final since the 2003 International Open and has only made two semi-final outings since that date and has countless early exits to his name and yet still continues to enjoy a comfy seat inside the top 16.
He can be usurped by Scottish copper Darren Burnett today, with the 2008 International Open champion one of the best players on the Tour despite being ranked outside the top 16.
Such is the strength of qualifying events, Burnett has not enjoyed half as much time as he should have done on the blue rinks, but with a top 16 place firmly in his grasp – especially after McMahon retiring – he should soon become a familiar name on the circuit.
The burly bobby didn't even have to turn up for his first round tie after New Zealand opponent Raika Gregory withdrew from the tournament and at 8-11 he should reign supreme today, with Gillett's fallibility set to rear its ugly head again.
Verdict: No question, Burnett to triumph.
