Bowls: Johnson beats world champ

Manawatu's Terry Johnson has scored a huge upset win at the world indoor bowls championships in Belfast.

Johnson and Taranaki's Cathy Fleming were in action on day one, in the mixed pairs and singles events.

But it was Johnson who stole the show, defeating reigning world outdoor singles champion, Ireland's Jeremy Henry, in a tiebreak in their opening rubber.

Henry is a favourite for the title.

A win over Israel's Zvike Hadar or Allan Quemard from Jersey next should see Johnson through to the quarter-finals.

He took the first set 7-2 before Henry fought back, winning the second 10-1.

The New Zealander won the third-set tiebreak 2-1.

Earlier, Johnson and Fleming were knocked out of the mixed pairs by Scotland's Joyce Lindores and Stuart Sloan in two sets.

Fleming was to play defending champion Carol Ashby, from England, and world outdoor singles champion Margaret Johnston overnight.

- NZPA