Next week's Potters Holidays World Indoor Bowls Championships at Hopton could throw up a mouth-watering local clash.Former world singles champion, Fakenham Gallow hero Mervyn King, is on course for a match against Acle qualifier Tim Stone - a player making his Potters debut.

Next week's Potters Holidays World Indoor Bowls Championships at Hopton could throw up a mouth-watering local clash.

Former world singles champion, Fakenham Gallow hero Mervyn King, is on course for a match against Acle qualifier Tim Stone - a player making his Potters debut.

“Tim's first match is against Andrew Howie from Australia,” said King. “Tim's a great player and I think there's every chance he could win against Andrew - so if we meet on January 14 it will be a good local game.”

King, rated No 7 in the world, will be among the favourites, but Stone will have plenty of local backing as he prepares for his first look at the famous Potters carpet. “I'm really looking forward to playing at Potters as there's nothing bigger than a world championship in any sport,” said Stone.

“Also it's very close to home for me, which makes it extra special. I've had huge support from players at my club at Acle, and 80 or 90 of them are coming to support me.

“My aim is to win my first game so I can play Mervyn, which would be an achievement in itself.”

Thirty-year-old Stone, who started in the sport when he was nine years old, has been playing in PBA qualifiers for four years, and the Potters event will be his second rankings tournament.

“I guess there is added pressure playing locally as I don't want to disappoint the people who are coming to Potters especially to see me,” he added.

The action at Hopton begins on Monday - and one of the leading men behind the event expects another spectacular start to the year's diary.

“The Potter family bring the 2009 World Indoor Championships to Potters Leisure Resort for the 11th consecutive year,” said Ken Fawcett, world tournament director of organisers World Bowls Tour (WBT).

“The welcome given by the Potter family, their staff and the thousands of guests who come to watch some 83 matches over the three weeks of competition is unrivalled in the sport of bowls.

“Cricket has Lord's, tennis has Wimbledon - and World Bowls Tour is very proud to have Potters Leisure Resort as its home.”

Day tickets for the event start at �5 and can be ordered by calling 01502 730345.