IRELAND'S Phillis Nolan and Margaret Johnston are on course for a record breaking third successive women's World Bowls pairs title after surging four points clear at the top of the round robin league at Lemington Spa near Birmingham last night.

Nolan from Blackrock and Johnston from Ballymoney, Co Antrim, scored three resounding wins yesterday to become favourites for a place in tomorrow's final.

The Irish pair were in top form, winning 26-11 against Holland, 25-11 against South Africa, their top of the table rivals, and 34-12 against Japan.

They need only a draw against either Zimbabwe or Zambia in their last two games today to make absolutely certain of a place in the final.