English duo Perry Martin and Wayne Willgress had been due to meet in the quarter-finals, but both tested positive for COVID-19 and were forced to withdraw from the event at Potters Leisure Resort in Great Yarmouth in England.

That meant the winner of Dawes' semi-final, who had been due to face either Martin or Willgress next, was awarded a walkover.

Dawes, who has already won the open doubles title this year, is the beneficiary after overcoming Simon Skelton.

The singles world champion three years ago, Dawes won today's all-English quarter-final 7-4, 7-5.

Another former champion will play Dawes in the final, after David Gourlay and Greg Harlow advanced from their last-eight matches.

Scot Gourlay came from behind to beat England's Katherine Rednall 5-9, 7-4, 2-0.

Englishman Harlow likewise came from behind versus two-time champion Stewart Anderson of Scotland.

The final score was 6-8, 8-3, 2-1 in Harlow's favour.

The World Bowls Tour said that no players beyond Willgress and Martin had tested positive for coronavirus, and that it was "following extensive COVID-19 guidelines in a ‘bubble’ environment at this event".

Harlow and Gourlay are set to meet tomorrow.