Daniel Salmon comes back down to earth after crashing out in bowls singles group in Leamington

By James Reid at Victoria Park, Leamington Spa

Two-time Commonwealth champion Daniel Salmon admitted it was hard to come down from the high of winning gold in the lawn bowls men’s pairs, as he crashed out of the singles in the group stage.

Salmon won gold with Jarrad Breen on Tuesday in a dramatic 19-18 encounter against England duo Sam Tolchard and Jamie Walker but there was no time for celebration as he almost immediately embarked on his singles campaign.

However, the Cardiff bowler was unable to repeat the trick as he failed to progress to the knockouts despite victory over Ryan Dixon of Norfolk Island on Thursday.

And the 2018 gold medallist admitted it was hard not to be distracted by winning his second gold.

“It’s been hard coming into the singles, especially with the different emotions,” said Salmon.

“Playing singles on your own, you haven’t got anyone to bounce off or have a laugh with.

“It’s been hard trying to get through that but I’m happy with the whole week.

“You’re not sleeping because you’re just thinking about the game still, thinking about how happy you are.

“I haven’t really slept that much, I’m a bit tired but I’m just happy.

“Singles could’ve gone better but I’ll take winning a gold.”

If Salmon had any wild celebrations planned for his gold, they had to be cancelled as he took to the green at 8.30 the next morning to face Northern Ireland’s Gary Kelly.

However, Salmon lost out 21-12 and another defeat to Canada’s Ryan Bester condemned his campaign.

But the 28-year-old is not taking the disappointment too badly.

“I was happy with the last game, it was good to finish off with a win,” added Salmon.

“The two games I lost I didn’t play very well in, I struggled. I don’t think my bowls suited the rink, but I should’ve played better.

“I’m just happy with how everything has gone and winning that last game sends it off on a nice note.”

Salmon leaves Birmingham as a two-time Commonwealth champion, having won back-to-back golds in the men’s pairs, something he struggled to come to terms with on Tuesday.

“I would never have thought that would ever happen to me,” said Salmon. “But it has happened and I’m just over the moon.

National Lottery players raise more than £30million a week for good causes including vital funding into sport – from grassroots to elite. Find out how your numbers make amazing happen at: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk and get involved by using the hashtag: #TNLAthletes.