Both players had survived nail-biting semi-finals the day before at Potters Leisure Resort in Hopton-on-Sea – leaving it almost impossible to replicate similar drama again.  

Foster took the early advantage in the first all-Scottish final for ten years, building up a 5-0 lead before record five-time champion Marshall replied.

But after dropping the first set by a six-shot margin, Marshall bounced back in the second, forging a 6-1 lead over his close friend with a four-shot advantage going into the final two ends.

However, Foster kept calm and won two doubles in a row to clinch his 11-5, 8-8 victory.

"I'm delighted to win my fourth title – but it's not about trying to catch Alex.  He's still the best player in the world," said Foster.  "It's about being world champion again.

"Winning the World Pairs title with Alex earlier in the week gave me a massive lift," added the 37-year-old from Ayrshire who has strengthened his bid to retain his world number one ranking for next season.

"He gave me chances and I took some of them.

"I probably played some of the best bowls of my life in the semi-finals – but you just can't keep on getting on the jack all the time," explained the Scot.

"I've never lost in a WBT final – and I'm glad to keep that record," added the new world champion.

When asked how it felt to win the sport's richest ever prize of £40,000, Foster said:  "Money is not going to change our game.  It's the title you're playing for."

Despite experiencing defeat in a world final for the first time, Marshall was full of praise for his opponent:  "He's my best mate and he fully deserved the win.  He's probably the most consistent player of the last two years.

"Well done big'n – well done!" said the runner-up to the champion when interviewed by presenter Rishi Persad on BBC TV.

"I'm very disappointed – I just didn't turn up today," continued the 43-year-old from East Lothian.

Such was the relaxed nature of the sport's ultimate clash between two of the game's closest friends that Marshall once mistakenly picked up his opponent's green bowl when about to deliver.  

"I'm just so used to playing green," said Marshall later.  "Paul said to me:  'Tattie – you're playing red'!"

Marshall conceded that there was perhaps added pressure this year as his place in the world's top 16 was under threat.  

"I had to make sure I kept my place and now I can relax a little.  Getting to the final in any championship is a big feat – there are so many good players about.

"The atmosphere today was electric.  It's been fantastic," concluded Marshall.

RESULTS:    Potters Holidays World Indoor Bowls Championships, Hopton-on-Sea, England

World Singles Final:
[2] Paul Foster (SCO) bt [4] Alex Marshall, MBE (SCO) 11-5, 8-8