Playing his world pairs championship-winning partner Billy Jackson, 13th Gourlay was behind going into the last end of the first two sets – and in both cases pulled out sensational shots to tie the sets and force the game into tie-breaks.

The former world number one from Glasgow fully capitalised on his breakthroughs in the tie-breaks – taking the first two ends to record a magnificent 8-8, 8-8, 2-0 victory over the Englishman from Lincoln.

The Scottish flag was flying high over the Welsh venue as a succession of north-of-the-border victories graced the scoreboard.

Paisley-based Scot Jonathan Ross wrapped up first round action in the WBT event by beating newly-crowned Welsh national champion Phil Rowlands 11-2, 7-8, 2-0.

And defending champion Darren Burnett, the top seed from Arbroath, was also taken the full distance before increasing his increasing his chances of a second title in Swansea  by beating Scottish-born Englishman Andy Thomson 7-8, 8-3, 2-1 in a later second round clash.

The final match of the day was an all-Scottish affair – and a repeat of last month's World Championship final between close friends Paul Foster and Alex Marshall.  Fifth seed Marshall was after revenge after losing to 'Troon Tornado' Foster in the Norfolk climax.

But again the contest went the full distance – and again it was Foster who emerged triumphant, winning 8-7, 6-9, 2-1 to reach the last eight.

RESULTS:    Co-operative Funeralcare Welsh Grand Prix, Swansea, Wales

1st round:
[14] Jonathan Ross (SCO) bt Phil Rowlands (WAL) 11-2, 7-8, 2-0
2nd round:
[13] David Gourlay (SCO) bt [10] Billy Jackson (ENG) 8-8, 8-8, 2-0
[1] Darren Burnett (SCO) bt [11] Andy Thomson (ENG) 7-8, 8-3, 2-1
[2] Paul Foster (SCO) bt [5] Alex Marshall, MBE (SCO) 8-7, 6-9, 2-1

Wednesday (2 February) schedule:
10.00am, 2nd round:
[9] Mervyn King (ENG) v [14] Jonathan Ross (SCO)
1.00pm
[3] Greg Harlow (ENG) v [Q] Neil Furman (USA)    
Followed later by....
[7] Jason Greenslade (WAL) v [Q] Stewart Anderson (SCO)    
[Q] Peter Wilson (NZL) v [4] Mark Royal (ENG)

Thursday (3 February) schedule:
10.00am, quarter-finals:
[1] Darren Burnett (SCO) v [6] Simon Skelton (ENG)    
1.00pm:
[13] David Gourlay (SCO) v [2] Paul Foster (SCO)    
Harlow or Furman v Greenslade or Anderson
King or Ross v Wilson or Royal