Evans chasing history at BSA Masters
Jason Evans will be looking to defend his Bowls South Africa Masters
when the best of best head to Wingate Park Country Club in February.
For many years, Evans has been regarded as the No 1 player in the
men's game given his prolific form in all formats but highlighted by
his Singles' success. His CV was only enhanced last year when he won the BSA Masters last year for his fifth title.
On that occasion, he needed to beat Wayne Roberts - the player now
ranked 4th in the world following his double gold medal performance at the African States Tournament.
Evans headlines Section 1 which includes Brad Robinson, Mathews Phiri, Paul White, CP Mathewson and Gerry Baker.
"It's always tough but to be honest, I love it," says Evans.
"Four bowls against the best in the country, what's not to love. It's
why we play the game and of course, I have a little extra motivation
this year ... proving to myself that I'm still the man to beat and
perhaps trying to break the record. It's going to be exciting, that's
for sure."
Recent EP Singles winner Andrew Sterley and Josh Turner, who earned a bronze at last year's National Championships in the same discipline, round out the section.
Section 2 features Roberts alongside Niksa Benguric, Shaun Thomas,
Wayne Rittmuller and Wilson Malobolo.
Chris Stover gets his first taste of the action as does Terrence
McGlynn and Warren Steyn.
"There are no easy games and I'll be ready for this year's test," says Roberts.
"I like to approach every big week with the same calm and focus. It's
going to be tough with no easy games, so the concentration will need to be at the maximum for the weekend."
In the Women's field, Section 1 will be headlined by defending
champion Esme Haley. The veteran star will be looking to fend off the
threat from the likes of Esme Kruger, Fran Baleri and last year's
Junior winner Lezandri Hildebrand.
Hildebrand was impressive during her recent visit to Hong Kong where she claimed a bronze in the mixed pairs at the World Bowls Junior Indoor Championship.
Evelyn Cloete, Elma Louw, Maggie van Zyl and Natalie Botha round out
the section vying for a place in the gold medal match.
Section 2 should provide the fireworks as some of the leading women's players are all grouped together.
Proteas ace Anneke Snyman will be looking to get the better of fellow
South African Gold Squad members Dezi Rosenblatt, runner-up in 2024, Jax Janse van Rensburg, Bridget Herselman and Marizelle Rousseau.
Not only will Snyman have to compete with several of her teammates but also the imposing figure of Colleen Piketh, who will be looking to
improve on her bronze medal showing in 2025.
"The draw is what it is," says Snyman.
"It's going to be a showcase of bowls if everyone plays to their
potential. I look forward to the challenge and taking it head on.
Whoever makes it to the final will have earned it and I'm hopefully
going to be one of the contenders for that spot."
Michelle Gerber and Sega Mokoto round out the second section of the Women's Open as the best of the best vye for arguably the biggest title in the game in South Africa.
