Singles intensifies as Last 16 is set

The last 16 of the Open singles is all but decided following a dramatic day of bowls around in Johannesburg at the Bowls South Africa Men’s Nationals.

A number of exciting matches played out to thrilling conclusions on the greens on Thursday as the perfect weather was match by some near perfect performances from players from across the country.

In the biggest upset of the day, Glynn Fourie went on a stellar run to dispatch a pair of Proteas. He made a remarkable comeback to beat Brendan Ferns and then beat the in-form Bradley Robinson to move into the last 16. It will be a day that he will never forget as he held his nerve on the home straight in two consecutive matches.

Into the last 16 and ready for an almighty showdown is veteran legend Neil Burkett - also through in the fours - and Shaun Thomas. Known as “Mr Bowls'“, Thomas won the 2022 Open title and is now ready for more. It will be a fascinating contest and fans can watch live on the streaming channel of BSA on Youtube.

Young Cape Town bowler Tyler Pitcher also enjoyed a day to remember as he played his way into the top 16 at Randburg. He will now face White River’s Francois Hanekom.

Proteas superstar Jason Evans, who lost in the final in 2023 to Durban star Paul White, is also in the mix and will have former Protea Morgan Muvhango for company in the battle for a place in the last eight.

Saving the best for last is two intriguing matches in the last 32 where Billy Radloff faces Wayne Roberts and Victor Siphali goes up against White.

White is on track for his title defence after edging Niksa Benguric 21-18 and then coming from behind to deny Alwyn Martignone 21-20. White then fended off the challenge of Matric pupil Tiago Pereira to set up the match against Protea bowler Siphali.

In the other remaining game in the last 32, Radloff faces off against Wayne Roberts after beating experienced singles campaigner Wayne Rittmuller 21-13 at Belgravia.

Roberts will have his work cut out against the former Proteas star and he had a birds’ eye view of what is to come as he played in the rink next door in the last 64 where he enjoyed a comfortable 21-11 win over Bern Steyn.

“It’s going to be a thriller I think,” said Roberts.

“Billy is certainly up for the task and he was very good in the game against Rittmuller. I’m playing nicely, so whatever happens - it’s going to be a good one to watch.”

Radloff was pleased his day’s work.

“Quite tired now … you know I’m not as young as these guys,” he said with a trademark chuckle.

“What a draw this has been … not easy to get to the last 64 and then you have to try beat both Waynes. They are great players with bright futures. I’m proud of how I went against Rittmuller, it was a good green and I found it nicely and just relied on my weight control. Now, it’s another challenge … Roberts is a class act, so maybe I might need some luck on my side. We’ll see …”

It’s going to be two blockbuster showdowns as the draw waits in anticipation of who might progress to the last 16.