Congratulations to North Taranaki’s Ali Wilson for a tremendous win in the Upper Hutt Open Singles event. The field started with an impressive 126 entries and Ali Wilson was one of 55 qualifiers come post section.
He ousted Ashburton players Michael Lawson and Neil Atkinson in the early rounds, then really hit his straps against Ashley Diamond, Jess Moffat, and in the semi-final, Brandon Fuge.
Paul Smith, reaching his second final in two days, looked to have a run of close calls before his momentum built in the quarter and semi final games.
The final itself was an even match from start to finish; and the 8-7 score arriving into the 12th end reflected that. It was Ali with the one point advantage, as well as last bowl, which proved to make all the difference. Being one down on the head creates pressure for the extra end, but Ali drew calmly, gently sliding past a bowl and sitting for shot to win 9-7.
Ali will be a popular winner among bowlers, with many describing him as a true gentleman of the game. This is not his first major win for 2020 either - back in September he notched up the NZ Mixed Pairs. What a season!
Final results:
1st - Ali Wilson
2nd - Paul Smith
3rd equal - Brandon Fuge
3rd equal - Lesley Monk