Evans makes history with sixth title at Bowls Masters

Jason Evans moved clear at the top of the all-time Men’s Open winners with six triumphs at the Bowls Masters with victory on Sunday.

Jason Evans was the man of the moment once again. Image: Supplied

A dramatic final day at Wingate Park thrilled a large crowd who had turned up to discover the identities of the winners of the 2025 Bowls South Africa Masters.

It was far from decided who would contest many of the event’s finals with one round still to play before the top players from their respective sections advanced to the gold medal match.

In the Men’s Open at the Bowls Masters, Evans needed a great escape to deny his long-time international teammate Gerry Baker from edging him into the final. Evans was on the wrong side of a blistering start from Baker, who raced into a 14-5 lead.

Evans, though, played some attacking shots and found the right results to work his way back into the contest before going on to complete a come from behind victory. At one point during the session, it looked like last year’s bronze medallist Brad Robinson could leapfrog Baker following his equally impressive start against Andrew Sterley (Eastern Province).

However, both left-handers succumbed to defeat to fall from contention allowing Evans to move into the final against Wayne Rittmuller.

Rittmuller himself avoided a comeback from Shaun Thomas and moved into the finale – his first – after last year’s runner-up Wayne Roberts lost to Niksa Benguric.

Moving into the final, Evans began in even better fashion to the way he ended off against Baker as he swept into a commanding lead against his international team.

As the heat of the afternoon baked down, the spectators were treated to a sizzling display of drawing bowls as Evans was quickest to discover the perfect road to the jack.

The JBA star raced to a 7-1 lead after four ends and never looked back despite a valiant effort from Rittmuller, himself a back to back SA Open Singles champion.

Time and time again, Evans would draw himself out of any potential danger as he worked his way to 21. Leading 20-12, Evans won the game by switching hands to the forehand and then turning his own bowl over to hold shot.

Special moment at the Bowls Masters

Following the confirmation that he’d done enough to be crowned champion, Evans released all the happiness with a roar of delight as he raced into the crowd to share a hug with his wife, Louise.

“It was a pretty good win, “ said Evans.

“To be honest, I kind of forgot about the title defence. It was obviously an honour to be alongside the late Doug Watson and Gerry Baker. To be one clear now, it’s a bit surreal to be honest. I never thought I would do it …

“It’s been a tough year … personally … not that much international bowls for me. So this was always going to be important for me.

“Credit to Wayne, he played well all week and he’s a great guy. A good teammate and a top bowler.”

Speaking of his path to the final, he said: “Gerry was outstanding … he was so good and came out of the blocks so well. I was lucky to be in that game. Credit to him for how well he played.

“I think winning that game, it gave me some confidence to start well in the final. It was a great week to be honest, I was patchy and didn’t play as consistently as I would’ve liked.”

With greens speeds reaching 16 seconds, Evans was pleased with his start.

“I think my experience helped… it was my best game of the tournament. I’ve been in the final before and I was all that nervous. It was about getting the line quickly and I fortunately did that. I’m sure Wayne will be back in the final, he’s a top player and a top singles opponent.”

Reflecting on the victory, Evans praised his wife Louise for her support.

“We’ve given a lot up for this game. A lot of time. Loads of commitment and effort. But she’s also a top bowler and playing well. It’s special for us and we’ll enjoy it together for sure.”

Leaving the last word to the champion, he smiled and insisted that “there’s life in the old dog yet.”