Men’s State Singles Preview
The Dyenamic Sublimation Men’s State Singles gets underway this weekend with a strong field of 267 participants engaged. This event was first held in 1902 and is considered the pinnacle of achievement given the past champions who have tasted success.
The field includes eight past winners and several others who have previously made the final. Will one of these repeat the dose or like last year with David Downey could a new name emerge from the field to claim the ultimate glory.
For this preview will will break the field into four groups based on each quarter of the draw were one semi-finalists will occur.
First quarter Sections 1-16
Those involved in this part of the draw get the advantage of one less game required to win the event having a bye in the alignment round but it still means winning their section and four more knockout matches. They will also play of the superb surfaces of Osborne Park and Bassendean so there should be no excuses.
The most likely names amongst this group are Blake Butler Section 11 and Warren Holt Section 16 who are both previous winners proven in singles play and have been in good recent form. Holt does have a strong section with John Morss and Trevor Southern who are both capable players and could shock if they bring their A game.
Another strong section is Section 1 with Kristian Carr, Marcus Sear and Mitchell Cranswick with all three capable of advancing.
Other contenders include Nick Reagan, Glenn Pauling, Brad King, Cameron Harris and Brad White.
Second quarter Sections 17-32
Again this group will avoid the alignment and this looks to be the lightest on for serious contenders with no one in this quarter of the draw having reached the final previously. This presents a great opportunity for someone to grab their chance and make a name for themselves.
Players who appear strong chances amongst this group are Tyrone Alberti, Neville Stevens, Jim Buchanan, Connor Biddle, Stein Davies and Rhett Butler.
Third quarter Sections 33-57
The bottom half of the draw is where the action really hots up.
Section 34 will see probably the strongest opening clash of the competition with Ryan Moyle tackling Scott Walker played at Manning Bowling Club. If you were looking for a match to watch this would be worth heading out for.
Popular Bowls Australia commentator Clive Adams isn’t far away in Section 36 and will be looking to recapture the form which saw him win the title in 2011. 14yo sensation Callum Alberti who made the final of the State Pairs will be a crowd favourite in Section 37 however he have strong opposition from Brandon Heta and Scott O’Brien.
Another big name to watch will be Perth Suns player Cody Packer in Section 53 at Gosnells, Packer has been working on his game training and playing on the East Coast amongst Jackaroo commitments and surely has the event amongst his bucket list of tournaments to win.
Other strong contenders amongst this quarter include Dan Nicholls, Glenn Martin, Bruce Eagles, Joe Marevic, Simon Alden, Grant Nicol and Charlie Slavich.
Fourth Quarter Sections 58-89
Definitely the toughest quarter of the draw this area contains a remarkable five past champions along with a host of strong contenders including last years winner and runner up.
We are going straight to Section 77 where John Slavich and John Goddard will clash in the third sectional game of the day. Both players have won this event on two occasions so expect an epic battle between them.
Last years champion David Downey is only a couple of sections away in 79 and we expect him to advance early before he runs into a string of tough opponents. This event is arguably the toughest to win back to back as that has only happened three times in over 100 years of competition and the last time it occurred was way back in 1928-29.
Daniel Trewhella is a five times Masters Singles champion who has been runner up in this twice along with Russell Bates last years runner up and Everest Singles winner, both of them will be eyeing off the silverware should they hit their best form.
Other good chances in this group are Shane Knott, Neale Griffin, Gavin Faulkner, Matthew Mitchell, Daniel Brown, Mitchell Biglin and Jack East.
