Krstic looking for historical sixth title

by Clive Adams on January 26, 2025

History beckons at Wanneroo tomorrow as Kristina Krstic is just two wins away from a history making sixth State Singles title. Last year, Krstic moved to five titles, eclipsing Therese Hastings, to stand atop the list of Women’s State Singles title winners.

The win equaled Bowls WA Hall of Famer Geoff Oakley’s modern day record with five titles to his name, however one more name, that of EJ Ford who won six men’s State Singles titles between the years of 1918 and 1950, remains to conquer. Tomorrow Krstic may equal that record.

A look at what is ahead for the Women’s semi-finals…

9.30am – Kristina Krstic (Manning) v Lisa Featherby (Mosman Park)

If ever there was a clash to behold it is this one. Krstic and Featherby shared all the major State titles last season, with Krstic winning four of the five – Featherby won the fifth, but dominated other competitions throughout the year, including Over 60’s events, and the two stood tall as the most outstanding female players of the season. Tomorrow’s semi-final battle will be as intense as it is enthralling.

9.30am – Laura Butler (Manning) v Sian Smith (York)

Laura Butler is the current Australian Open Singles champion, and player of the tournament – she went through a field of stars to claim the title, including World Number 1 Kelsey Cottrell, and already has one State Singles title to her name. Her opponent Sian Smith hails from York and is the leader of the wonderful Smith family that has achieved so much in the sport, at Country Week level and at State level – this is Sian’s moment to shine.

The Men’s State Singles is down to the quarter finals, with Warren Holt the single remaining player to have tasted State Singles glory, and a host of players, all in great form, looking for the elusive title. Here’s a look at the quarter final matchups…

9.30am – Tyrone Alberti (Osborne Park) v Warren Holt (Manning)

Both players progressed impressively in yesterday’s knockout rounds. Warren Holt is course last year’s runner-up in this event narrowly going down to Cody Packer in an entertaining final. Holt will also be lining up for the Perth Suns in next month’s Bowls Premier League, so the form is undoubtably there. Alberti will have the belief that he can go all the way here, and representing a keen bowls family, he is sure to throw everything at Holt in this match.

9.30am – Ben Leggett (Mount Lawley) v Paul Kelly (Yokine)

Ben Leggett is a rising star in WA bowls. He moved to Mount Lawley for this season and has been stellar as a Premier League skipper – he also had his first taste of State bowls recently on the Gold Coast proving he was right up to the challenge. Paul Kelly has been here before in singles play as is capable of pushing anyone all the way. Both players will be giving everything here to progress to the semis and keep the dream alive.

9.30am – Russell Bates (Pinjarra) v Andrew Tennant (Cambridge)

Russell Bates was outstanding in last season’s State Pairs final taking the title in the skipper’s role that he is not always associated with – that’s because of his outstanding draw game which is sure to be on show in this matchup. Runner-up to David Downey just a few years ago, and sporting wins over Daniel Trewhella and Calvin Rodgers yesterday, Bates is a chance to go all the way. Andrew Tennant had to battle through two tight matches yesterday, one going all the way to the very last bowl possible, but he made it, showing he is playing the big bowls when they matter.

9.30am – Scott Walker (South Perth) v Connor Biddle (Osborne Park) – LIVE STREAMED MATCH

This will be the morning live streamed match (on Bowls WA Facebook and on Streamer) and is sure to a cracker between two wonderful players. Scott Walker is overdue for a State Singles title and is another renowned for his brilliant draw game, but Connor Biddle is a player on the rise, having been to the pointy end of the State Pairs on a couple of occasions, and having experience on the World Bowls Tour – that experience may prove crucial in this one.

LIVE STREAMING PROGRAM (available on Bowls WA’s Facebook page, and on Streamer)

9.30am – SCOTT WALKER v CONNOR BIDDLE

12.30pm (approx) – WOMEN’S STATE SINGLES FINAL

3.00pm (approx) – MEN’S STATE SINGLES FINAL

RESULTS AND LIVE SCORING

Bowls WA will be providing live scoring for all matches tomorrow accessible via the links here – you can also access all the results of matches played right here…

Men’s State Singles Live Score Updates CLICK EACH GAME FOR LIVE SCORES

Women’s State Singles Live Score Updates CLICK EACH GAME FOR LIVE SCORES