Hannah Dawson has been one of the fastest-rising talents on the bowls greens in recent years. For many, a first open title would be considered a major achievement, but for 19-year-old Hannah Dawson, it is simply another stepping stone in a season that continues to build momentum.

On the fast track towards New Zealand Development squad selection, Dawson is now under the experienced guidance of Graham Doreen, following in the footsteps of fellow East Aucklander Selina Goddard, whose accolades are well documented.

This year has seen Hannah accelerate into the Bowls Auckland Premier Performance Programme, win her first national title, claim a top eight finish in the Victorian Open Women’s Singles, secure a bronze medal as part of Auckland’s Intercentre side, and later in the year, is set to represent New Zealand alongside Lily Signal of Wellington at the Lion City Cup in Singapore in the Under 26 event.

In the Women’s Centre singles event, section 7 was undoubtedly the toughest of all nine sections in the draw. Dawson, Savov, and Blucher are all members of the Premier Performance Squad, while Davison is part of the 1–5 Performance Squad. Dawson showed strong intent early, winning her first two matches by margins of 10 or more, before defeating Savov, who had also won her first two matches, 21–14 to advance.

Lesley McLinden and Nicole Singer were the only two players to advance to post-section with just two wins. McLinden progressed ahead of Balmoral’s Katy Merrett by just two shots, while Singer finished five shots clear of Howick’s Ting Ting Ip. The two then met in the post-section bye round, with Singer progressing through to the final eight.

Pt Chevalier players Skye Renes and Tracey Brayshaw also impressed, qualifying and winning their quarterfinal matches over 1–5 representatives Dana Taylor and Sacha Collins, respectively. However, both fell short against eventual finalists Aggie Motu and Hannah Dawson.

In a tense final, Dawson maintained her composure to defeat the more experienced Motu 21–12 and claim her maiden open title.

Aggie Motu commented post match, “Singles is not my preferred discipline, but it certainly helps me develop my draw shot. And Hannah’s draw shots have been outstanding. A well-deserved win!”