The Women’s Open Singles returns this weekend, bringing together a full field of 96 players from 49 clubs, 12 New Zealand centres and Australia for two days of high-quality competition.

Play begins at 8.30am on Saturday across all five covered venues, plus Epsom. The 24 sections of four will compete for a place in Sunday’s elimination stepladder, with a $3,200 prize pool, including $1,500 for the winner, up for grabs.

The field is led by defending champion Lisa White, who will be looking to retain her crown. 2024 champion Jessie Macaw and recent Commonwealth Games Blackjack Selina Goddard will also be among the key players to watch.

Spectators could do worse than head to Epsom on Saturday, where several feature match-ups are likely to have a strong bearing on the section winners:

• Jeni Hart (Mt Albert) v Henrietta Scott, Round 1, 8.30am, Section 17
  Both development-grade representatives will be keen to make an early statement ahead of the representative season.
• Hazel Littlejohn (Darfield) v Jo Cheng (Auckland), Round 2, 11.00am, Section 18
  Bowls Canterbury’s Para Player of the Year travels north to take on the ever-consistent Cheng in what shapes as a key match in a highly competitive section.
• Kimberley Hemingway (Royal Oak) v Donna Davison (St Heliers), Round 2, 11.00am, Section 19
  Both players have strong singles records and will know the importance of this fixture in building momentum towards Sunday.
• Hannah Dawson (Howick) v Elaine McClintock (Mairangi Bay), Round 2, 11.00am, Section 20
  The current Auckland Women’s Singles Champion meets the three-time Premier Singles Champion. It is a match-up with genuine championship pedigree.

With experienced campaigners, rising talent and visiting players all in the mix, the weekend promises close contests from the opening bowl. We encourage members and supporters to head along to a host venue and enjoy some outstanding women’s bowls.