There is plenty to look forward to this weekend as both the Men’s Triples and Women’s Singles take centre stage. The weather remains less than friendly for bowlers, with the Playing Programme Committee set to confirm any wet-weather alternatives by midday Friday.

Men’s Triples

Pt Chevalier enters the Men’s Triples with real depth, fielding three strong combinations skipped by Jean-Claude Fuller, Aiden Takarua and Kevin Morris – all of whom will be expecting to push deep into the event. Each trio faces a tough path from the outset, with no easy draws in sight.

Fuller opens his campaign against Glen Newton (Auckland), while Takarua is immediately tested against last year’s runner-up Chong Du Cheng. Morris also faces a significant challenge, coming up against Mt Albert’s Tony Balogh, who is joined by Nick Cape and Mika Posa in what shapes as one of the standout matchups of the opening rounds.

We expect approximately 16–20 qualifiers to emerge from the field of 60. Across the wider draw, several sides loom as genuine contenders. Keep an eye on teams skipped by Adam Blucher (Te Atatū), Adam Haywood (Auckland), David Ball (Carlton Cornwall), Neil Fisher (Howick), and Tony Grantham (Mt Albert) – all of whom have the capability to make deep runs.

Notably, last year’s young guns trio is absent from the field. Ryan Hill, who has made the move to Nelson, David Motu links up with Adam Haywood and Liam Hill is not competing this year.

Women’s Singles

The Women’s Singles draw is equally strong, featuring a mix of established performers and emerging talent on the verge of a breakthrough in the singles discipline.

Players to watch include Aggie Motu (New Lynn), Estelle Hickey (Carlton Cornwall), Hannah Dawson (Howick), Henrietta Scott & Nicole Singer (Royal Oak), and Skye Renes & Tracey Brayshaw (Pt Chevalier), all bringing strong form and experience into the event.

A special mention goes to Jhanna Savov (Royal Oak), who will be playing her final Auckland Centre event before moving to Australia. Jhanna has been a consistent presence across centre events throughout her junior years, bursting onto the scene by winning the Champion of Champions Singles in her first season, and going on to represent Auckland across 1–5, Development, and Premier levels. While we are sure this won’t be the last time we see her back on our greens, we wish her all the very best for this next chapter.

We wish all players the best for the weekend. Play well, travel safely, and keep an eye on any weather-related updates as the event unfolds.