Devon’s Louis Ridout won the Bowls England Men’s National Singles Championship, sponsored by Avonmore Associates.
The Kings BC ace defeated Essex’s Andrew Squire from Maldon BC in a thrilling final at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa.
Trailing 14-11 after 17 ends, Ridout won seven of the last eight ends to claim the title.
In his winners’ speech, Ridout took the opportunity to ask long-time playing partner Sam Tolchard to be his ‘best man’ at his forthcoming wedding to girlfriend Kellie – and Sam said ‘yes’.
Results:
Quarter-Finals:
Andrew Squire (Maldon, Essex) bt Andrew Walters (Worcester, Worcs) 21-15;
Darren Childs (Northampton West End, N’hants) bt Steve Marrett (Halls, Kent) 21-8;
David Bolt (Silksworth, D’ham) bt Vincent O’Neill (Middlesbrough, Yorks) 21-12;
Louis Ridout (Kings, Devon) bt Roger Kendrick (VCD, Kent) 21-16;
Semi-Finals:
Andrew Squire (Maldon, Essex) bt Darren Childs (Northampton West End, N’hants) 21-17;
Louis Ridout (Kings, Devon) bt David Bolt (Silksworth, D’ham) 21-16;
Final:
Louis Ridout (Kings, Devon) bt Andrew Squire (Maldon, Essex) 21-16;