Triple crown for AERO bowls at Gauteng Open
Gerry and Johan won gold in the Men’s Open Pairs. (Photo: JBA Bowls/Facebook)
Team AERO walked away with a clean sweep in the coveted Perfect Delivery Gauteng Open at Morningside Country Club this weekend.
In the Men’s section, Jason Evans once again proved his class with a Singles victory. That win went along nicely with Team Gerry Baker’s double triumph in the Pairs and Fours.
The Perfect Delivery Gauteng Open once again showcased top-tier bowls talent, and it was pleasing to see that Aero bowls stole the spotlight with their players delivering some outstanding performances throughout the competition.
The event saw exceptional gameplay and thrilling matches which culminated in Aero's players clinching titles across multiple categories, reaffirming that the best players choose Aero en route to their dominance of the sport.
Gerry Baker's Triumph in Pairs and Fours
Gerry Baker, a stalwart in the bowls community, led Team Aero’s charge to victory in both the Pairs - joined by the rising star Johan van der Walt and the Fours disciplines (joined by Van der Walt, in-form Aiden de Smidt and Heinz Schlesser.
Reflecting on the triumph, Baker said, "Winning the pairs and the fours was a testament to the hard work everyone has put in. It’s incredibly rewarding to be standing on the top of the podium in one of the biggest events in the country."
Baker's leadership and tactical acumen were evident throughout the tournament. His ability to read the game and make crucial decisions under pressure played a significant role in his sides’ success. "Bowls is as much a mental game as it is physical," Baker explains.
"Staying composed and making the right calls at the right moments can change the outcome of a match. Credit to all of my teammates, we know this game is very much about the collective and I’m very happy for them all."
Jason Evans: The Singles Champion
Jason Evans, another Team Aero standout, showcased his individual brilliance by winning the Singles title on Sunday. His precision and consistency were unmatched, making him a formidable opponent throughout the competition.
"Winning the Singles title at the Gauteng Open is a huge feat," Evans shared.
"It’s been a journey of perseverance and passion for the sport. Every match was a new challenge, but staying focused and trusting my skills made all the difference."
Evans' last few rounds were marked by a series of impressive displays where his calm demeanor and technical excellence shone through.
He beat Ferdi Jansen 21-9 in the last four before claiming gold with a 21-8 victory over Cecil van Niekerk.
"In singles, every shot counts. It's about maintaining a balance between aggression and caution," he said.
"I’m grateful for the support from my team and the the wider Team Aero community. Their encouragement and belief in my abilities pushed me to excel."
Earlier, he cruised into medal contention with 21-7 and 21-3 victories as he stamped his authority on the competition.
Credit must also go to Aiden de Smidt, who claimed bronze in the Open singles narrowly losing his semi-final 21-19 to Van Niekerk.
Team Aero's Unstoppable Force
Team Aero's success at the Perfect Delivery Gauteng Open is a testament to their commitment to excellence in bowls. With players like Gerry Baker and Jason Evans leading the charge, the future remains as bright as for Team Aero.
As the bowls community looks forward to more thrilling tournaments, Team Aero's performance at the Gauteng Open sets a high standard and will no doubt inspire upcoming talents in the sport.
