Altona’s Nathan Wilson fell short of claiming a second bowls Australian Open title as Aron Sherriff made history.
Competing in the event in Queensland for the first time since 2019, Wilson won through to the final against Sherriff.
Wilson was aiming for his second Australian Open title having won back in 2014.
The Altona ace, known for his aggressive shot selection and laser-like draw game, turned back the clock to beat Australian Jackaroo spearhead Corey Wedlock in the semi finals, 21-11.
Sherriff entered the final looking for a seventh Australian Open title and fourth in a row.
The three-time world champion was unrelenting against Wilson in the final, running away to a 7-1 lead.
However, the younger brother of two-time Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist, Aaron Wilson, wouldn’t go away, eager to step out of the shadow of his older brother, who sat as his rinkside coach throughout the contest.
Wilson clawed his way back to a 13-9 deficit before the hometown hero put his foot on the accelerator to be one away for the championship.
With a finger pointed to the sky, Sherriff was able to displace to Wilson’s shot bowl and win the 2025 Australian Open men’s singles championship.
Sherriff said on the broadcast after the final it was good to see Wilson back up there.
“He was a bit of a wildfire when he was younger was really exciting and out there,” he said. “He’s had a family and he’s matured, let’s see him in a Victorian shirt again soon.”
