Katherine Rednall Clinches Seventh Title As Jason Banks Advances

The World Indoor Bowls Championships 2026 have delivered another thrilling chapter in the sport’s storied history, with drama, upsets, and a touch of déjà vu for fans at Potters Resorts in Hopton-on-Sea. With the open singles, pairs, and mixed doubles all in full swing, and the ladies’ matchplay final now concluded, this year’s tournament has already produced moments destined to be replayed for years to come.

Let’s start with the blue riband event: the open singles. Defending champion Jason Banks of Scotland, who completed an unprecedented treble last year by capturing the open singles, open pairs, and mixed pairs titles, has kept his title defense alive in spectacular fashion. Banks faced England’s Aaron Johnson—a rising star making his debut in the Top 16 this season—in a riveting last-16 clash that went down to the wire. The match was a replay of their 2024 Scottish International Open final, and once again, Banks emerged victorious, this time by a narrow 2-1 margin (8-4, 7-11, 2-1).

Banks’ path to the quarter-finals is not just another win; it’s a step toward making history. Should he retain his title, he’ll become the first player in 16 years to do so, following in the legendary footsteps of Alex Marshall. Banks is one of five players to have already booked their spots in the last eight as of January 21, 2026, and he’s set to face England’s Nick Brett next—a formidable opponent and the ninth seed who claimed this very title a decade ago. The anticipation for that clash is palpable; will Banks’ remarkable run continue, or will Brett summon the form that made him a champion?

Elsewhere in the open singles, 2020 winner Robert Paxton, ranked third, continued to demonstrate why he’s one of the sport’s most consistent performers. Paxton secured his 11th last-eight appearance by defeating English compatriot Mervyn King 1.5-0.5 (7-5, 6-6). King, not to be mistaken for the darts player of the same name, has become something of a bowls enthusiast himself, frequently seen supporting local Norfolk-based players from the stands. The camaraderie and cross-sport appreciation only add to the unique atmosphere of the championships.

But it’s not just the men making headlines. The ladies’ matchplay final at Potters Resorts became an all-English affair, with Nicole Rogers and Katherine Rednall both earning their places after impressive semi-final victories. Rogers, a four-time semi-finalist (2020 and the last three years), finally broke through to her maiden final, overcoming Scotland’s Beth Riva 2-1 (8-4, 7-11, 2-1). Rednall, meanwhile, continued to cement her legacy in the sport. She dispatched Scotland’s Lesley Doig 2-0 (8-6, 9-5) in the other semi-final, earning her tenth final appearance and the opportunity to chase an astonishing seventh title.

The final itself, held at 1pm on January 22 and broadcast live on BBC Two and iPlayer, lived up to the billing. In a match that swung back and forth, Katherine Rednall edged Nicole Rogers 2-1 to claim her seventh ladies’ matchplay crown. Rednall’s achievement is nothing short of remarkable—she continues to set the standard in women’s bowls, and her seventh title adds yet another chapter to her illustrious career.

The World Indoor Bowls Championships have a rich history dating back to their inception in Coatbridge in 1979. Since 1999, Potters Resorts in Hopton-on-Sea has been the event’s home, offering a unique setting for what has become the sport’s most prestigious tournament. The stakes are high, too: this year’s champions in both the open singles and women’s singles will each take home a £50,000 prize, while the open pairs and mixed pairs winners split £20,000 per team. It’s a far cry from the event’s early days, reflecting the sport’s growing profile and the increasing depth of competition.

Scotland’s dominance in the open singles is a recurring theme. Legends like Alex Marshall and Paul Foster have a combined 11 titles—Marshall with six (1999, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2015) and Foster with five (1998, 2001, 2005, 2011, 2017)—and both remain in contention for yet another crown. Stewart Anderson, a three-time champion himself (2013, 2019, 2024), is also in the draw, alongside fellow Scots Darren Burnett and Martyn Rice. The Scottish contingent’s ongoing success is a testament to the country’s rich bowls tradition and the high standard set by its players.

This year’s tournament has already seen memorable moments beyond the singles. On January 19, the open pairs final featured an all-Scottish showdown, with Paul Foster and Alex Marshall clinching their fifth pairs title together by defeating Stuart Anderson and Darren Burnett. The following day, England’s Jamie Walker and Northern Ireland’s Chloe Wilson teamed up to win the mixed doubles final, besting Les Gillett and Emily Kernick in a match that showcased the international flavor of the competition.

The schedule for January 22 was packed with top-tier action. The day began at 10am with Martin Puckett facing Scott Walker in the open singles last-16, followed by the much-anticipated ladies’ final between Rogers and Rednall at 1pm. The afternoon session saw Tom Holmes take on Stewart Anderson, and the evening closed with Jamie Walker facing Darren Burnett. For fans unable to attend in person, the BBC’s comprehensive coverage—across BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, and the Red Button—ensured no one missed a moment. For those abroad, the World Bowls Tour’s YouTube and Facebook streams provided free global access.

Reflecting on the action so far, the 2026 World Indoor Bowls Championships have delivered everything fans could hope for: legendary names chasing more glory, new faces breaking through, and matches that go down to the final bowl. Jason Banks’ quest for back-to-back titles remains alive, while Katherine Rednall’s seventh ladies’ crown is the talk of the tournament. With the quarter-finals on the horizon and more twists surely to come, the stage is set for a grandstand finish.

As the tournament heads into its final days, all eyes remain on Potters Resorts. Will Scotland’s Jason Banks continue his march toward history? Can any challenger halt the dominance of the sport’s established stars? For now, the bowls world is watching—and waiting—for the next chapter to unfold.