Third gold for Jo Edwards. This one, though, needed all her years of class to escape a major upset.

Edwards defended her Commonwealth Games women's singles title at the Broadbeach bowls club, pulling off an unlikely comeback victory over Welsh counterpart Laura Daniels.

Down 12-7 and 15-10, Edwards absorbed considerable pressure throughout this tense final.

The turning point came in the 20th end when Edwards stepped up to pull three bowls back. She drew level; nabbed three more back in the next game for a 20-17 lead and remarkable seven bowl swing.

What a comeback this was, Edwards digging her way out what seemed an insurmountable hole.

Daniels looked unshakeable, responding on several occasions by taking, or snuggling alongside, the jack. At 32 her future is bright but, this time, she couldn't quite knockoff the wily veteran.

Edwards, attending her fourth Games, appeared relaxed as she strolled around the bowls complex bouncing a tennis ball prior to the roll off for gold.

But come the main event, she summoned every bit of her vast experience to claim her third Games gold.

Edwards endured other moments of difficulty this week but her comfort in these surroundings, having spent time here adjusting to the greens before the Games kicked off, helped her survive significant pressure.

Courtesy of this latest success, the 48-year-old enhanced her gold haul to three after claiming the pair's title in Manchester in 2002, and triumphing in the singles in Glasgow four years ago.

Eight victories here from Edwards added a 13th gold to New Zealand's rich history on the greens at the Commonwealth Games.

Edwards isn't finished there, either, lining up in the pairs with long-time team-mate Val Smith tomorrow.