Mixed feelings as pairs lock horns
The mixed pairs are set to take to the greens this evening as this year’s discipline gets underway at the $140,000 Australian Open. Joining forces will see world number one heavy weight Leif Selby partnering Natalie Noronha against rivals Western Australia’s Nerrida Porteous and Allan Jones in the opening round. Looming ominously in the draw also sees the formidable forces of 2010 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Julie Keegan and 2012 Australian Champion of Champions pairs crown Des Cann Jnr. The duo are set to battle it out against Victorian qualifiers Kate Bush and Joe Lia in their opening round encounter. While fellow Victorian qualifiers Judy Stainton and Christopher Ball will lock horns against state rivals Joan Tennent and Mick Tull in their opening round clash. This year’s mixed pairs draw is comprised of a field of 32 competitors, vying across three rounds for a place in this year’s highly anticipated final to be played out on rink 19 at 6:30pm tomorrow night. With general admission only $5 to this year’s event, you can catch all the action as the mixed pairs take to the greens from 4pm today at the Darebin International Sports Centre with the action continuing in the quarter finals rink side tonight from 6:30pm. Story provided by Courtney McKenna for bowlsaustralia.com.au.