Holt rises to the top
St Johns Parks’ David Holt has taken the lead in the Aero Bowls Male Bowler of the Year. The reigning Australian Indoor Singles champion was 6 points behind NSW’s Ian Taylor but after the completion of 13 ranking events we have a new leader. Holt was runner-up behind NSW’s Ray Pearse in the $20,000 Cabramatta City Master Singles and earned himself 48 points to sit 42 points clear of Taylor in second. Holt was thrilled to hear that he had made it to the top of the rankings and his eyes on the $3000 winner’s cheque courtesy of Aero Bowls. “Seven years ago I had success at Darebin (Australian Open) and was ranked number two in the county; I’m pleased that I’ve had longevity in the game and have been able stick with the best and eventually make it to number one,” Holt said. “I’m going to relish this achievement because I have limited events coming up which will incur points, but I will keep a close eye on what tournaments are approved for ranking points and try to enter more events to build on my current total,” Holt said. Holt will be contesting the State Triples Championships and plans to enter the Australian Open singles and pairs. Holt would be considered a favourite for the coveted Australian Open Singles title after his success at the Australian Indoor Championships and Australian Champion of Champions. Still in striking distance is Australian Jackaroo Brett Wilkie, Ballina’s Kris Lehfeldt and young gun Corey Wedlock in third, fourth and fifth spots respectively. There has been no movement in the race to be crowned Aero Bowls Female Bowler of the Year with young-gun Jamie-Lee Worsnop still sitting in first place after she became the youngest winner of the Australian Indoor Singles. Australian Jackaroo Natasha Scott is 18 points away in second position. Scott will be contesting the New South Wales State Championships next month and she is currently the leading contender to chase Worsnop down. New Zealand champions Jo Edwards and Val Smith fill the next two spots whilst Australian Indoor runner-up Kay Moran sits in fifth. Next month’s major events are the Australian Champion of Champions, Moama Men’s Classic Pairs, Griffith Exies 2 Bowl Master Triples, Tooheys Twilight Pairs and Tathra Beach Bayside Triples all incurring a number of rankings points. The Doubleview Master Pairs is the first event registered for ranking points in Western Australia which is fantastic for bowlers in the west. Any clubs that are staging events that fit the criteria should register with Bowls Australia as having ranking points associated with your events will attract top level bowlers. For the men’s current standings click here & for the women’s current standings click here . For the calendar of approved events click here .