WA stars on show at the AO
Hopefuls from all around Australia, and indeed the world, have converged on the Gold Coast for the 2023 Australian Open which commenced over the weekend. Some make the trip in search of an Australian title, some in search of a fantastic holiday, and then there’s plenty with goals the lie in between.
A record amount of entries for this year’s event, including hundreds from WA, and the most host clubs used in the event’s history means the Gold Coast will be on show for the next two weeks.
Over the weekend, the Mens Singles kicked off in fine style with many of the WA stars that we saw grace the stage at the recent Bowls WA Awards Night putting on a great show to progress through the early rounds.
A look at Saturday
Australian Jackaroo, WA Bowler of the Year and current State Singles Champion, Cody Packer stormed through his section with 21-6 and 21-14 wins in his first two matches, followed by a very impressive 21-11 win against USA representative bowler Loren Dion.
State Singles runner-up Blake Butler was another to progress with three very solid wins 21-3, 21-7 and 21-15.
Back to our award winners, and it was Callum Alberti, the young fourteen year old from South Perth and WA’s Under-18 Bowler of the Year, producing the goods in his section, home 21-10, 21-18 and 21-14 in his three matches. A wonderful start to Alberti’s first Australian Open campaign, and with the Under-18’s component to come later in the competition, his good form is encouraging.
Other WA players to progress from day one action included Jeremy Thomas (Guilderton), Ryan Moyle (Doubleview) and Glenn Martin (Scarborough).
Sunday’s Play
Yesterday’s action saw the continuation of singles play, and another four WA players advance to the knockout rounds.
Bowls WA Official of the Year Ryan Havercroft (South Perth) was successful albeit in a couple of close matches – 21-19, 21-14 and 21-18 were his scorelines, while WA Over 60’s Bowler of the Year John Goddard (Osborne Park) was somewhat similar with 21-14, 21-15 and 21-18 margins seeing him safely through.
Peter Cole, representing Bowls WA’s Country Club of Year Pinjarra, progressed comfortably through his section with Louie Beurteaux (Victoria Park Carlisle) rounding out the ten West Aussies to make their way through the first two days play.
Today’s action
Today sees the completion of the sectional play in the Mens Singles event (sections 211-303), as well as the start of the Women’s Pairs (sections 1-27).
Blake Nairn (Cambridge) headlines the WA hopefuls today as he commences his campaign at Club Helensvale. At the same venue, Paul Smith (Perth Tatts) and Greg Reagan (South Perth) do battle in the same section.
In another WA head to head clash. Wayne Collins (York) will take on young gun Jack East (Osborne Park) at Coolangatta.
All up another 29 WA players will be endeavouring to make their way through to Saturday and Sunday’s knockout rounds.
In the women’s pairs being played today, WA’s Noeleen Keeffe and Leanne Gale combine for WA, but face a tough ask in their section against Katelyn Inch and Chloe Stewart. Alongside, Sue Collins and Lynda Coxon also start their tournament with their toughest matchup perhaps against Queensland duo Lauren Schultz and Linda Morish.
The other WA pairs in action include Wendy Flack and Tracey Clements, and Michelle Armstrong with Kelly Bezant.
To view the full list of Mens Singles qualifiers from the first two days play, please see the links below.
Australian Open Singles Qualifiers Day One
Australian Open Singles Qualifiers Day Two
The full knockout draw for the singles will be available tonight after all final qualifiers are known.
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All the latest results and news can be viewed here on the official Australian Open website.
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