Q & A with NSW NTC Squad member Ben Glasson
Bowls Australia catches up with NSW NTC Squad member Ben Glasson to talk about the Australian Open and his bowling future. Bowls Australia recently caught up with Ben Glasson to talk about the upcoming Australian Open, what he enjoyed most about the Australian Open’s relocation to the Gold Coast last year and what it means for him to be competing in such a world class event.
Glasson is a member of the NSW NTC Squad and knows the importance of putting big wins on the board to push for selection.
Many Australian Jackaroos, Junior Jackaroos and NTC Squad members will be using the Australian Open as a chance to impress National Selectors and what better place to enjoy a break-through victory than on the Gold Coast, the home of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
What did you enjoy about last year’s Australian Open?
Last year’s Australian open was a fantastic event to be a part of. There is no better place to play than on the Gold Coast. The greens are great for competition and there is plenty of things to do on your days off outside of bowls. Catching up with people you don’t get to see often was great as well, but all in all seeing how many people had travelled long distances to be a part of the event. There is no doubt the Australian Open will continue to grow and I am truly looking forward to competing again this year.
How does the Australian Open rank against other tournaments you enter?
It is definitely up in the top three of my favourite events. The quality of games is exceptional and to be able to catch up with a lot of familiar faces off the green adds a huge plus to the social aspect of bowls. The Australian Open is just a great spectacle for bowls in Australia and I would strongly encourage anyone to enter because I am sure they would have an awesome two weeks!
As a NSW NTC squad member, do you see the Australian Open as an opportunity to progress in your bowls career?
It’s a great opportunity for a couple of different reasons. It is the only tournament where there are so many competitors and you know that every single game in all disciplines will be hard fought. You get the opportunity to play against many different types of players as well, so it’s a great event to identify my weaknesses and areas where I need to improve to be successful in future events.
Is it about time your dad started letting you take the reins and skip?
Possibly! The last tournament we played in together I skipped and we did well. I’m just a bit worried about the physical toll it may have on me because he is a big load to carry and the back and shoulders may get pretty sore! Haha.
Aside from a win at the Australian Open, what other goals do you have this year?
Obviously I would definitely love to win an Australian Open title but on top of that I would love to qualify for the Australian Indoor again. I got a great thrill from playing in that event last year and would love to go back to Tweed Heads in August. Along with the Australian Indoor, I would like to win some zone titles and make it through to the NSW state championship events and hopefully from there push for selection in the NSW open team.
Caption- Ben Glasson playing alongside his father Steve Glasson at the 2015 Australian Open
