Ryan to show he is the Bester in the business

by admin on May 31, 2016

Broadbeach local and short-priced favourite Some tantalising match-ups have been confirmed for the sectional rounds of the world’s biggest bowls festival, the $250,000 Australian Open, as Renard Peters reports for the Courier Mail.

Australian Open favourite Ryan Bester is resigned to a tough draw which pits him against Jackaroo Barrie Lester in the opening sectional stages at Paradise Point next week.

“You have to beat everyone eventually,’’ Bester said.

“I’ve played Barrie a few times and it’s about 50-50.

“He’s in the Jackaroos so he’s in the top 10 bowlers in the country. He’s an exceptional draw bowler so I’ll be trying to put in a few close early and force him to do a couple of drives.’’

While sectional winners are guaranteed of progressing into the knockout stages, a limited number of second placings go through and Bester was hoping to rely on that in the case of a loss to Lester.

However, Broadbeach-based Bester, in good form after winning the Queensland championships, would be expected to beat the Victorian.

“That’s the best thing about the Australian Open, it’s completely open and there’s no seedings,’’ Bester said.

“I think the Australian Open is the best tournament in the world.

“You need to win 10 or 11 matches to win it and play well, you also need a bit of luck.’’

Despite being a fixture on the Australian circuit, Bester refuses to cut his allegiance with Canada, who he has represented with distinction for a long time.

“It suits me to play in Australia but I still put the maple leaf on my back with pride,’’ he said.

Bester will team with former New Zealand representative Gary Lawson in the Open pairs, an event they won in 2008.

“We’re good friends and like to play pairs together when he comes over,’’ Bester said.

Lester has a long list of credentials including a Commonwealth Games bronze medal in 2006 with Nathan Rice in the pairs. Lester is linking with South Tweed Premier League player Wayne Wilson in the Open.

The Queensland Government is proud to support the Australian Open through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar, showcasing Australia’s best live events in Australia’s best destinations.