Teys title defence hangs in the balance
Defending men’s singles champion Aaron Teys has a long wait to see whether he will be one of 40 next best qualifiers after losing his section on day one Defending Champion and current Australian Jackaroo Aaron Teys’ title defence is out of his hands after suffering a loss on the opening day of the Australian Open against local Musgrave Hill bowler Glen Bailey.
The loss in the last match of the day prevented the Warilla based Jackaroo from topping his section and progressing to the knockout stages.
Teys’ fait now lies in securing one of 40 next best qualifying spots; however that will not be decided until Monday night, leaving the defending champion with a long wait to see whether his hopes of becoming the first player to win back-to-back Australian Open singles titles is still alive.
Teys’ shot difference is certainly in his favour with plus 35 courtesy of two strong opening matches, a 21-2 victory of South Tweeds Neville Jenke and 21-3 over Lenn Vann from Shepparton RSL.
Australian Jackaroos Ray Pearse (Cabramatta) and Brett Wilkie (Club Helensvale) both progressed to the knockout stages and remain favourites to claim the silverware and $13,000 singles first prize.
National Coach Steve Glasson OAM was another three game winner registering wins over Martyn Page (Princes Risborough, England), Jason Crockett (Algester Sports) and Athol Small (Burleigh Heads) with a margin of 41.
Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Matt Flapper qualified with three wins; one of those coming at the cost of Bowls Australia President and current Queensland Over 60’s State Pairs Champion Nigel Smith who will now wait with Aaron Teys to see whether a shot difference of 18 will be enough to secure him a next best qualifiers spot.
Internationals had a good day out with several current or former international representatives successfully qualifying for the knockout rounds.
New Zealand legend Rowan Brassey proved he hasn’t lost his touch and had on-lookers at Broadbeach Bowling Club believing he was a strong contender for this year’s title.
Former English international David Holt still managed to top his section despite dropping a sectional rubber 12-21 in the final round of the day against Bill Ahoy from Kahibah, NSW.
Other international raiders, Malaysian representatives Mohammad Syamil Syazwan Ramli and Fairul Izwan Abd Muin have also qualified for the knockout stages commencing on Saturday June 18.
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.
