2021 Australian Open advisory

by Aidan Davis on June 3, 2021

Published: Thursday, June 3 at 8.55am

Bowls Australia (BA) can confirm that the 2021 Australian Open (AO) will commence on the Gold Coast as scheduled from next Saturday, June 12.

As a result of the extended lockdown announced yesterday by the Victorian Government for Metropolitan Melbourne, many Victorians will now be unable to travel to the Gold Coast to compete in the 2021 AO from June 12-25 unless already residing in another state or territory.

Victorian-registered participants of the AO that aren’t presently residing in the state of Victoria are being urged to contact BA if they are still willing and able to compete in the event.

The following information should be read carefully by all Victorians that have entered the AO: 

·       Victorian-registered players residing outside Victoria that are competing in any of the event’s opening four disciplines – the men’s or women’s singles or pairs – and that are still intending to play in the event are required to contact BA by close of business today (Thursday, June 3) to remain in the field.

·       Victorian-registered players residing outside Victoria that are competing in any of the other 10 disciplines that are still intending to play in the event are required to contact BA by close of business on Monday, June 7 to remain in the field.

·       Composite teams made up players from both Victoria and another state or territory are also required to contact BA by close of business on Monday, June 7, advising if the team will be remaining in the draw and the name of any replacement player/s, or to be placed on a matchmaking list if unable to locate a replacement player.

An early indication from affected participants would be appreciated and entrants that have already contacted BA to withdraw, following the AO advisement earlier in the week, are not required to do so again.

Once BA have confirmed the details of Victorian-registered players still eligible and intending to compete, a redraw of the affected disciplines will occur in the coming days; all participants will be advised when the redraws have been completed and will be encouraged to re-check their sectional draws, as sections, venues and competition days may have changed.

Given that many Victorian bowlers are now unable to compete, it has been determined that the 2021 AO will not have ranking points awarded and that the 2020/21 rankings period will conclude on June 30.

All affected Victorian participants will have their entry fees refunded in full in the coming weeks, with refunds likely occurring in conjunction with the processing of the prize-money placements at the conclusion of the event.

All contact regarding the aforementioned information should be directed to BA’s Events and Competition Manager Andrew Howie at ahowie@bowls.com.au