Rice secures tie-break with ease
Nathan Rice and Leif Selby make it through to round two of the Open
The men’s singles have taken centre stage this afternoon at the $125,000 Australian Open with an array of impressive performances and the classic tale of the underdog emerging.
Sporting a cheeky smile and a look of content, last night’s runner-up for male bowler of the year, Nathan Rice had every reason to celebrate as he advanced through the opening round of the men’s singles draw.
The Club Helensvale powerhouse was stretched to a tie-break against Altona’s Matthew Perkins, ultimately holding his nerve to prevail 7-4, 6-10, 4-0.
“It was a battle first up. I was lucky to get away with the win in the tie-break, so there’s definitely room for improvement,” said a modest Rice post-match.
The Australian Squad representative had a stellar year on the Grand Prix circuit last year, claiming every colour in the medal pool at the Asia Pacific Championships and is now hoping to capitalise on that fine form at this year’s Australian Open.
“Last year was a great year for me, so I’m hoping to have another big year, it’s all leading to the World Bowls (Championships), which I hope to be a part of,” he said.
The Queensland powerhouse used his inside knowledge to advance through the opening round, taking advantage of his familiarity of the Darebin greens.
“The greens haven’t changed much from last year, however there was bad weather last Thursday, so they’re a bit slow today.”
In other games, Victorian under-18 young-gun Dylan Fisher advanced through his opening round match, downing the ACT’s Trent Healey in straight sets 12-2, 7-6.
The impressive teenager who came runner-up at last night’s Bowls Australia Awards for the converted under-18 male bowler of the year crown was in complete control during the opening set, taking an early 7-0 lead by the third end.
Not to be outdone, Healey rallied in the second set taking an early lead and holding par until the sixth end; however Fisher held his nerve to tie the set at 5-apiece and used the last end to clinch the game in straight sets.
Across the greens Matthew Pietersen proved why he’s been given a guernsey into the Australian representative side, making light work of Victorian’s Chad Twentyman in straight sets 8-6, 10-1.
The St Johns Park star asserted his authority in the second set, reigning supreme with consistent bowling to take the game in a little over an hour and half.
While former Australian squad vice-captain Wayne Turley proved he is back with a vengeance, sending Brett Hurrell back packing to the festival state with a straight sets victory in his opening round, 10-1, 9-9.
The Taren Point veteran got off to a phenomenal start during the opening set, taking an impressive 9-0 lead after the sixth end.
The NSW stalwart maintained his composure during the second set to tie play up at 9-apiece and ultimately clinch the match.
The action continues in the men’s singles draw live from 12pm AEDT tomorrow at the Darebin International Sports Centre.
Story provided by Courtney McKenna for bowlsaustralia.com.au.