Triples outfits shine at AO
The men’s triples outfits took centre stage as the twilight matches shined their lights
The men’s triples outfits took centre stage last night as the twilight matches shined their lights at this year’s $125,000 Australian Open.
Defending triples champions Nick McIntyre, Matthew Flapper and New Zealand powerhouse Ali Forsyth proved they have their eyes firmly fixed on securing back-to-back silverware after dispatching Goulburn Valley locals Russell Locke, Matthew Robertson and Brett Foley in the tie-break, 15-1, 8-11, 4-0.
The powerful trio executed their opening round clash to perfection during the first set, taking the ninth end out in convincing fashion, but dropping their form in the second set.
Under 25s Victorian representative Brett Foley skipped his brigade through the second set with polished shots and strong camaraderie to ultimately push the game into a tie-break.
Forsyth’s contingent ultimately took charge of the arm-wrestle first round encounter to breeze their way through the draw after prevailing with a clean swipe when the game was on the line in the tie-break.
Across the greens Australian representative Nathan Rice skipped Russell Green and world number one Leif Selby to victory in straight sets 14-5, 10-4, during their opening round match-up against ACT’s Shane Stuart, Victoria’s John McDonald and 2011 ACT Open quarter-finalist Peter Fahey.
The tight nit team looked all the goods as they dominated both sets to comfortably move through the opening round of the men’s triples draw.
Their efforts have now earned them a tantalising round two encounter against defending Australian Open triples champions, Nick McIntyre, Matthew Flapper and Ali Forsyth.
In other games the ferocious forces of Yarraville Footscray teammates Ray Lawerson, Alan Dove and Wayne Roberts combined to produce the upset of the round, knocking out Commonwealth Games gold medallist Mark Casey, Taren Point’s John Green and world number two Brett Wilkie.
The trio had a tight tussle in the opening two sets, dropping the first to ultimately clench victory in the tie-break, 7-9, 7-5, 4-0.
Whilst Commonwealth games bronze medallist Barrie Lester, alongside former Australian squad vice-captain Wayne Turley and world number five Aron Sherriff made light work of their opening round opponents, downing Alistair Watson, Patrick Houlahan and Chris O’Meagher in straight sets, 13-3, 13-4.
Catch all the action from round two of the men’s triples draw live from 11:30am AEST at the Darebin International Sports Centre.
Story provided by Courtney McKenna for bowlsaustralia.com.au.