View from the greens
BQ CEO Brett Wilkie gives his weekly update from around the greens. (Photo: Queensland’s Shane White (Helensvale), Dale McWhinney-Shillington (South Tweed), Scott DeJongh-Fitzpatrick (Tweed Heads) & Mitchell Mears (Algester). Front: Jessie Cottell (Helensvale), Tahlia Camilleri (Helensvale), Jacinta Weier (Hervey Bay) & Michaela Bailey-Nelson (Musgrave Hill) together with Hong Kong representatives.)
**As published in the Gold Coast Bulletin**
Bundaberg’s Kurt Brown staged a remarkable comeback last week to win the Inaugural $64,000 Blue Opal Singles at Broadbeach.
Brown fought back from a 12-20 deficit to overcome Helensvale’s Nathan Rice and claim the $20,000 first prize.
Both players were challenged with heavy rain falling during parts of the final.
The event was claimed by many as one of the best singles fields ever assembled with multiple World and National Champions taking to the greens.
Brown accounted for local favourite and organiser of the event Ryan Bester in one semi-final while Rice accounted for multiple World and Commonwealth Games Gold medallist Alex Marshall from Scotland in the other semi.
Defeated Quarterfinalists included Aron Sherriff (Helensvale), Kevin Anderson (Broadbeach), Ray Pearse (Cabramatta) and Ben Twist (St Johns Park).
Brown then backed up to win the prestigious $15,000 Blue Diamond Pairs with Ben Twist also at Broadbeach.
The pair went through the strong field of 56 teams undefeated after six rounds with a margin of 103 to claim the $4,600 first prize.
Tasmanians Michael Sims and Lee Schraner were the only other six game-winners finishing second with a margin of 86.
Many International raiders and players from all States and Territories are on the Gold Coast to compete in the $250,000 Australian Open.
Congratulations to all the clubs across the Gold Coast who band together to make the Australian Open such a success.
The great work of all the club volunteers and staff is amazing, showcasing one of the best places in the World to play bowls.
Men’s singles were held on the weekend with women’s singles commencing yesterday.
Men’s and women’s pairs start today with men’s and women’s fours kicking off on Thursday.
Under 18, over 60 and bowlers with disability events start next week.
If you can’t get down to your local club, Bowls Australia will be live streaming games daily on Facebook.
The event will finish with finals on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd June.
A new Australian Squad will be announced following the Open.
New Australian Selectors were announced last week with Western Australia’s Therese Hastings replacing Beth Quinlan from New South Wales on the panel.
Kelvin Kerkow (Tweed Heads), Dave Stockham (South Australia) and National Coach Steve Glasson remain on the panel for another term.
Some young QLD stars took on the opportunity to challenge some Hong Kong representatives at Burleigh Heads BC prior to the Australian Open.
An enjoyable day was had by all which was a great experience for our rising stars.