Media Release: Sunday, February 18, 2007

HARLOW HOTS UP AHEAD OF SINGLES START

English star Greg Harlow tuned up for his singles charge with three wins in the men’s pairs at the ABN AMRO Australian Open in Melbourne today (18-2).

Harlow, who is playing with fellow Englishman Matthew Merchant, moved into the last 16 of the tournament tonight with a win over Phil Schofield and Neville Brown, both of Victoria.

The international pairing had to scrap for the victory after dropping the first set before taking the match 8-9, 13-4, 2-0.

Harlow and Merchant earlier accounted for Richard Anderton and Mat Kurta (8-8, 9-7) and had a first round win over David Shaw and Graeme Spencer (11-6, 9-9).

Defending pairs champions Mark Strochnetter and Mark Nitz, from Tasmania, qualified for round two against Alan Collins and Ramon Collins 11-7, 8-7.

Australian squad members and ninth seeds Anthony Kiepe and Scott Caundle joined Harlow and Merchant in the fourth round.

However, the good form didn’t stretch to their green-and-gold team-mates and top seeds Leif Selby and Nathan Rice.

The 2007 Asia Pacific Bowls Championship gold medal winners were downed by Thomas Ross and Alan Dove 11-12, 11-7, 2-0.

Fellow Australian squad members Mark Casey and Shane Globits exited the tournament at the hands of Victorians Nick McIntyre and Lee Schraner in the second round.

The national team pair were downed in a tie-break; 13-2, 8-11, 2-1.

Men’s pairs play resumes tomorrow (19-2) with round two scheduled for 8.00am.