Media Release: Monday, February 19, 2007

YOUNG GUNS CONTINUE AUSSIE OPEN CHARGE

Victorian bowler Claire Duke has advanced to the fourth round of the ABN AMRO Australian Open in Melbourne with a solid victory over former world singles champion Carmen Anderson this morning (19/2).

Duke, the 23-year-old No.2 seed in the event, beat Anderson in straight sets 10-3, 6-6 to set-up a showdown with fellow Australian squad member Lynsey Armitage.

Armitage, also 23 and a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, proved too strong for former Australian squad member and fellow Queenslander Brenda Thompson as she recorded a comfortable 6-4, 8-3 result.

The morning session of play was dominated by young bowlers as 16-year-old Noosa schoolgirl Kelsey Cottrell defeated former Australian player Katrina Wright in a tie-breaker and Geelong teen sensation Samantha Warren upset reigning Asia Pacific singles champion Val Smith of New Zealand in straight sets.

Warren, a stylish 17-year-old, did not know of Smith’s strong international record before the clash.

“I know she is a good player, but I’m glad I didn’t know just how good,” she said.

“I have won the Victorian singles title, but never played in the Australian Open before – it’s very exciting.”

Warren bounced out of the blocks to win the opening set against the fifth seed 10-6 before securing a ticket to the event’s fourth round when the second ended 8-8 at Darebin International Sports Centre.

She joked she had “wagged school” to compete against the world’s best in the $100,000 event.

Other players to advance include English ace Amy Monkhouse (seeded 8) who will meet Western Australian Noelene Abe in a round of 16 clash at 1.00pm.

New Zealand’s Jo Edwards (10) and Jan Khan as well as Malaysian Azlina Arshad (11) are also through to the next round.

Play continues in the men’s and women’s singles, men’s pairs and women’s triples throughout the day.