|
|
MEDIA RELEASE | |
|
|
Results
|
Media release: 2nd January 2008 THE BIG SCOTSMAN IS COMING TO THE AO Four-time World Indoor champion Alex Marshall will roar into Melbourne next month after accepting an invitation to contest the $120,000 ABN AMRO Australian Open.
The Scottish sensation, who has not played in Australia since capturing gold in the men’s pairs at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, is arguably the game’s biggest name, but faces stern competition to lift the coveted singles’ title.
With the countdown to the nation’s most lucrative bowls event well and truly on, Marshall will be joined in the 128-strong field by defending champion Robert Doody, as well as reigning Commonwealth Games gold medallist Kelvin Kerkow and Canadian sensation Ryan Bester.
Ireland’s Jeremy Henry and Australia’s Steve Glasson, who won the 2000 and 2004 World Championships respectively, are also confirmed starters in the white-hot field, which is shaping up as the tournament’s best ever.
“I’m really looking forward to the ABN AMRO Australian Open,” Marshall said earlier today (2/1).
“I had a successful time at Darebin when I claimed gold in the Commonwealth Games pairs, so I’m looking forward to competing there again.
“With the likes of Mark Casey, Kelvin Kerkow and Jeremy Henry all competing, the competition should be really tough.
“I’m coming off a pretty good year having won the World Indoors Singles Championship for the fourth time, so I am very pleased with that.”
Having claimed the World Indoor Championship in 1999, 2003 and 2004, Marshall created history last year when he became the first man to capture the title on four occasions.
The 40-year-old’s form on the outdoor greens, however, is just as impressive, having won Commonwealth Games and World Championship (1992, 2000) gold in the pairs.
With Marshall’s attendance now confirmed, Bowls Australia chief executive officer Neil Dalrymple believes next month’s event could reach dizzy new heights.
‘‘We’ve assembled a fantastic field,” Dalrymple said.
“It really is the who’s who of bowls.
“Victoria’s Robert Doody sprung an upset by claiming this year’s title, but he’ll have his work cut out to retain his title in February.”
The ABN AMRO Australian Open, which will be held at the Darebin International Sports Centre from February 17 to 23, is the most prestigious event on the Bowls Australia calendar and continues to go from strength to strength.
For more information phone:
Richard Goodbody; 0432 813 576 Des Ryan; 0417 327 059
|