An upset loss for last year’s champion Charlie Ward headlined the opening days of the EnergyAustralia Classic Singles lawn bowls tournament hosted by Yallourn Bowling Club.
Moe roller Ward was defeated 21-25 by Keysborough’s Stan Fennell first up and was unable to win by enough in his second game to advance to the knockout round.
Morwell’s David Cook had a surprise win over the fancied Peter Fahey from Cabramatta, who also did not advance.
Last year’s runner-up, Brendon Baker of Kurri Kurri in New South Wales, opened his campaign on Tuesday with a victory over Tony Colwell of Traralgon.
“I’ve never played him before, but he played quite well so I’m happy with the win,” Baker said.
“I sort of fell at the last hurdle last year, I just got outplayed. It’d be nice to go further this year.”
Both Baker and current Australian indoor champion Tony Wood from Clayton made it through to the knockouts, as did inaugural winner Neville Brown.
Tuesday’s hot weather meant games were played up to 21 instead of the usual 25 in a bid to finish the day’s play earlier.
“This year the heat is causing us a couple of problems, it’s not ideal for the players and it’s also difficult for the spectators,” tournament secretary Michael Holroyd said.
“We’ve got plenty of cool drinks and plenty of shade for spectators, and generally the players are used to playing in hot weather, but it is draining on some.”
The Yallourn Bowling Club was still happy with how its improved spectator facilities held up.
“We’ve spent a lot of time and energy over the winter. We terraced the bank around our number one green so now it’s a bit like going to the football, it’s like having a grandstand,” Holroyd said.
“It’s a great viewing spectacle on our number one green.”
The tournament concludes today with the semi finals and final.
*Michael DiFabrizio is a University of Wollongong journalism student
