Bega Valley bowler James Reynolds has won the Australian Open.
The Bowler With a Disability Singles crown was decided at the Broadbeach Bowling Club on the Gold Coast with Reynolds conquering defending champion Josh Barry.
Reynolds proved unstoppable to clinch the game comfortably 21-8.
“Playing Josh is always a huge challenge … and it is so great to finally win this again,” Reynolds said emphatically.
Playing Josh is always a huge challenge ... I would have to be at my very best to have a chance and get the win
- James Reynolds
Barry was the defending champion of the crown and one of Reynolds’ team-mates in recent international outings.
“I knew going into the game I would have to be at my very best to have a chance and get the win,” he said.
Barry had also been the player to knock Reynolds out of contention last year, edging the Merimbula player in the semi-final.
“Getting this win is a great finish after a huge month for me,” Reynolds said after forming part of the Australian squads to compete in both the multi-nations championship and Trans Tasman Test series.
There, Barry is a team-mate in the Disability Triples side that helped claim a clean sweep against the Kiwis, but the Aussies also secured a lion’s share of the medals during the Multi-national championships.
Reynolds said a swathe of big-name events have been hosted at the Broadbeach club this year as it will form the base for the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
He said it was fantastic to be getting plenty of practice on the greens.
Meanwhile, officials said Reynolds was awe-inspiring during the Open and recent Tests.
“What a time to put a result like that on the board with 2018 Commonwealth Games selection just around the corner,” a spokesman for Bowls Australia said.
However, Reynolds said selectors were facing a mountainous task in trimming down the roster to the final team.
There will be one more competition trial held in October this year, but everyone is proving worthy of a spot.
“The facts are everyone in the Aussie squad is continuing to play fantastically and achieving strong results,” Reynolds said.
“it's going to be a very tough selection.”
The final team for the Commonwealth Games will be announced near the end of the year after the final training camp at the Broadbeach club.
Jacob McMaster
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
