Local legend Tim Anketell has been playing some outstanding bowls at the Australian Open tournament, presently underway at the Gold Coast, including going head-to-head with local Commonwealth Games medallist, Barrie Lester.
It’s fair to say Anketell’s bowling resume pales in comparison to Lester, as star on the national bowling circuit and a presence at international level for many years. Anketell has only taken up bowls in recent years. Unfortunately that lack of high level experience hindered a nervous Anketell in his round of 64 match.
Anketell began the singles tournament as one of 1312 hopefuls looking to be crowned Australia’s best.
The qualifying for the event saw all players involved in a three round robin, Anketell winning through to the main draw after some impressive results against local and interstate players.
After the tough qualifying rounds, which claimed some big names, including West Sale star, Wayne Morris, 328 of the country’s best graduated to the main draw, which reverted to a sudden death knockout.
Anketell was afforded a bye in round one, before receiving a walkover in round two, his opponent obviously been made aware of Anketell’s swagger which became more prevalent after each result.
Alexander Elwell from Ferry Grove was Anketell’s third round opponent, with East Gippsland bowls’ best kept secret playing outstandingly to post a sensational 21-7 win.
The victory set up a round of 64 showdown with former Lakes Entrance player and world renowned superstar Lester, who had made short work of his opposition in the preliminary round.
Anketell was nervous as he took to the greens at Helensvale, the members at home at Lakes Entrance keen to get regular score updates as their man went into battle with the best player many have ever seen.
Folklore will tell us that Lester won the game 21-7 but those who were present say that Anketell was more than competitive and will come back from his Queensland sojourn a much better and confident player.
Unfortunately for Lester he was defeated in the next round by Jake Rynne from the Carina Tigers, 21-7.
Anketell rubbed shoulders and traded stories and hints with the elite bowlers of Australia, including Lester, Aron Sheriff and Corey Wedlock.
IMAGE: Lakes Entrance bowler, Tim Anketell is pictured with Australian bowls royalty, Corey Wedlock, Aron Sheriff and former local star, Barrie Lester, at the Australian Open Bowls tournament on the Gold Coast last weekend. INSET: Anketell shows the form that has seen him progress to the final 64 of the Australian Open tournament. Unfortunately he drew the short straw, having to take on former Lakes Entrance player, Lester, who has terrorised bowling greens around the world for two decades since making the move to Melbourne to play. (PS)
