The Australian Open women’s pairs crown is once again in the possession of world number four Karen Murphy after another power-packed performance at the Darebin International Sports Centre today (17/2).
Partnering former Scottish international Kay Moran, Murphy, the 2009 champion, collected her 14th Bowls Australia grand prix win with an 11-5, 6-6 victory over reigning title holders Sharyn Renshaw and Therese Hastings.
In the men’s pairs final, Victoria’s Neville Rodda and Lee Schraner rose from the dead against Delhi Commonwealth Games representatives Mark Berghofer and Aron Sherriff to snatch a 5-12, 12-8, 5-1 win.
Trailing by seven shots midway through the second set, Rodda and Schraner won all bar two of the final nine ends of the match to bankroll their victory.
The women’s triples title was also decided with second seeds Kelsey Cottrell, Anne Johns and Lynsey Armitage proving too slick for NSW qualifiers Lisa Prideaux, Abundia Robertson and Carmen Anderson 13-5, 12-3.
“It just goes to show the calibre of that team to make the (women’s pairs) final two years in a row,” Murphy said.
“They’re a great pair, very steady, so we were happy to come away with the win.”
Carrying a six figure prize pool, the 2011 Australian Open is a multi-discipline tournament which features singles, pairs and triples for both men and women, as well as a festival of bowls incorporating over-60 triples, under-18 singles, AERF Mixed Pairs and bowlers with a disability.
The 2011 Australian Open continues tomorrow with the semi-finals of the men’s and women’s singles before culminating on Saturday.
