2021 Australian Open – Day five wrap
A plethora of Jackaroos and former champions booked passage through to the knockout phase of the 2021 Australian Open as the women’s singles sectional round kicked off on day five of the $250,500 prize-money event.
However, a huge name was faced with an anxious wait to find out if they would progress as a next best qualifier.
Two-time champions Ellen Ryan and Natasha Van Eldik looked in supreme form, with Ryan amassing a whopping plus 41 shot difference in her trio of victories over Bronwyn Stevens, Jan Yule and Ivanka Stevens.
Van Eldik maintained her quality from the recent Australian Championships, emerging from her section undefeated with a shot difference of 36, boasting her wins over RoseÁnne Howard-Smith, Barb McNeill and Karen Wilson.
Fellow former champions Kelsey Cottrell and Anne Johns all progressed thanks to undefeated runs, while 2012 winner Lynsey Clarke was forced to work hard for her progression.
Clarke fell in her opening match 21-17 to Maree Grant from New South Wales, before storming home in her final two matches against Jane Bush and Kate Argent-Bowden to finish on top of her group with a plus six shot difference.
Chloe Stewart, Genevieve Delves and Kristina Krstic also booked their ticket through to the knockout stage, conjuring undefeated runs through their respective sections.
2017 Australian Champion of Champions conqueror Colleen Orr gained her own position in the next phase, while Emerging Jackaroo Bolivia Millerick also made her way through.
Former pairs winner Maria Rigby secured progression to the next stage, while 2020 South Australian Champion of Champions Jackie Field has also progressed.
2015 singles runner-up Marree Gibbs booked passage to the next round with successive victories, including against two-time pairs winner Emma Spicer, who took the last of eleven next best qualifier spots into Saturday’s elimination rubbers with two wins and a +14 shot margin.
In form Jackaroo Dawn Hayman was forced to wait until the end of the day to learn her fate, emerging as a next best qualifier, as did 2016 singles runner-up Dee-Ann Robertson.
View the women’s knockout draw here.
Hayman commenced her day with a 21-12 victory over Karen Gatto before Broadbeach’s own Serena Matthews upset the 24-year-old 21-17 in the second match, with Hayman sealing her advancement with a 21-2 victory over Barbara McDonald.
The event continues tomorrow with the men’s fours sectional rounds across 10 Gold Coast clubs.
The 2021 Australian Open will be staged across the Gold Coast from June 12-25, courtesy of support from Tourism and Events Queensland and City of Gold Coast.
