Hanley downs the best
17 year old Curtis Hanley has produced the upset of the tournament to book a ticket into this afternoons final against defending champion Jeremy Henry 17 year old Curtis Hanley has taken the biggest scalp of his career in today’s Australian Indoor Championship semi-final, downing arguably Australia’s best bowler Aron Sherriff in a quality contest at Tweed Heads.
Hanley was the picture of concentration and remained composed on the big stage when he walked out for a prevalent match in his short career.
Hanley’s ‘nothing to lose’ attitude was evident on the green and the Melbourne based youngster says he was not going to shy away from the challenge that lied ahead.
“I was excited not so much nervous heading into the match, Aron is a class player but I wasn’t intimidated and I certainly thrived on being the underdog out there today,” said the year 12 student.
“My mum was in the crowd today, she is by far my biggest supporter but I think for this afternoon’s final she will be watching the game through her fingers.”
The task for Hanley gets no easier when he lines up in this afternoon’s blue-ribbon singles final against King of the Indoor Jeremy Henry, the four-time World Cup Singles Champion, defending Australian Indoor Champion and former Northern Ireland representative.
Hanley’s run to the final has seen him avoid tie-breakers in all four of his matches, topped off by a stunning 6-5, 9-9 victory in the semi-final.
It will be a nervous wait for the teenager who will now sit through the women’s singles final between Australian Jackaroos Rebecca Van Asch and Natasha Scott before his 2:00pm kick off for the $9000 grand finale.
The winner of the finals will each pocket a cool $6000 and a place in the World Cup representing Australia, while the finalists have already secured a $3000 runner-up cheque.
All the matches will be televised on The Bowls Show commencing September 4 running four consecutive weeks.
Women’s Singles Final- 11:00am- Rebecca Van Asch v Natasha Scott
Men’s Singles Final- 2:00pm- Curtis Hanley v Jeremy Henry
Caption- 17 year old Curtis Hanley has booked a place in this afternoon’s Australian Indoor Championship final
