Murphy aims to take over the world
World champion Karen Murphy is chasing a first World Cup crown, with Australia boasting three of the world’s best players for the annual indoor tournament beginning today at Warilla Bowling Club, as Mike Driscoll reports for the Illawarra Mercury.
The nine-day singles tournament features many of the best men’s and women’s bowlers from 25 nations battling it out on Warilla’s world-class indoor facility for an eighth straight year.
Shell Cove-based Murphy won the world singles title in Adelaide last year and with five Australian Indoor titles in the past seven years, has again qualified as Australia’s World Cup representative.
The world number two is feeling relaxed ahead of trying to win one of the few big trophies not on her mantelpiece.
“After winning the world singles I’m feeling really content with my game. I’m going into the World Cup relaxed but still very motivated,” Murphy said.
“The World Cup’s definitely on my bucket list and with such a strong field the first aim is to finish top three in the sectional rounds and push on from there.”
Twice a finalist, Murphy reached the semis last year; beaten in a epic tie-breaker by Guernsey’s Alison Merrien.
Murphy, the Jackaroos vice-captain, and Merrien, are in the same section and will meet on Thursday, with Murphy to face Singapore’s Li Li Len in today’s opening round.
Warilla bowls coordinator Jeremy Henry is the defending men’s champion after winning his first major Australian tournament in his debut representing Australia.
With Henry handed direct entry this year as defending World Cup champion, Australia has two men’s representatives in the World Cup, with St Johns Park’s Jackaroos star Mark Casey the other rep after winning the 2012 Australian Indoor Championship.
With Henry and Casey on opposite sides of the draw, Australia have two title contenders for the men’s crown.
Henry will face Norfolk Island’s Ryan Dixon in his opening match today, while Casey will face Zimbabwe’s Roy Garden first-up
