Five Australians Secure Masters Qualification with Strong Team Performance
By Matt Stevens
Team Australia showcased their prowess in a gripping Team of Four events at the 22nd Asian Junior Tenpin Bowling Championship, even though they missed out on medals.
In an intense showdown that kept everyone on edge, the boy’s Australia B team found themselves tied for third place with Singapore, both teams totalling 4,110 after five games.
Brock Gordon, the 18-year-old sensation from Ballina, left a lasting impression, displaying his remarkable potential with another inspiring showing. His astounding average of 224.67 across the six games showcased his excellence. A finalist in the Australian Junior Master’s and a key member of the President’s Shield-winning Ballina Bullfrogs team, Gordon was one of several Aussies who has delivered a spectacular debut in their national colours.
Gordon wasn’t alone in his standout performance. The Australian B team, featuring Sean Lam, Nicholas Rajkovic, and Trent McDougall, also displayed their best performances of the Championship during the team event. Each bowler played a pivotal role, with all maintaining averages no lower than 196 in their remarkable efforts.
Brock Gordon’s phenomenal performance in the Team of Four event propelled him to 13th place in the All-Events standings, ensuring his qualification for the prestigious Top 16 Asian Junior Tenpin Bowling Championship Masters event. Nicholas Rajkovic, who had an incredible Championship thus far, unfortunately, missed the cut for the Masters by a mere 21 pins.
Australia’s A team struggled to find a consistent rhythm, concluding in 9th place. Blake Walsh, yet another talent from Ballina, led his squad well once again, averaging 205.83. Despite an uncharacteristic sixth game of 145, Walsh secured his place in the Master’s event, finishing in an impressive 8th place – the best position for the Aussie boys.
Seth Gray, who secured a bronze medal in the doubles event, also earned a spot in the Masters, finishing 14th in the All-Events Standings.
On the girls’ front, Team Australia continued to impress. In a head-to-head battle, Australia B held a slim 19-pin advantage over Australia A heading into the final game holding the 6th and 7th positions. Led by Amelie Perrin-Nitschke, who averaged 185.83, the B team was overtaken by Australia A in the last game, securing 6th place, while Australia B settled for 7th.
Australian Junior Master Champion Shanae Key maintained her scorching form, leading all the girls with an average of 186.83 in the challenging final event. Her stellar performance secured another two Australians’ qualification for the Master’s event.
Talking about Master’s, in the girls’ category, Victorian Shanae Key secured the top spot, finishing 7th (3,479), just ahead of her sparring partner Emily Hart in 8th place (3,471). Samantha Clifton continued to shine, finishing in 20th place, a mere 46 pins behind the Master’s cut line.
Congratulations to Singapore, who clinched both Gold medals in the team event, while Japan took both silvers. Malaysia (girls) and Hong Kong (boys) secured the bronze medals.
Australia will enter the prestigious Top 16 Asian Junior Tenpin Bowling Championship Master’s event with five representatives. Congratulations to Shanae Key (7th), Emily Hart (8th), Blake Walsh (8th), Brock Gordon (13th), and Seth Gray (14th) for their well-deserved qualification.
A special mention to Singapore, whose athletes claimed Gold in the All-Events standings, with Lim Shi En securing the girls’ victory (3,758), and Brian Ngoi Kai Ren taking the boys’ title (3,977).
The action continues for the deserving bowlers who have earned their spots in the esteemed 16-game Asian Junior Tenpin Bowling Championship Masters event, commencing at 11:30 am AEST.
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Credit to the abf-online.org for the photos supplied.
