AO entries hit all-time high

The Australian Open’s popularity has surged since its inception with entry numbers for 2010 reaching an all-time high.

Since the inaugural event in 2005, entry numbers have jumped 142%, with overall figures up from 764 to 1846.

The figures only include qualifiers for the men’s and women’s singles, pairs and triples, with the $125,000 tournament also incorporating a festival of bowls that involves under-18 and over-60 events, athletes with a disability and the AERF Mixed Pairs Challenge.

While the addition of inter-state qualifying over the past two years has clearly bolstered numbers, providing bowlers from across the nation with unprecedented access to the game’s marquee event, the pulling power of the AO is getting bigger by the year.

During next week’s final leg of qualifying in Bendigo, just under 1000 participants will hits the greens in Victoria chasing a berth in the main draw.

Bowls Australia chief executive officer Neil Dalrymple said he was extremely heartened by the swelling numbers.

"The Australian Open has grown significantly over the past six years and it’s pleasing to see the entry numbers are reflective of that," Mr Dalrymple said.

"Not only has the prize money jumped from $68,000 to $125,000, but bowlers are well aware of the competition they will face at the tournament.

"With the top-five female players in the world in the main draw, as well as seven of the top-12 male players, there’s not another tournament on the planet that can boast the calibre of talent as the Australian Open.

"I’m looking forward to the competition commencing in just under a fortnight and I’m sure it will be another tournament to remember."

Among the nations competing at this year’s tournament include Malaysia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, South Africa and Canada, as well as the entire Australian squad.

The English Commonwealth Games team, which will face Australia in a two-day test match at the Moama International on February 22 and 23, will also use the event to fine-tune their preparations, with world champions Ellen Falkner, Amy Monkhouse and Merv King amongst their contigent.

Staged at the Shepparton Park and Mooroopna bowls clubs from February 14 to 20, the Australian Open will be broadcast across the nation on ABC TV, with full results found at bowlsaustralia.com.au

Click here for more information on the 2010 Australian Open.

Caption: World number three Kelsey Cottrell in action during last year's Australian Open final.