Van Asch & Johns Claim Aus Open Pairs Crown
Bec Van Asch & partner Anne Johns have claimed their first Australian Open Pairs title as reported by Corey Martin in the Examiner Newspaper. REBECCA Van Asch has done all she can to let national selectors know she is ready to defend her global pairs crown at November’s World Championships in Christchurch.
The Invermay bowler, 28, arrived back in Launceston from the Gold Coast on Saturday after winning the $15,000 women’s Australian Open pairs title with Anne Johns last week.
The duo won 21-14 against Ellen Ryan and Julie Keegan in unkind conditions.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better result,” the Australian Jackaroo said.
“We knew it was going to be tough as there were top quality players, not only from Australia, but internationally as well.
“This is the first time we’ve played pairs together so we’re an undefeated combo, which is pretty cool.
“I was really happy with the way I played throughout the tournament, unfortunately my results in the singles and fours wasn’t what I had hoped, but I was happy with the way I played in them.” It was the second Australian Open title victory for the Johns-Van Asch combination, following on from their triumph in the 2014 fours alongside Lynsey Clarke and Kelsey Cottrell.
Van Asch said the win rated among her greatest achievements.
However, she now faces a nervous wait and “a few sleepless nights” until the Australian line up headed for New Zealand is announced on Thursday.
Van Asch, who has made more than 100 international appearances, hopes to get the chance to defend her 2012 World Championships pairs gold medal.
“Last week was one of our last ditch efforts in front of the selectors,” she said.
“It’s a bit of a nervous wait between now and then, I’ve done everything I can – it’s out of my hands now.
“It would be a huge honour to be able to try and defend that title four years later but I’d just like to be in the team – I don’t really care what position or discipline.
“We’ve got so much depth in Australia and our squad is so strong… I wouldn’t like to be a selector.”
The 2016 World Championships will run from November 26 to December 11.
