Men’s Open Singles Preview.

by admin on January 4, 2018

The Men’s Singles will be played at three clubs in Launceston, Trevallyn, Invermay & Kings Meadows. There are 68 players who will be whittled down to 16 with three rounds of game, although 60 players have been given a bye into the second round. Now for the kiss of death selections for the 16 players to advance.
The top of the draw features the 8 players having to play in the first round. The first match features two previous winners of this event with Tim Douce taking on David Genford. Their head to head record is 1-1 but I think the form of Douce should get him over the line. But that’s not where it ends for Douce, a likely match between either Brodie Baker or Peter Bannister awaits in the third round, neither player will be easy but I think Douce will have enough class to progress. Selection – T Douce.
The rest of the draw sees one of four players progressing to the next round.
The next player to advance will likely come from the winner of Josh Baker and Josh Mabb. Both players are skipping very well in pennant but I think Baker might just get over the line. Selection – J Baker.
Three of four players could be through in the next section with Keghan Booth likely to meet Phil Mundy or Peter Zoon in the third round. I think Zoon’s consistent draw shot will be too much for Mundy to overcome with Zoon then too strong for Booth. I don’t think there will be much in the game, maybe a 4 shot win. Selection – P Zoon.
A likely third round encounter between club mates Alan Gamble and David Minns should decide this section. Minns is a previous winner of the event and is always there about in any singles encounter. I can’t go past him progressing to the third day. Selection – D Minns.
The defending champion, Taelyn Male, takes on previous Runner-Up Will Springer in the second round. The winner will likely take on Simon Zaporozec. I think this could see two very close results which could go either way but I’ll put my money on the defending champion. Selection – T Male.
Lee Schraner has won a lot in his time, but the Tasmanian singles is one title that has eluded him. He’ll need to get through two tough opponents to advance with Luke Turner up first followed by Schraner’s State lead, Scott Summers, another previous champion in the field. The obvious pick is Schraner so I guess I’ll be obvious then. Selection – L Schraner.
I believe Michael Sims has got a walk over through the third round, where he should take on David Douce. There aren’t many Douce’s that haven’t won this title and David will be looking to join that list. Not this year though, Sims is one of the form players in the state. Selection – M Sims.
Patrick Oldham will be out to show people he is coming of age as a player but faces a tricky opponent in Jarrah Allan first up. The winner will need to face Luke Richardson in all likely hood who should be too strong and should move on to the third round. Selection – L Richardson.
Robert McMullen looks like the strongest player in the next section. His first opponent will be Anthony Clifford with the next match looking like Josh Tyrrell. McMullen has been playing well since his move to the North of the state and I see no reason why he shouldn’t be too strong to progress here. Selection – R McMullen.
The third round match here will feature and experienced player versus a more youthful opponent. The experienced player will either be Michael Taylor or Chris Norris whilst the Josh Walker-Davis or Matthew Jackson will complete the match-up. Josh Walker-Davis has consistently done well in singles events over the last few years and I’ll be backing him to do that again. Selection – J Walker-Davis.
A very open section of the draw should see Rob Claridge taking on Cody Clifford in the third round. Claridge has been playing well for Scottsdale in pennant and barring any rain, the quicker greens should suit him. Selection – R Claridge.
Previous Runner-Up Sam Springer will like the look of his section but I think Gene Ayton can use his home ground knowledge of Invermay to take a couple of wins. Tristan Bakes can’t be written off but I’ll stick to the player playing at home. Selection – G Ayton.
The winner between Cameron Griffiths and Peter Jenkins look likely to get through to the next day. Jenkins did well to advance in the pairs and is in good form but I’ll take Griffiths from South Burnie. He’ll likely have to beat Warren Groves who usually causes an upset during the gala week. Selection – C Griffiths.
The next part of the draw should see three strong matches. Josh Appleyard should advance to the third round to play either Brad Carver or Steve Graf. Graf is a very solid singles player and should be too good for Carver. The Graf/Appleyard match would be a great to match to watch if it eventuates. I’ll take Graf but only just. Selection – S Graf.
Damien Lewis has a golden opportunity to move into the last 16 players with a likely match up against Miles Baker in the third round. Lewis is always strong when it comes to singles but I don’t think Baker will be letting him have the game. I predict Lewis to win 25-18. Selection – D Lewis.
Another Sims brother gets a walkover into the third round with Lachie awaiting a likely match with Isaac Maughan in the third round. Maughan is a promising player but Sims is well credentialed and should prove too strong. Selection – L Sims.
My Pairs predictions ended 6/11 so I’m improving but I’m not expecting a perfect score with my predictions above. Who will be the players to cause some upsets and to show everyone what they are capable of? Good luck to all bowlers.