The tournament, played at various locations across the Goulburn Valley, including Moama and Echuca, got going in earnest on Saturday.
One of the major surprises in the men’s singles was Alex Marshall (Moama) bowing out in the first knockout stage.
Marshall advanced through the sectional play at East Shepparton with wins against Chris Young (Chalambar Golf) 21-14 and Nino Vlahovic (Brighton) 21-12.
But the Scot, rated as one of the leading contenders for the title, bowed out with a 21-15 loss to Tom Ristic at East Shepparton.
The news was better for fellow Moama bowler Roy Jackson, who defeated Alistair Van der Ploeg in the first knockout round, 21-7.
Other bowlers to reach this stage were Echuca’s Steve Cunnington and Rochester young gun Cameron Keenan, playing for Moama.
There is a strong presence in the Ladies singles event.
Kathleen Wastell (Moama), Cassandra Millerick (Moama), Beryl Murray (Mathoura) and Kelly Norris (Moama) have so far advanced through the first stage of knockout play.
Wastell defeated Joan Moss (Mathoura) 21-15 at Hill Top.
Millerick, who got through a quality section which included her clubmate Olivia Cartwright, proved too strong for Leanne Poulson (Broadbeach), defeating the Queenslander 21-8 at Kyabram.
Murray won a cracking contest against Kelly Mangan (Aberfeldie) 21-19 and Norris accounted for Dusty Taylor-Irwin (Creswick) 21-11.
Both matches were played at Stanhope.
Another Moama bowler Marilyn Stephenson is another who qualified for the finals after winning her section.
Play continues throughout the week.
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