Hi guys,

The Travelex New South Wales Open commences on Monday and I thought I would post a story which featured on the BA website for those who haven’t seen it.

For up to date results on the NSW Open, log on to www.bowlsaustralia.com.au.

Good luck on the greens.

Joey

Cottrell returns to the fold

Defending Travelex New South Wales Open champion Kelsey Cottrell has hosed down suggestions of back-to-back titles less than a week out from the $30,000 event.

For the first time since February’s Australian Open, the teenage superstar will make a rare appearance on the grand prix singles circuit, having spent the past six months concentrating on her final year of high school.

During her self-imposed sabbatical, the 18-year-old has been replaced at the top of the national rankings by Australian teammate Karen Murphy, but the Coolum Beach bowler is refusing to buy into suggestions that she is the one to beat ahead of next week’s prestigious event at Taren Point.

"I just want to go out there and have some fun," Cottrell said earlier today (15/9).

"If I go in expecting too much, I’m just going to put too much pressure on myself, so I just want to go down there and try to get as much green time as possible.

"It was my favourite grand prix last year and I guess I do have some great memories, so we will see what happens."

During last year’s New South Wales Open final, Cottrell all but booked her ticket to the 2008 World Championships, where she ultimately won a silver and a bronze medal for Australia, by disposing of national teammate Ceri Ann Davies in a highly entertaining duel.

Next week, however, the competition should be on from the opening round, with Murphy to start as a slight favourite following her recent win at the Australian Indoor Championships and her ascendancy to the top of the national rankings.

In the men’s event, Australian number one Leif Selby will attempt to create history by becoming the first player to capture the elusive Grand Slam.

Selby is a perfect 17-0 on the grand prix circuit this year and will be full of confidence following his recent win at the World Champion of Champions in Aberdeen, Scotland.

The $30,000 Travelex New South Wales Open will feature singles, pairs and fours for both men and women, with qualifying to commence on Thursday, September 18.

The first round will be staged from 8am on Monday, September 22.