Australians' flying start

Published on Monday 4 January 2010 22:24

JET lag failed to deter Australian bowlers Brett Wilkie and Mark Casey as they caused the first major upset in yesterday's opening matches in the Potters World Pairs Championship at Great Yarmouth.

In only the third match of the day the Australian duo claimed the scalp of No 4 seeds Greg Harlow and Nicky Brett from Cambridgeshire 6-4, 8-6.

In yesterday's earlier play-off matches to square the field to 16 pairs, Ballymoney's Ian McClure joined forces with clubmate Gary McCloy to ease past Itzek Sher and Israel Meushar from Israel, while Canadian Fred Fong and Hiren Bhartu saw off Grant Summers and Frank Souza (US) 11-0, 7-3.

Scot David Gourlay launches his challenge tonight along with his partner Billy Jackson from Lincoln. They won the title three years ago and take on John Price and David Axon from Wales while qualifiers Andy Barker and Mike Stepney from Elgin make their debut against reigning champions Mervyn King from Norfolk and Australia's Kelvin Kerkow.