The final matches have been decided in the fours and blue-ribbon singles at
the Asia Pacific Championships, with great news for the host nation.
In a show of dominance, most of the afternoon's games were won convincingly.
In the women's fours Australia defeated Japan in the closest game of the
afternoon. After nine ends the score was tied 7-7 but glory went to
Australia after they prevailed 19-10.
In the other women's fours semi-final the veteran powerhouses New Zealand
booked their berth in the final with a 30-4 victory over Canada. Canadian
coach Lachlan Tighe pointed out earlier this morning - the team is
guaranteed to claim the medals, the colour difference will just icing on the
cake for this team.
The women's fours final on Sunday morning will be between Australia and New Zealand
In the women's singles the battle of the day between Australia's Kelsey
Cottrell and Norfolk Island's Carmen Anderson saw the 21 year old youngster
Cottrell defeat Anderson 21-16. With the score at 18-16 toward the end of
the game Cottrell showed that though she may not have the experience of
Anderson, she is and will remain a force to be reckoned with.
In the second women's singles semi-final match, world number five Sita
Zalina Binti Ahmad, from Malaysia, proved too strong for Fiji's Lita
Tikoisuva with a win of 21-11
Australia will play Malaysia in the final on Sunday afternoon
After day one of the finals series and with the nominees for four gold medals now decided, the host nation is sitting comfortably in all four of the disciplines.
"We have some strong competition out there against the other finalists,"
Australian coach Steve Glasson said.
"It's baby steps at the moment with some strong challenges ahead.
"With the weather looking like changing tomorrow for the other quarter and
semi finals our focus is now on those games before we look to the finals."
THE FINALS SERIES PLAYOFFS ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 9 AT LOCKLEYS
QUARTER FINALS 9AM - SEMI FINALS 2PM
Women's pairs
POOL1
POOL 2
1. Philippines
1. Australia
2. Malaysia
2. Norfolk Island
3. Hong Kong 3.
New Zealand
Hong Kong v Malaysia - winner to play Philippines in the semis
Norfolk Island v New Zealand - winner to play Australia in the semis
Women's Triples
POOL1
POOL 2
4. New Zealand 1.
Australia
5. Philippines
2. Brunei
6. Singapore 3.
Norfolk Island
Singapore v Brunei - winner to play Australia in the semis
Philippines v Norfolk Island - winner to play New Zealand
FINAL MATCHES TO BE PLAYED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY