New Zealand had a mixed day for New Zealand on the greens on the opening day of the Asia Pacific Championships on the Burnside & Papanui bowls greens yesterday.
In warm but windy conditions, Commonwealth games singles champion Jo Edwards had two wins from two in the women's singles with a good opening win over Malaysia and then a nail biter over Cook Islands by a single point 21/20.
Edwards lines up against Japan, Samoa and China today with a strong display set to see him safely through to the sudden death playoff rounds.
It wast such a good day for the Sandra Keith-skipped women's fours team with international Val Smith at three and the debutants Angela Boyd and Katelyn Inch as they had two surprise losses against the Philippines and USA.
Tthey will need a winning day on the greens today against Japan, Norfolk Island and Singapore
The Men's Pairs got away to a surprise losing start to Fiji then made amends with 2 big wins over India & China & as the day progressed the combination of Mike Kernaghan & Shannon Mcllroy built in confidence & they will be looking to build on that to-morrow with games against Norfolk Island & USA
The men's triples of Paul Girdler, Andrew Kelly and Mike Nagy won their first two games and then went down to the giant killers of the day Fiji by 19-16. They face Hong Kong and Brunei today and they will be looking to make amends for the last round loss.
An ominous sign in the other section came from Australia who were undefeated yesterday and are confirming early signs they are the team to beat in these championships.
