Cottrell lines up for more triumph

South Tweed bowler Kelsey Cottrall.

Tweed Daily News

SOUTH Tweed bowler Kelsey Cottrell has looked up to, lost to, beaten and played alongside some of the game's biggest names.

The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in the sport with a wealth of state, national and international silverware in her keeping,

But having proved her credentials, the journalism student is set to return to where her reign on the world stage began; the Asia Pacific Bowls Championship.

The Australian women's team currently ranked number one in the world and selectors have kept faith with those who performed so well at last year's World Championship.

Cottrell will again combine with Karen Murphy, Lynsey Armitage, Julie Keegan and Claire Duke in Kuala Lumpur from August 6-16.

After debuting at the event in 2005, Cottrell was among the medals in 2007, claiming a silver in the triples and bronze in the fours.

National coach Cameron Curtis believes the signs are bright for another successful showing, pleased with the selection panel's healthy balance of youth and experience.

“I think we can be quietly confident going into the tournament,” he said.

“We've got a pretty experienced team going over so hopefully we can do well.”

The Australian men's team also tasted success at the 2008 Asia Pacific Championships but selectors have opted for a new-look line-up with Leif Selby and Wayne Turley the only players retained.

World No.2 Selby spearheads a formidable outfit that includes Commonwealth Games gold medallists Turley and Mark Jacobsen and relative newcomers Mark Berghofer and Robbie Thompson.