GOLDEN AMBITIONS FOR NUGGET WINNER
ARON Sherriff has bolstered his bid to reach a third straight Commonwealth Games by winning the Golden Nugget Singles Classic.
The Ettalong, NSW, bowler beat Broadbeach’s Canadian international Ryan Bester 25-9 in the final yesterday at Tweed Heads Bowls Club to claim a decisive victory and $6000 of prizemoney.
The Australian squad member won men’s singles bronze at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and competed in Dehli in 2010.
Sheriff’s win no doubt helps his chances of earning a spot for next year’s Gold Coast Games with selectors taking into account big events like the Golden Nugget.
“The Commonwealth Games next year is now the focus,” Sherriff said.
“To do well at an event like this doesn’t hurt my chances of selection.”
Sherriff has previously competed in the Golden Nugget seven times, with a semi-final finish his best result.
But the 31-year-old triumphed in his first final appearance after beating Victorian Aaron Wilson 25-16 in the semi-final earlier in the day.
“The Golden Nugget is something I’ve always wanted to win. This was one of my main goals for the year and its nice to achieve it.
“It’s just about the prestige of it. So many great players have won it and played in it. It’s one that only 12 players each year get invited to it and some of the best players in Australia and the world.
“To get through a field like this and win the title is a pretty good feeling.”
Fellow Australian representative and Commonwealth Games hopeful Carla Krizanic beat dual Australian Open singles champion Ellen Ryan 25-17 to win the women’s section.
The Melbourne resident, who also competed at the 2014 Glasgow Games, is the first Victorian to win the Golden Nugget.
“I played Ellen in the sections so I had a little bit of an idea of what to expect against her and I got off to a really good start,” Krizanic said.