Cut-throat qualifier looms

A cut-throat qualifying process is poised to rob the $125,000 Australian Open of one of its biggest contenders.

With just 26 positions remaining in the main draw of the women’s singles, and 160 players still clamoring for a berth, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Lynsey Armitage has drawn Australian teammate Anne Johns during the opening round of qualifying in Bendigo on Wednesday, with at least one of the pair poised to miss out.

As the national rankings currently stand, Armitage sits in fifth place, while Johns is hot on her heals in 14th.

Selecting a winner between the two, however, is akin to plucking a rabbit out of a hat.

Both players boast sound form at the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest tournament, with Armitage prevailing in the pairs alongside world number five Karen Murphy last year, while Johns also partnered Murphy to glory in the triples with the aid of Scottish international Kay Moran.

While both players will reunite with Murphy in less than a fortnight to defend their respective titles, there will be no favours for each other come Wednesday, with both stars desperate to push their claims for a berth to the Delhi Commonwealth Games.

"It’s quite funny that we’ve drawn each other," Armitage said.

"I guess if you’re going to do well then you’re going to come up against the good players at one time or another.

"Hopefully one of us can qualify and make it all the way through to the finals."

A multi-discipline tournament, the Australian Open features singles, pairs and triples for both men and women, with the competition running from February 14 to 20 at the Shepparton Park and Mooroopna bowls clubs.

Click here for more information on the 2010 Australian Open.

Caption: Commonwealth Games gold medallist Lynsey Armitage (pictured) will meet Australian teammate Anne Johns during the opening round of AO qualifying.

The Armitage File:

Name: Lynsey Armitage

Club: Helensvale, QLD

Age: 26

International appearances: 130

Accomplishments: 2009 Australian Open champion (pairs)

2008 World Championships gold medallist (fours)

2008 World Championships bronze medallist (pairs)

2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist (pairs)

The Johns File:

Name: Anne Johns

Club: St Johns Park, NSW

Age: 29

International appearances: 29

Accomplishments: 2009 Australian Open champion (triples)

2009 NSW Open champion (fours)

2009 Asia Pacific Merdeka Indoor Championships gold medallist (mixed pairs)

2009 Asia Pacific Merdeka Indoor Championships gold medallist (mixed triples)