Down but not out

The fairytale run of pint-sized giant slayer Nathan Pedersen has come to an abrupt end during this afternoon’s (17/2) third round of the $125,000 Australian Open.

Having created pandemonium on Sunday when he defied the odds to eliminate world number one Safuan Said, the 15-year-old was upstaged by Bendigo’s Matt Wilson, who registered an 11-6, 11-3 to advance to the final 16.

Riding a wave of support, Pedersen, still sporting his now trademark diamond stud and gold watch, was humble in defeat, having ridden a rollercoaster over the past four days since his euphoric victory against the Malaysian superstar.

“I never came here to think I would get that far,” the Le Fevre High School student said.

“Just try to play my best bowls and I thought I did.

 “He (Wilson) just played better than me.”

With the sentimental favourite bowing out, the heavyweights of the men’s game decided Wednesday was moving day, with three of the world’s top-10 players- namely defending champion Brett Wilkie (six), as well as Ali Forsyth and Aron Sherriff (eight)- claiming a spot in the fourth round.

In the women’s events, world number one Val Smith made up for her disastrous qualifying campaign in the singles to lead New Zealand teammates Clare McCaul and Jan Khan through to tomorrow morning’s final.

The international trio will meet the winner of tonight’s second semi-final between Tasmanian qualifiers Jeanette Salt, Dianne Salt and Anne Smith and Australian stars Lynsey Armitage and Julie Keegan, along former champion Beth Quinlan.

In the women’s pairs final, the ACT’s Kate Carriage will combine with Launceston’s Bec Quail to face NSW’s Sharyn Renshaw and Western Australia’s Therese Hastings.

Having captured the 2007 title alongside Noi Tucker, Hastings will become the first player in Australian Open history to clinch two pairs titles if she can prevail tomorrow.

A multi-discipline tournament, the Australian Open features singles, pairs and triples for both men and women, with play continuing at the Shepparton Park and Mooroopna bowls clubs, before concluding on Saturday, February 20.