The 40th NSW Open witnessed a historic moment in its four-decade-long legacy, as Sam Cooley and Rebekah Martin secured their positions as champions at iPlay Tenpin City in Lidcombe, New South Wales. The event, steeped in tradition and prestige, has consistently drawn top-tier bowlers each tournament season, making it a coveted platform for those seeking victory.

In the year 2023, Sam Cooley and Rebekah Martin etched their names into the annals of NSW Open history, joining the esteemed ranks of multi-time champions since 1982. This exclusive group now boasts six men and six women who have demonstrated their bowling prowess over the years.

The championship weekend was a showcase of intense competition and notable highlights, with a unique format in both divisions. Ten games of qualifying determined the path to the final stages. The top 8 female qualifiers advanced directly to matchplay finals, while the men faced an additional round with the top 24 qualifiers.

As the qualifying rounds commenced, spectators were treated to impressive performances by promising junior bowlers, setting the stage for a thrilling competition. Victorian bowler Seth Gray emerged as the top qualifier in the open division, showcasing remarkable consistency and skill.

The second phase of the competition maintained its competitive edge, with Gray and Blake Walsh retaining their leading positions. Sam Cooley, who had recently made his mark in the USA’s regional PBA events, entered the scene from the 7th position post-qualifying. Cooley’s outstanding scores, including a near-perfect 299 in the qualifying rounds and a perfect 300 during the second phase, highlighted his exceptional form.

Blake Walsh, another rising star, mirrored Cooley’s impressive performance by securing six victories in the matchplay phase. Their title clash saw Walsh claim the initial match, but Cooley’s experience prevailed in the rematch, securing his fourth NSW Open title.

In the women’s division, Rebekah Martin’s triumph marked her third consecutive win, placing her in elite company on the all-time winner’s list. Her victory surpassed TBA Hall of Famers Sue Cassell, Carol Gianotti, and Cheryl Munson, elevating her status among the all-time leaders.

Martin’s journey in 2023 was marked by anxiety and self-inflicted pressure, but she overcame these challenges to secure her third consecutive title. Dominating from the beginning, she emerged as the top qualifier with an impressive average and maintained her dominance through the matchplay phase.

The NSW Open continues to be a platform where legends are born, and the achievements of Sam Cooley and Rebekah Martin in 2023 add to its rich tapestry of bowling history. Tenpin Bowling Australia extends its heartfelt congratulations to these remarkable champions and expresses gratitude to all participants for their contributions to another successful event orchestrated by Dion at iPlay Tenpin City.

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Photo Courtesy Tenpin Bowling Australia

Courtesy Tenpin Bowling Australia