Redland Sporting Club recently hosted this year’s Australian Junior Open and what a successful event it was!
The athletes were in fine form with a healthy appetite for competition however, what stood out most to officials, volunteers and spectators was the camaraderie shared by all the juniors with lots of laughter, inclusiveness, and sportsmanship.
The two-day event was filled with a well-planned draw, created by Max Tricarico and implemented by Bocce Australia tournament officials and volunteers.
The Australian Junior Open is a pathway for athletes to qualify to join the Australian Squad team who will then be selected to represent Australia in the upcoming annual Denis Ravera International Challenge to be held in Monaco later this year.
We congratulate the winners and runners up and all who participated in the following events:
2023 Australia Junior Open – winners and runners up
SINGLES
Winners:
- U15s: Nina Chiandotto (NSW)
- U18s: Melissa Danelutti (NSW)
- U23s: Aaron O’Callaghan (NSW)
Runners up:
- U15s: Samuel Roberts (QLD)
- U18s: Michael Pevere (ACT)
- U23s: Chris Casier (ACT)
DOUBLES
Winners:
- U18s: Nina Chiandotto / Chiara Tomasi
- U23s: Max Tricarico / Tommy Campbell
Runners up:
- U18s: Lara O’Callaghan / Melissa Danelutti
- U23s: Aaron O’Callaghan / Carlo Brunin
BOWL THROW
Winners:
- U23s: Max Tricarico (VIC)
Runners up:
- U23s: Michael Pevere (ACT)
PRECISION
Winners:
- U15s: Lucas Mikolic (VIC)
- U23s: Michael Pevere (ACT)
Runners up:
- U23s: Aaron O’Callaghan (NSW)
WOMEN’S PRECISION
Winners:
- Chris Casier (ACT)
PROGRESSIVE
Winners:
- U23s: Aaron O’Callaghan (NSW)
Runners up:
- U23s: Max Tricarico (VIC)
RAPID RELAY
Winners:
- U15s: Amelia Alesi / Lucas Mikolic
- U18s: Michael Pevere / Kayla Dukes
Runners up:
- U15s: Nina Chiandotto / Chiara Tomasi
- U18s: Lara O’Callaghan / Melissa Danelutti
Best and Fairest – Australian Junior Open 2023
Best and Fairest trophies were awarded to each age group category. A special acknowledgement for exemplary on-court behaviour and sportsmanship was awarded to Samuel Roberts (QLD) by Chief Referee Joe Maselli, who said: “We had to acknowledge this young player who demonstrated great sportsmanship in every game, clapping for his opponent after play and showing such respectful on-court behaviour. A testament to his character”.
Best and fairest awards:
- U15s: Amelia Alesi (VIC)
- U18s: Melissa Danelutti (NSW)
- U23s: Chris Casier (ACT)
Article by Sonia Fava – Bocce Australia Sports Development Director