Reigning U18 singles champions Seamus Curtin and Natasha Russell have started this year’s campaign in strong style, both remaining undefeated on day one.

Commanding form : Reigning champion Natasha Russell is all concentration at the U18 National singles in Wellington, eyeing up a back-to-back victory in the youth grades.

Hosted by the Naenae Bowling Club, some of the country’s most promising young bowlers have converged for their shot at youth glory - with both the U18 and U21 Kittyhawk events being held over the Long Easter Weekend break.

Curtin, who appears to be in career best form this season, wasted little time in dispatching his first three opponents, 21-5, 21-8, 21-6, though his toughest assignment looms as fellow Wellingtonian Brady Amer, who has also amassed a clean-sweep after three rounds.  Both Curtin and Amer are scheduled to meet in the final round of section play, therefore providing both win their opening match-up on day two, their match-up will dictate who steps up to this year’s final.

Meanwhile, section one sees a mixed bag of results with no players left unscathed after four rounds. Leading the pack with three wins each are former New Zealand Development representative Finbar McGuigan and Tauranga South’s Anthony Ouellet, though with three rounds left to play in the larger section - the section remains wide open for a winner to emerge on day two.

All eyes on Amer : Johnsonville hopeful Brady Amer appears to be heading for a section showdown with fellow Wellingtonian and reigning champion Seamus Curtin, both remaining unbeaten after the opening three rounds in section two.

In other results, Russell seems untroubled after day one, chalking up four strong wins in the opening rounds to remain the only player unbeaten thus far.  A further two wins from three on day two will likely see the Clayton rep move one step closer to securing back-to-back titles, with no final played due to all competitors having the opportunity to play one another across seven rounds of section play.

Close on Russell’s heels are Victoria’s Amber Down and Rangiora’s Rebecca Jelfs, both with three wins and a loss - though subsequently with each loss coming at the hands of Russell on day one, 21-4 and 21-11 respectively.

Play will continue on Saturday in both fields, with the U18 Women’s winner crowned at the completion of round-robin play, and the Men’s action heading into a crunch finale between the respective section winners.

The U21 Kittyhawk event will commence on Sunday, also hosted by the Naenae club.