Queensland’s bowling calendar, the 2008 Tyrell’s Queensland Open.

Qualifying for the 2008 Queensland Open gets under way at clubs across east Brisbane on Sunday, July 27, with the main event kicking off at Cleveland Bowls Club on Tuesday and running until Friday.

Commonwealth Games gold medallists, former world champions and a host of national and state

representatives will be among the hundreds of bowlers hitting the greens in the hope of securing a piece of the massive $30,000 prize pool.

Among the big names contesting this year’s Open are Aussie international superstar Kelvin Kerkow, reigning state singles champion Sean Baker and Queensland Open title-holder Robbie Thompson.

Thompson will be particularly keen to retain the title that kick-

started his ascent into Australia’s national squad.

However, with almost double the number of bowlers vying for glory in ’08, the Gold Coast star will have a tough time hanging onto his crown.

“It’s going to be a little bit different this year,” Thompson said.

“But that’s okay. It’s another

challenge and it’s one I’m looking forward to.

“You’ve got to confront these

challengers when you face them.”

One of those challengers is sure to be 2007 runner-up, Capalaba’s Brent Cheyne.

Cheyne, who makes is debut alongside Thompson in Queensland’s senior state squad next month, will be eager to get revenge for his disappointing defeat in ’07.

However, the 19-year-old won’t be the only contender with something to prove at this year’s Open.

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Mark Casey will be out to silence his critics with a solid

performance at Cleveland.

The Helensvale star, who lost his 2007 semifinal clash with Thompson, was dramatically dropped form the Aussie squad earlier this year.

However, the 26-year-old has said recapturing his spot in the national team is the furthest thing from his mind.

“This year has probably been my best ever year,” Casey said.

“I ’m really happy with the way I’m playing at the moment and

hopefully I can do well at Cleveland.

“I’m not even thinking about an international recall at the moment. I just want to go out there and play as well as I can and have fun.”

In the women’s singles, Noosa’s Julie Keegan could well be the player to beat after she re-wrote the history books at the Queensland State Championships in May.

However, the Aussie star will have some stiff competition, with Helensvale duo Brenda Thompson and Lynsey Armitage also fancying their chances.

Armitage partnered Keegan to two of her three state championship wins, while Thompson is arguably in the form of her life.

With fellow Noosa star Kelsey

Cottrell opting not to defend her

singles title, a new women’s

champion is assured of being crowned.

Unlike 2007, when a large number of places in the main draw were allocated by Bowls Australia, this year will see just five direct entrants in the men’s field and only four in the women’s.

This leaves almost 60 spots open to qualifiers in each.

Meanwhile, in the triples there will be just three automatic entrants in a field of 32 teams.

The finals will be played on ABC’s television rink on Friday, August 1.