John Sullivan Australian Open 22nd/23rd March
Defending Champions – Dena Buxton (left) and Andrew Lloyd (centre). John Sullivan’s wife Leanne (right) and Charlie (left)
The Senior Australian Open is an esteemed event that brings together the top tenpin bowlers from Australia and New Zealand to compete at WYNCITY Keon Park. This prestigious tournament, which is a key fixture in the Australian bowling calendar, sold out within days, demonstrating its widespread appeal and the high demand for participation.
Originally founded in 2007, the event was renamed in 2020 to honor John Sullivan, a revered member of the Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA) Hall of Fame who passed away. This year marks the 19th iteration of the tournament, which now bears Sullivan's name as a tribute to his remarkable legacy in the sport.
John Sullivan was inducted into the TBA Hall of Fame in 1989, recognizing his exceptional achievements as one of the top bowlers in the 1970s and 1980s. The decision to rename the event in his honor came from a deep respect within the bowling community for Sullivan's contributions to the sport, ensuring his memory remains an integral part of the Australian bowling tradition.