ROHAN TUNGATE launched himself to the top of the Australian Championship after the first round with a 16 point haul, despite finishing in second place to Max Fricke in the Grand Final of today's meeting in North Brisbane. A close fought evening saw both Tungate and Belle Vue's Jaimon Lidsey top the qualifiers on 13 points.
Leicester's Fricke won the final in style, coming from behind Tungate to collect an extra 4 points to add to his 11 point qualifying tally. Lidsey and Sheffield Tigers' star Josh Pickering rounded off a closely contested final.
Tungate now heads to home track Kurri Kurri on Sunday with a 1 point lead over Fricke (15), Lidsey (15) & Pickering (12). Brothers Chris and Jack Holder finished their evening on 10 points with Brady Kurtz and Ryan Douglas completing the top 8, both with 8 points.
Glasgow Tigers and Workington Comets fans will be pleased to know new signings James Pearson and Tate Zischke finished their night on 7 and 5 points respectively against a tough field.
Following Sunday's meeting at Kurri Kurri, the championship heads to Albury-Wodonga and Mildura before one final showdown at Gillman on January 13th.
AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (AFTER ROUND 1): Rohan Tungate 16, Max Fricke 15, Jaimon Lidsey 15, Josh Pickering 12, Chris Holder 10, Jack Holder 10, Brady Kurtz 8, Ryan Douglas 8, James Pearson 7, Sam Masters 7, Ben Cook 6, Keynan Rew 5, Tate Zischke 5, Zach Cook 4, Fraser Bowes 1, Michael West 1
Photo: Taylor Lanning