QUESTIONS AT THE 59TH SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP

NEWS Wednesday 31st July 2013, 11:11am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The annual individual classic Scottish Open Championship, sponsored by David Harrison Ford of Peebles and Galashiels, takes place on Friday at Armadale Stadium starting at 7:15pm (earlier start than usual with 22 heats to be completed).

Can home star Craig Cook cap his brilliant season by getting on the winners' list? Can Rory Schlein equal the Peter Carr record of four victories? Can holder Andrew Tully win again, and maybe become the highest Open scorer? Will the Elite League class of Hougaard or Wolbert prevail? Will fast-rising Richie Worrall secure his best result yet?

LINEUP FOR THE SCOTTISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 2nd AUGUST (start time 7.15, doors open 6.15) are:

1. Kevin Wolbert (Belle Vue), 2. Theo Pijper (Monarchs), 3. Ricky Wells (Sheffield), 4. Rusty Harrison (Workington), 5. Derek Sneddon (Monarchs), 6. Jozsef Tabaka (Monarchs), 7. Andrew Tully (Newcastle), 8. Max Fricke (Monarchs), 9. Tobias Busch (Germany), 10. Craig Cook (Monarchs), 11. Henning Bager (Glasgow), 12. Rory Schlein (King's Lynn), 13. To be confirmed. 14. Richie Worrall (Newcastle), 15. Patrick Hougaard (Peterborough), 16. Claus Vissing (Monarchs).

THOSE QUESTIONS: The 59th Scottish Open Championship seems to have as many questions as any of the previous stagings.

Some of the leading Monarchs riders over the years haven't landed the title, including Kenny McKinna and Ryan Fisher, but with Craig Cook currently sitting on an average higher than anyone for years, it would be fitting if he took the honours.

However he would have to hold off three-time winner Rory Schlein who first won the title as a young home rider in 2004 – and who can equal Peter Carr's record of four wins if he triumphs on Friday.

Andrew Tully was a delighted winner in 2012 on the opening night of the season, and his form a fortnight ago when Newcastle won suggests he could do it again. He could also (if he scores 14 or 15) become the highest scorer in the 17 Armadale Opens.

In addition to Schlein, Kevin Wolbert (Belle Vue) and Patrick Hougaard (Peterborough) are full time Elite riders.

Hougaard indeed was unbeaten on his only previous Armadale visit in 2009, and has been going well recently, while Wolbert of course is an ex-Monarchs' no. 1.

Richie Worrall's potential seems to know no bounds, and a win on Friday would mark a milestone in his rise in the sport.

Or… will a surprise winner emerge from the pack, such as Josef Franc a few seasons ago?

All questions to be answered around 9:30 on Friday night.

BERWICK ON SATURDAY: The Scotwaste Monarchs travel to Berwick for a Premier League match on Saturday (7pm).

This will be the first match at reserve for Derek Sneddon under the new averages.

PLENTY OF SPOILERS: In addition to the questions we've already asked, there will be plenty of interest in the performances of other riders.

Claus Vissing's fast gating and determination are sure to make him a tough opponent. Jozsef Tabaka and Max Fricke, free of the pressure of league racing, will want to make their mark.

Monarch of 2010 Tobias Busch returns to show how much progress he has made. Theo Pijper has been an Armadale master this year and would like to add to his second place back in 2005.

Glasgow are represented by Henning Bager and he has been in good form recently. Ricky Wells was a World Cup finalist and is often an under-rated rider.

Rusty Harrison was top Monarch a few years ago and did well on his visit with Workington this year. Home captain Derek Sneddon gates well and would love to capture a few scalps.

One more name has still to be added and an answer is awaited to an invite to Adam Roynon to fill that space.

LAST MEETING: Last Friday Monarchs defeated Berwick 51-39 in a match which was close for much of the evening. Claus Vissing with 12 was top scorer for Monarchs.

NEXT MEETING: Monarchs take on Sheffield Tigers at Armadale on Friday 9th August. Ricky Wells will be back, they will have a guest replacement for Simon Stead, and we'll see Aussie Damien Koppe and Argentinian Facundo Albin for the first time other than second half appearances.