2001 Australian Gateball Championships in Melbourne
Following last year, this year's championships held in Melbourne, Victoria was the second international tournament. The main sponsor of this year's event was the Australian Croquet Association with support from the Tourism Victoria etc.
A total of 14 teams participated: 7 local teams from Australia, 2 from New Zealand and 5 from Japan. At first, the teams were divided into two blocks in which league tournaments were held. The top teams from each block then played in a three-match play-off to decide the champion team. Two Japanese teams ended up playing in the finals with the Kumamoto A team winning 2-1.
However, the team that drew most attention was the Australian Brunswick team. The team is made up of players in their thirties, including one of Victoriafs top croquet players who looked very promising. Since they already have an excellent stroke, there is little doubt that with competition experience they will improve by leaps and bounds. Other Oceanian teams have shown improvement in their technique and tactics since last year's tournament.
Mr. Toshiaki Nakashima, Chairperson of the Kumamoto Gateball Union's Executive Committee who accompanied the winning Kumamoto Prefecture team said, “The lawn had been very well prepared which made the court wonderful to play on. Also, since all the Oceanian players are used croquet, I was surprised at the accuracy of their matagi-uchi stroke.” The Peru Association's chairperson, Mr. Shoichi Tamashiro expressed his aspirations saying, “I certainly hope a Peru team will participate next year.”