Smith hits winning form early

Marton croquet player Steve Smith was looking the goods against some of the best players in the country after the opening games at the AC Invitation tournament (Tier 3) in Wanganui.

Starting on Wednesday and finishing on Sunday, 14 of the country's better players with a current "scratch" through to a three handicap are competing in the R A Clarke Copper Tray AC Invitation at the Wanganui club.

At the same time, the Tier 1 and two Tier 2 AC Invitation tournaments are being held at clubs in the Bay of Plenty region, with another Tier 3 in Dunedin.

Event manager Murray McNae said those competing in Bay of Plenty are on a "minus" handicap for their national ranking.

Wanganui is hosting several players who have been at that level and two - Wellington's Liz McLay and Pauline Reid - who have represented New Zealand internationally.

But it was Smith who was the star as the tournament started on Wednesday.

He picked up three wins and was the only undefeated player on the first day.

Smith accounted for Auckland's Bob Beetson 22-14, Otago's Murray Goldfinch 26-19 and McLay 21-16.

The competitors play three games per day, each lasting two and half hours.

The winner will be known after the last game on Sunday, finishing at 11am.

McNae said the tournament champion is decided by the most wins and if there is a tie then a countback is used from the number of overall points scored minus points conceded.

"Every point counts because they need it for net points."

The 14 players come from around the country, including Nelson, Gisborne and Wairarapa.

There is also a bit of an international connection.

Brigitte and Peter Westaway are representing Otago but are actually Canadian, splitting their time between the two countries.

Richard Williamson lives and plays his croquet in Auckland but is from the United Kingdom.