The scene is set

World number nine Anthony Kiepe will clash with former Pine Rivers teammate Paul Jopson in tomorrow’s men’s singles final at the BCiB Queensland Open.

During this morning’s semi-finals, Kiepe became the first player to account for Commonwealth Games gold medallist Mark Jacobsen in any discipline this week, powering to the championship decider with an impressive display of draw bowling which allowed him to register a 10-4, 7-7 victory.

While Jopson, fresh off his victory in the Australian Open triples earlier this year, ended the title defence of South Australia’s Ashley Klose during a thrilling encounter which required an extra end of the tie-breaker before the 49-year-old prevailed.

“I’m finally hitting my straps I think,” Kiepe said following his semi-final win.

“I’ve just got to keep playing the way I’m playing but I’m really happy with how I’m going.

“I’ve never played Paul in singles before. When I was at Pine Rivers he had just started bowling so he’s come a long way in a short time, so he must be playing well.

“I’m feeling the best I’ve ever felt, everything is great at home and feeling good within myself, so I’m feeling pretty confident.”

Having entered the $40,000 grand prix with a distinct lack of match practice, Kiepe, 32, has powered into tomorrow’s final with a string of impressive performances including this morning’s win.

A three-time winner on the Bowls Australia grand prix circuit, Kiepe can join Nathan Rice, Bill Cornehls, Leif Selby and Robbie Thompson at the top of the all-time men’s winners’ list with one more win, but Jopson will be full of confidence after eliminating the likes of former world champion Steve Glasson and Silver Tier’s Sean Baker throughout the tournament.

The men’s singles final at the BCiB Queensland Open will commence at 2.30pm.

Click here for full results from the BCiB Queensland Open at Bribie Island.

Caption: Pine Rivers’ Paul Jopson will meet world number nine Anthony Kiepe in tomorrow’s men’s singles final.