Australian Men’s Team
Phil Markey
Joe Haffer
Max Henbest
David Wiltshire
Andy Hung
Sartaj Hans

Australian Women’s Team
Karen Creet
Sheila Bird
Viv Wood
Jane Reynolds
Jenny Thompson
Eva Caplan

Australian Seniors Team
Bruce Neill
Avi Kanetkar
Martin Bloom
Nigel Rosendorff
Warren Lazer
Pauline Gumby

Notes on selection process: 

It should be emphasised that the process of determining teams was very careful to avoid potential conflicts of interest. The President, Bruce Neill, recused himself from all discussions of how the teams should be formed in light of his third placing in the Seniors’ Playoff. Management Committee Member Kim Frazer also recused herself in light of her third placing in the Women’s Playoff, until after she had declined a place in the Women’s team.

In addition, the process was complicated by the late and unforeseen decision of the Asia Cup organisers to include only Men’s, Women’s, Mixed and “SuperMixed” categories in the Asia Cup. At a very late stage, a Seniors’ category was added, and later again we have just received information that we have the option of sending extra teams.

Since the ABF does not conduct Men’s playoffs the ABF Management Committee (excluding the recused members), with advice from the Tournament Committee, decided to refer to the results of the ABF Open, Women’s and Senior Playoffs as a guide.

This was clearly not a perfect fit, in particular for the pair placed fifth in the Open Playoffs, which as a mixed partnership were not eligible for a Men’s team but were eligible to join a Senior Team. Recognising this, the ABF Management Committee (still without any input from recused members), made a decision to recognise them as an eligible Senior pair. So, when only two positive responses were received after inviting place getters 1-5 in the Seniors’ Playoffs to participate in the Asia Cup, the committee made a decision to offer them a place in the Seniors’ team. In this unprecedented situation, this seemed to be a reasonable and pragmatic decision, taking all of the circumstances into account.

February 9, 2018