Despite being the reigning world champion, Smith’s New Zealand teammate, Jan Khan, has been handed a free pass into the main draw in Shepparton after triumphing at the national championships in Wellington earlier this month.

In the lead-up to the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest and most lucrative bowls event, Bowls New Zealand was offered a wildcard into the main draw of the singles, pairs and triples for both men and women, with the Black Jacks gleefully accepting the invitation.

While Smith was widely expected to be handed the blue-ribbon singles role, the nod was instead given to Khan, consigning the game's top-ranked female player to qualifying in Bendigo on the eve of the tournament to make the singles main draw.

Smith has received a wildcard to play triples with Khan and Clare McCaul, as well as pairs with the latter.

“I’ll be giving it my best shot,’’ Smith said.

“Anyone can beat anyone on their day, but it’s always nice going to a new club and, hopefully, I can do well.’’

With world number three Kelsey Cottrell poised to defend her title, Smith is the only player ranked inside the top-five in the world yet to qualify, with Guernsey’s Alison Merrien (two), dual Commonwealth Games gold medallist Siti Zalina Ahmad (four) and Australian superstar Karen Murphy (five) looming ominously.

Smith will meet Victorian qualifier Barb Gribbin at Bendigo Bowls Club in the opening round on Wednesday, February 10, before clashing with Tweed Heads’ Lyn Cuthbertson and up-and-coming Western Australian star Shenayde Heldt.

Other big names who will be competing in Bendigo include world number 12 Ellen Faulkner, who defeated Cottrell en route to the 2008 World Championship final before being downed by Smith, as well as her English teammates Jamie-Lea Winch, Sian Gordon, Sandy Hazell and Natalie Melmore.

Australian squad members Claire Duke, Anne Johns and Lynsey Armitage will also line up in Bendigo, as will former world champion Carmen Anderson and Scottish internationals Kay Moran and Joyce Lindores.

The Australian Open is held in Shepparton from February 14 to 20.

Qualifying will be in Bendigo from February 9 to 12.