Ali and Ian, who are ranked number two and number 12 in the world respectively, both received wildcard entries into the singles draw of the prestigious Shepparton tournament, which will begin a three-month Australian stint for the pair.

Ali, who in recent years has taken out three of the biggest titles, including the 2008 World Cup Singles in Warilla, will be playing in Bendigo this week to qualify for the pairs and triples event at next week’s tournament.

Ali had a successful 2009 series in the lead-up to the Australian Open, including reaching the Semi-final of last year’s World Cup, and is hoping to improve her ranking in 2010.

“I was out here (in Australia) last year for the World Cup where I got to the semi-finals and also won the WIBC Indoor last year. I also won the British Isles for the fourth time and I’m obviously generally enjoying bowls at the moment,’’ she said.

“I’m ranked number two in the world, but hopefully we’ll see how I go again in the World Cup in April.’’

The Australian Open women’s draw at next week’s tournament is extremely competitive, with world number one Val Smith and defending champion Kelsey Cottrell likely to challenge Merrien for the title.

“I’ll be taking it game by game and seeing how I get on, but it would be nice to at least get to the semi-finals,’’ she said.

“Everybody is competitive. It’s a big sport out here and it will be nice to play a few rounds and see how I get on,’’ she said.

Following the Shepparton tournament, Ali and Ian will remain in Australia for three months to prepare for the World Cup and the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.

Ian, who is hoping to post top results in Shepparton, bowled at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games and is looking forward to challenges in the lead-up to Delhi.

“I’ve been to Australia a few times for the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

“There are so many quality players in this tournament.

“You’ve got the really skilled players who are going to be fighting it out at the sharp end more often, but on any day they can be overturned by someone else.’’