First blood to Barnett

Rebecca Barnett has won the first match in the best of three selection series against clubmate Danielle Fourie.

First blood to Rebecca Barnett in the battle to secure a spot in the New Zealand women's squad ahead of the World Championships in Canada at the end of the year.

Barnett has won the opening match in a best of three showdown against Palmerston North club mate Danielle Fourie, but as is befitting of what is at stake, there was very little in it.

Fourie twice fought back from a game down and saved match ball in the fourth, to take the battle into a fifth game decider.  She then had a match ball of her own in the fifth, only for Barnett to turn the tables to complete an epic 11-8, 5-11, 11-8, 12-14, 13-11 victory.

The two friends will square off in the second match on Thursday at 4pm.  The third match, if it is required, will be played at 4pm on Friday.