SAM Masters will lock horns with new Pirates team-mate Chris Holder in tomorrow’s Australian Championships first round after comfortably getting through the qualifier.
Forced to take part in today’s pre-qualifying meeting after missing out on a seeding, the recent Poole doubling-up recruit progressed after claiming two wins and two second places.
Despite shedding a chain in his final outing, Masters ensured his involvement in the 2012 showpiece, which begins at the North Brisbane circuit. He will come up against some familiar faces in the three-meeting series.
Former Pirates captain Davey Watt is among the seeded riders, a list that is headed by new Poole skipper Holder.
Pirates number one Holder, the reigning champion, is bidding to win his fourth national title in five years.
After yesterday’s opening round, the championship moves to Kurri Kurri on January 14 before finishing in Gillman on January 21.
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