Back-to-back junior singles runner-up Natalie Noronha won her section, but reigning Junior South Pacific champion Ben Glasson was knocked out on the first day of singles at Warilla Bowling Club.

The five-day event features about 80 of Australia's best young bowlers who nominated for under 16 or under 18 (open) singles and open pairs.

In yesterday's open singles, Warilla junior Noronha won her two sectional matches and will face Australian under 18s rep Thomas Webb (Corowa Services) tomorrow in a great post-section match.

Glasson, son of bowls legend Steve Glasson, was beaten 25-23 by Glenbrook's Greg Jeans in their section two decider.

State player Jodie Marshall (Goulburn Railway) and top St Johns Park player Ethan Mills won their sections to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Other winners on day one in open singles were Figtree RSL's Dylan Skinner plus Warilla's Jessica Hili and Fairy Meadow's Australian rep Dawn Hayman.

Meanwhile, Dubbo Railway junior Jono Davis, who made the under 16s singles final last year aged 10, yesterday won his section.

Oak Flats' Kayleigh Darlington, along with Lauren Shaw, who will officially join Warilla, won their sections to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Oak Flats' Jordan Taylor knocked out St Johns Park state player Jamie Lee Worsnop in one of the best performances of day one.

Section winners Shania Mills (St Johns Park) and Molly Wilton (Maitland City) will meet tomorrow in a top post-sectional match.

Open pairs take place this morning, with all finals on Friday.