Warrnambool Bowls Club has cancelled its Autumn Classic due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Tournament director Paul O'Donnell said the club took the decision following the national body's recommendation.
"Warrnambool has taken the decision to cancel this year's Autumn Classic following Bowls Australia's recommendation," he said.
This comes after the club posted on social media on Monday morning the major tournament would go ahead and was still taking entries.
O'Donnell said the sudden change was due to the constant updates about the coronavirus pandemic.
He said all players would be refunded their entry fee to the tournament.
The club's board and management met to make the decision.
The Autumn Classic is a six-day tournament which attracts bowlers from all over Australia.
It was scheduled for Tuesday April 14 to Sunday April 19. Entries were due to shut on Monday April 6.
It consists of three days of pairs and/or three days of fours with a total prize pool of $20,800.
O'Donnell said the club had about 160 fours booked in and about 140 pairs signed up.
He said bowlers' health was the priority.
The 2020 Women's Country Bowls Carnival in Echuca-Moama was cancelled on Monday due to the coronavirus.
"The carnival committee had hoped to continue and operate within the government guidelines, but the announcement of a State of Emergency in Victoria has prompted us to re-examine the situation," a statement on the carnival's social media read.
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