THE NORSEMAN SETS HIS SIGHTS ON THE FINALS....

Petter Hansen of Norway, (pictured left with coach Erik Garder) the man who had us all on the edge of our seats in last year's final match in Singapore and was eventually the runner-up in the 2004 event, provided yet another exciting dispaly of bowling on the Gladiator Lanes Wednesday afternoon, shooting 1429 to bring his overall pinfall up to 4229, an average of 234.94 which, if the following squad scores are about the same, would mean a second place slot behind Canada's Michael Schmidt.

Hansen thrilled the crowds with an impressive ten strikes in his final game, but as befell Ohman of Sweden yesterday, a stubborn 4-pin spoilt his chance of the event's third perfect game.

"I was very happy with my form today," he told us. "I have a new ball that is doing very well. I relaxed too much and had a lower game in the fifth. I got angry with myself in the last game and strung those strikes. I should have moved a little left with that last shot as the three players on my pair have all been shooting really deep."

Last year, in Singapore, Hansen lost the 2004 title when all he needed was a spare or strike in the tenth frame. He left the 2-8-10 split and the title went to Kai Virtanen of Finland. "People remind me of that, but I have let it rest," Hansen said. "It is stupid to dwell on something like that. My target now is to stay in the top eight, where doesn't really matter. I just want to play well and feel good."

Mr 300, Anders Ohman of Sweden, who bowled the second perfecto this year, hit just 1280 today and currently lies in second place with one more squad to bowl and that means he could drop to around eighth place when the dust of battle settles tonight.

....BUT HE'S THWARTED FOR POLE BY CANADA AGAIN

Canada's Michael Schmidt, from Winnipeg, has dominated the men's division of this 41st QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup from the opening day, leading each of the three squads and bowling superbly.

Tonight, in the 13th to 18th games of the third squad, Schmidt consolidated his position with yet another sterling performance and holds a 79 pin buffer over second-placed Petter Hansen of Norway, the runner-up from last year in Singapore.

"Things are going pretty good," said Schmidt after the squad. "I have a pretty good combination and all is working well. I am well focused, trying not to think of anything but my game plan and a good pinfall for the top 24 round on Friday."

Team Canada coach, Sandy Lowe said:, "The whole idea is to be repetitive  and keep the emotions and mental game in check and on an even keel."

STANDINGS AFTER 18 GAMES :