CANADA STILL SUPREME:

Michael Schmidt of Winnipeg, Canada (pictured with father, Rick) consolidated his place at the top of the 41st QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup with a better score this morning than he posted yesterday. Another good start set him well on the road to the top and he now has a 103 pin buffer over second-placed Gery Verbruggen of Belgium, for many years the top ranked bowler in Europe.

Schmidt was as cool, calm and collected as yesterday after his 1459 today. "I'm happy for now," he told us, "but there's still another squad today. This is world bowling and someone can come along and shoot a good 1500. "

Commenting on his scoring plan and strategy for today, Schmidt added: "I started off differently today but after the second game I moved much deeper on the lane using the same ball I started with yesterday. I think the lanes were snappier today, giving a little more back-end, and that suited me well. I didn't really watch what the other players were doing as I need to focus and concentrate on my execution, I really want to do the best that I can, both for myself and for Canada."

There's now a long break for Squad A as they don't come back to the lanes until Wednesday evening. "I'll try to get out on a tour," said Schmidt. "And, of course, there's always the Team Canada cribbage match!"

Now it is the turn for Squad B to take to the lanes and the ladies will play this evening.

YES, SCHMIDT IS STILL THERE

Last year's Bowling World Cup runner-up Petter Hansen of Norway came closest to Michael Schmidt's leading score of 2872 over the first twelve qualifying games, 71 pins adrift in second place, finishing with a 279, his high game of the tournament to date.

But the star of the day was Anders Ohman of Sweden (pictured). A bit down in the dumps after his lowly 1128 yesterday, he came back with a bang today, shooting the tournament's second 300 game and following that with a 289. His 1536 over today's six games has now brought him up into fourth place.

Having lost his main luggage and having no change of clothes for three days, Ohman was relieved to have his bag arrive in the nick of time yesterday. When he took to the lanes today, he said: "I changed everything today except my bowling shoes and I'm pleased to get back into contention." Those changes led to his 19th career perfect game. It is two years since the last, bowled in the World Championships in Malaysia.

Ohman has competed in two previous World Cups and has never made the top eight, a fault he sincerely means to correct this year. When those head-to-head matches start at the weekend his predictions are, "First me, then Hansen from Norway. I don't know who the rest will be but I do see a strong challenge from Schmidt. But for now I will watch my compatriot Helen Johnsson bowl and I hope to see her at the top of the table."

CURRENT STANDINGS - MEN - 12 OF 24 GAMES: