ALL READY TO GO

A colorful opening ceremony heralded the start of the 2006 QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup at the newly-refurbished and beautiful looking 40-lane Cup at the beautiful 40-lane Nacional Bowling Center at Mampote, Caracas.

A spectacular dance troupe entertained a packed concourse and seating area to begin the official proceedings and speeches of welcome were made by national and local dignitaries and bowling association officials.

Defending men's champion Michael Schmidt of Winnipeg, Canada (pictured with Canadian woman Veronica Lalande-Lapointe)is raring to go. So are brother and sister Or and Mor Aviram of Israel (pictured right). Or is making his third attempt to capture the prestigious World Cup title. "I want to at least equal last year, where I was runner up to Michael Schmidt in Slovenia, or perhaps go one spot better," he added laughingly. Mor is making her second visit to the World Cup and just to keep it all in the family, mother Sara Aviram has also bowled in this wonderful event twice.

The revised tournament schedule sees the women attending for their official practice session at 10:00 on Sunday morning and the men at 14:00.

Battle will commence on Monday morning with the women bowling their first eight of 24 qualifying games. The men follow at 13:30 for Squad A and 18:30 for Squad B.

The total number of participating nations is 92 There are 88 men and 73 women. Four nations have women bowlers but no men.

For further information, contact Keith Hale: keithhale679@aol.com