IT WILL BE 4-3, BUT TO WHICH TEAM?

Following on from the ratings success of the Weber Cup’s debut live airing on Sky Sports last year, tenpin bowling’s premier team event returns to the Barnsley Metrodome this autumn from October 20-22.

It’s Europe v USA as two five-man teams do battle over three days in a series of singles and doubles matches to determine the destination of the magnificent Weber Cup – named after bowling legend Dick Weber.

Event promoters Matchroom Sport are delighted to announce a brand new title sponsor in PartyPoker.com, the world’s leading online poker site.

Team Europe’s cliff-hanger 18-16 victory last year squared the overall series at three Weber Cups apiece but for 2006 Team USA has seriously upped the ante with what on paper, looks their strongest team yet.

Tim Mack comes back from injury to once again captain the team and he brings in World Masters champion PBA star Chris Barnes – the fastest man ever to win a million dollars on the Pro Tour in the United States..

Also from the Pro Bowling Tour are Tommy Jones and Jason Couch. Jones was named 2005/6 PBA Player of the Year following a momentous season that saw him land the 63rd US Open title.

The 35 year-old Couch has 13 PBA titles to his name and will be a major asset to Mack’s side. Completing the team is Weber Cup veteran Bill Hoffman of Ohio. ‘Hoff’ has three Weber titles to his name and will be bringing plenty of experience to the lane.

European Captain Thomas Leandersson returns with two changes to team that took victory last year. Back comes one of Europe’s most successful ever bowlers, Tore Torgersen of Norway. New to the team is another star of the American pro circuit, Finland’s Mika Koivuneimi who has won six titles in a seven year career in the States.

2005 winners, Jen Nickel of Germany, the 2005 Masters Champion, and Paul Moor, Britain’s number one, retain their spots.

Although the rivalry is always friendly, with the score now standing at three games each, this transatlantic tenpin tussle enters a new phase with the inclusion of PBA stars.

Styled on golf’s Ryder Cup, the Weber Cup features two five man teams representing Europe and the USA doing battle over three days in a series of singles, doubles and team matches. All matches will be played in a single lane arena, which has been specially constructed for the event. With up to 600 spectators surrounding the lane, the PartyPoker.com Weber Cup represents tenpin’s most intimidating venue.

Television production will be handled by Sky Sports who will be sure to come up with some new innovative ideas following on from the success of last year.

European Captain Tomas Leandersson is under no illusions as to the job facing his team, “Sure they have some big guns this year but my team have shown they have what is required to win the Weber Cup.

“We haven’t lost a Weber Cup since 2002 and I believe that we have enough skill, experience and competitiveness to hold off the Americans and make it four wins in a row.”

For Tim Mack, 2006 represents a marvellous chance to stop the rot, “One or two of the guys may be new to the format and the lane but as Chris Barnes showed in winning the Masters, it doesn’t take long to adapt.

“This will be tough alright, but I really believe that Team USA have a great chance this year of winning back the Weber Cup.”

Tickets for the event are free and available from: info@matchroom.com, +44(0)1277 359912, the Barnsley Metrodome and from Alan Bennett on +44(0)114 2680188.

Sessions: October 20 – Friday 7.00 pm; October 21 – Saturday - 1.30 pm & 7.00 pm; October 22 – Sunday - 3.00 pm & 7.00 pm

Format   Matches to be over one game with total pin fall determining the winner. Ties will be settled by a sudden death 9th & 10th frame play-off. Frame score reverts to zero.

Points: Three days play, 35 matches. One point for each game won with the first team to 18 points winning the Weber Cup

Friday 20 October (6 matches) - 7.00 pm: 1 Baker team;  5 singles.

Saturday 21 October (12 matches) - 1.30 pm: 1 Baker team; 1 doubles; 1 singles; 1 doubles: 1 singles; 1 doubles.

7.00 pm: 1 Baker team; 5 singles.

Sunday 22 October (17 matches) - 3.00 pm: 1 Baker team; 1 doubles; 1 singles; 1 doubles; 1 singles; 1 doubles.

7.00 pm - 5 singles; 1 Baker team; 5 Singles.                                                                                             Luke Riches, Matchroom Sport

Photo: European Team Champions 2005 by Lawrence Lustig

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