Germany’s Tanya Petty, 28, made a strong move in the home straight to clinch top place on the leader board at the close of the first block of eight games in the women’s division of the World Ranking Masters on Thursday morning.

Bowling on the short oil pattern, the German Bowler of the Year 2001-2004 hung onto the coat tails of early leader Helen Johnsson of Sweden, but a final game of 235 to Johnsson’s 187 saw her consolidate first place and clinch the US $1,000 bonus as squad leader.

“The short oil condition is my favourite pattern. I also topped the squad on short oil in Aalborg, Denmark two years ago,” commented Petty. “I was very pleased with the lanes, there was so little variance across the house. I was watching Johnsson’s scores and it was good that I was able to keep up with her.”

Petty, the number one ranked European woman, currently works in Vienna, Austria but is moving to Zurich, Switzerland in August.

“This is my first visit to Kuwait and I am enjoying my stay,” she added. “The people are so friendly. Originally, I was afraid to come as I thought that they would not treat women well here, but everything has been first class.”
Petty’s illustrious pedigree also lists being European Individual Cup champion in 2002, 2004 and 2005, prompting some jokers to suggest that it be re-named the Petty Cup.

LADIES FIRST 8 GAMES - SHORT OIL:
Top 8 qualify for quarterfinals after 24 games.