The leaders of the Federation Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ) and the World Tenpin Bowling Association (WTBA) promised a host of changes and reformations during the annual meeting of the World Bowling Writers at the Qubica/AMF Bowling World Cup in St. Petersburg, Russia on November 7. Along the way, they harshly criticized many of their fellow officers.

Addressing a small group of journalists at the Park Hotel, newly elected FIQ president Jessie Phua (pictured, right)castigated the former management of her organization. "They will be receiving a strong letter from our lawyers," promised the Singapore businesswoman.

Mrs. Phua’s main complaint addresses the lack of financial information and other essential data from the previous administration in the Philippines.

"The general secretary claimed that a laptop computer containing all of FIQ’s essential information was stolen from his room during our meetings in Mexico. How convenient," said Mrs. Phua, with a touch of sarcasm.

WTBA president Kevin Dornberger (pictured, left) is having similar difficulties extracting data from the previous administration in Finland. "Despite frequent and ongoing requests, we have received no financial information or much of anything else," he said.

Heikki Saarso, former WTBA president, has retaliated by requesting that Dornberger’s election be invalidated. He alleges that Dornberger has taken money from a bowling manufacturer and is therefore ineligible to lead bowling’s most influential international association.

Reporters peppered the two leaders on a variety of other issues, including a recurring rumor about a possible merger of FIQ and WTBA.

"Too many people are looking for a perfect union," said Dornberger, "but they have a problem defining it."

"A lot of FIQ officers just go through the motions of discussing this issue," said Mrs. Phua. "They need more passion. They need a dream."

Dornberger promised a host of improvements for future WTBA tournaments, including the men’s World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand next year.

He gladdened the hearts of WBW members by promising improved press facilities. "It was ridiculous that journalists had to run to the second floor of a restaurant (across the street) to do their work" at the recent Women’s World Championships in Mexico. "We will provide ample data delivery and internet service next year from the host center."

Dornberger is also sensitive to the needs of spectators. "We’ll post the complete standings after every squad in a prominent place," he said. "It’s crazy that we can’t inform people immediately what’s going on.

"With the introduction of pros to the show in Bangkok, we have an opportunity to really expand the impact of the tournament. We should take advantage of it."

There may be some format changes in the offing, too. "I’ve talked to a lot of coaches and players (at the World Cup) and they’re not happy with the lane conditioning format and the ball restrictions. We have to address that.

"We also have to help bowlers deal with the airlines when it comes to their equipment." Many competitors at the World Cup were forced to pay hundreds of dollars in excess baggage charges. "Sometimes, the extras run into thousands of dollars," Mrs. Phua said.

Both Mrs. Phua and Dornberger agreed that the operation of the women’s event in Mexico was disorganized. They promised to exert more control over the local organizing committees in future events to ensure a more professional aura. Given the shortage of manpower at both outfits, this could be a formidable task.

"This is a fulltime sport," said Mrs. Phua, "but we have a part-time staff."

One journalist suggested that it might be more prudent for FIQ to try to fix its problems quietly, away from the scrutiny of the media.

"I don’t think we should hide anything," replied Mrs. Phua. "We need to get everything on the table."

"So much is fixable," said Dornberger. "We just need to clean up our act."

Because of the lack of a quorum, no WBW elections were held and there was no action on a series of proposals by various members. Those in attendance agreed to hold the next WBW meeting during next year’s FIQ/WTBA Men’s World Championship in Bangkok.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Mort Luby, Chairman