The princely sum of 556,000 Swedish Kroner, about 63,000 US dollars, is up for grabs at the second stop of the 2004-2005 Super Series in Helsingborg, sunny Sweden, August 9-15.

Around 200 bowlers from about 16 nations are expected to this popular Swedish port, just north of Malmo, on the west coast, with Denmark in view just across the bay.

The guaranteed first prize of 100,000 kroner (approx. 11,000 US dollars) has attracted a large international entry. The largest group, of course, comes from the avid bowlers of the Scandinavian nations, who travel so many miles to support their international events. Earning lots of air miles are the likes of Aussie Andrew Frawley and Americantenpin idols Tim Mack and Bill Hoffman, plus the vibrant character from Mexico, Arturo Quintero. First-timers include brothers Mikael and Alex Kalika from Ukraine, team players coached at home by Britain's FIQ gold medalist Brian Michael.
                                                                                                                     Alex & Mikael Kalika

The Olympia Bowling is a delightful 20-lane center that holds fascinating history, for here, 45 years ago, this very site had an eight-lane center which played host to the 1958 FIQ World Championships. The All Events champion at that tournament was Tito Reynolds from Mexico, the first time that there had been participation from any country in the World Championships from outside Europe.

This Olympia center is in the very capable hands of Swedish national champion Patrick Backe, (pictured with the welcome sign above) the current World Champion in five-man team. “I decided to host the Super Series event just over two years ago,” said Backe. “There hadn´t been a Super Series event in the south of Sweden and we hadn´t staged a good tournament for a while, so this was a good opportunity to put that right.

“We´re certainly not in this for the money but our aim is to promote bowling. We´re running a nice event with the added attraction of a seminar and clinic featuring Fred Borden and Bill Hoffman from the United States and our own Magnus Johnson, who also manages the Super Series. To give the players even more involvement, we have a golf tournament and a beach party, so there´s every opportunity for the competitors to make new friends and get more knowledge of the sport.”

The outstanding total of 44 students attended this year's two-day clinic and seminar. "This was a great turn-out," commented Borden. "I was really surprised at the high level of the students and how eager they were to learn.

"We even had world champions and many national team players in the group. This proves it's what you learn after you know it all," he added, with his wry smile.

Next year, the school will expand with an even more comprehensive program, embracing technical issues like bowling balls, lane conditioning and an emphasis on the mental game.

BJI's European editor, Keith Hale, will be reporting live from the Olympia Tournament from Thursday evening.

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