2004 Weber Cup

8, 9, 10 October

Altrincham Leisure Centre, Greater Manchester, England

After three barren years of total United States domination, Team Europe finally overcame the odds in November 2003 to lift the hallowed Weber Cup for the first time.
It was a total triumph for captain Tomas Leandersson, who led from the front for all three days, putting in a sterling performance that saw his side over the line.
Missing their inspirational captain Tim Mack and up against a vociferous Manchester support, Team USA were never in contention as the Europeans went into the lead early on day one and never relinquished it.
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. Now in its fifth year, the American’s hold a 3 – 1 overall lead.
The big question is whether Leandersson’s unchanged European side can follow up last year’s triumph with another Weber victory when the two teams meet over the 8^th, 9^th and 10^th October at the Altrincham Leisure Centre, Greater Manchester.
For Team USA, Mack is back and that will certainly give the Americans added impetus. Ultra-competitor Mack, who captained the US side to victory in 2000, 2001 and 2002, will sure to be showing the aggressive style that makes him one of tenpin’s leading draws.
Mack will be in charge of a team of Weber Cup stalwarts including Bill Hoffman, Dino Castillo, Tony Manna and Mike Mullin. All five players have tasted Weber Cup glory in the past and will be hungry for revenge.
For the Europeans, Lasse Lintila (Finland), Gery Verbruggen of Belgian, Norwegian superstar Tore Torgersen and Southampton’s experienced Phil Scammell, make up Leandersson’s team.
All matches will be played in a single lane arena, which has been specially constructed for the event. With banked spectators on both sides, the Weber Cup represents tenpin’s most intimidating arena.
Matchroom Sport will be producing a minimum fifteen one hour programmes to be broadcast on Sky Sports, as well as numerous stations around the world. Using a fourteen camera set-up, the production will feature the Matchroom hallmarks that make their tenpin bowling productions the most watched in the world.
After last year’s triumph, Euro skipper Tomas Leandersson is in no mood to relinquish the trophy, “Last year showed what heart we have as a team. We really worked together and battled through every single match in the pursuit of the title.
“I’m sure Tim Mack will be doing his best to get his team going and I don’t underestimate their power for one second. However, we have shown what we can do and if the crowd can get behind us like last year, then I’m sure we can do it again!”
Tickets for the event are free and available info@matchroom.com, the Altrincham Leisure Centre on 0161 912 5900 and from selected bowling centres in the North West.
Daily reports featured on www.matchroom.com.

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

Points                          3 days play, 35 matches. One point for each game won with the first team to 18 points winning the Weber Cup

Photo of 2003 Champions courtesy Lawrence Lustig.

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