FINLAND VS FINLAND FOR THE FINAL
Four grueling days of highly competitive bowling will come to an end Saturday afternoon when the men's and women's finals are played out in front of local TV cameras at the Kegel Training Center in Lake Wales.
The semifinals concluded with the men on Friday evening with the chance of two Finnish bowlers qualifying for the finals.
The first semifinal match to be completed was that between Kimmo Lehtonen of Finland and Malaysia's Daniel Lim. That was settled quicker than anticipated as Lehtonen took the first game, 200-189, then the second, 213-182, the fizz in the Malaysian dying out.
"I started with the short pattern and used the same strategy and equipment as in the quarterfinals," explained Lehtonen. "The lanes were dressed again between the squads and they were not quite the same as before. I realized I would have to move right and then I hit five strikes in a row to settle the issue.
"If I had the opportunity, I would change the format of the finals to the best of five games, instead of three. I think that would make things far more interesting."
After a slow start in the other semifinal, ex-pro bowler Jouni Helminen of Finland got the advantage over England's Stuart Williams after a squeaker, 182-176. The stocky Englishman made a comeback to take the second game, 244-223, after a battle of strikes in the final frames, but Helminen took the remaining place in the finals with a lowly 186 to Williams' 178.
"I can't remember when I last bowled two games without a double," said Helminen, looking in a state of bewilderment after the tussle. "I just didn't bowl my best and nerves got to me in this important situation. If I bowl like this in the final I won't stand a chance against Kimmo Lehtonen. However, I'll have a nice meal this evening and a good night's sleep. tomorrow is another day."
Tomorrow is another day for all of us here in Lake Wales, too. and it's going to be a cracking finale to a fantastic week of bowling in one of the most fantastic venues on earth. It is hoped that the TV show can be forwarded around the world.

SEMIFINALS - MEN:

	Name	Nat.	1	2	3	Total		Name	Nat	1	2	3	Total
	Kimmo Lehtonen	FIN	200	213		2	vs	Daniel Lim	MAS	189	182		0

	Name	Nat.	1	2	3	Total		Name	Nat	1	2	3	Total
	Stuart Williams	ENG	176	244	178	1	vs	Jouni Helminen	FIN	182	223	186	2

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