A Determined Dozen

Just a squad of 12 took to the Eden SuperBowl's lanes early on Saturday morning, the first of three final qualifying squads, bar the late night Desperado test which will see four players through to the finals tomorrow morning.

It was a case of ladies on top with Malta's star Sue Abela winning another squad, but this time denied the €100 bonus as that bonus cannot be won twice. Therefore, second-placed Bigi Manico from Switzerland received the cash.

Abela sailed through with 1228, 30 points better than her Swiss challenger. Cliff Dew of England took third place on 1167.

In the overall standings there is no change at the top of the leader board, Marcus Berndt still supreme.  Sue Abela slotted into fifth place after her second six-game block and Bigi Manico's re-entry improved her position from 26th overnight to 12th in the current standings.

"I can't say that I bowled better today," remarked Manico. "Maybe the pins were falling easier. As all the lefties decided to bowl this morning, I think the oil was quick to get to the back ends. I found the approaches sticky and the heat terrible. I thought that early in the morning it would be a little cooler, but it's too hot here for me. I don't really want to go home because it's raining there. "

Just two qualifying squads remain on today's schedule, taking to the lanes at 12.30 and 16.00. The feared Desperado one-game on one lane shoot out is scheduled for approx. 20.00, then it will be time for fun and frolic in the local vibrant hostelries.

TOP 20 STANDINGS AFTER SQUAD 6: