By Luke Riches
With Team Europe having won the last two Weber Cups, including a crushing 17-8 victory last year in Barnsley, both teams announced changes as they revealed their rosters for this year’s Europe v. USA showdown. Weber Cup XVII takes place at EVENTCITY in Manchester Aug. 5-7.
Europe once again is captained by Dominic Barrett, making his ninth appearance in a European shirt. Also back is Stu Williams, making his 6th appearance, and Martin Larsen, who is yet to taste defeat in the Weber Cup in his previous four outings.
Making his debut is two-handed Swede Jesper Svensson, the 21-year-old PBA Tournament of Champions winner who has four PBA Tour titles overall.
The Americans, looking for a much-needed win, are this year captained by legend Parker Bohn III, who made his debut in 2015. He is joined by Big Wes Malott, who impressed in his previous two outings despite being on the losing side.
On the American side, Marshall Kent and Kyle Troup will make their Weber Cup debuts. Kent is a 23 year-old from Yakima, Wash., who has one PBA Tour title and was the 2014 PBA Rookie of the Year. Troup, at 24, also has one PBA Tour title and is one of the PBA Tour's most colorful players.
The Teams
Europe
Dominic Barrett (England) Captain – 8 appearances, 5 wins
Stuart Williams (England) – 5 appearances, 4 wins
Martin Larsen (Sweden) – 4 appearances, 4 wins
Jesper Svensson (Sweden) – Debut
USA
Parker Bohn III (New Jersey) Captain – 1 appearance, 0 wins
Wes Malott (Texas) – 2 appearances, 0 wins
Marshall Kent (South Carolina) – Debut
Kyle Troup (Washington) – Debut
The Weber Cup is the tenpin bowling version of golf’s Ryder Cup as two four-man teams from Europe and the USA compete over three days in a series of singles, doubles and baker format matches.
The Weber Cup will be staged over five sessions – 6.30pm Friday 5th and 12.30pm and 6.00pm on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th. The tournament will be produced by Matchroom Sport television and broadcast live on Sky Sports as well as other channels around the world.
