Comments

"Although it was more than 30 years ago I can remember the World Cup as if it was yesterday.

The World Cup British Final was always one of the Major tournaments we revolved our year around. I was runner up and third place a few times before and after winning in 73 so it was important to enjoy the final 'cause you may not get another go'.

Myself and Kambiz Kiani from Iran were detained at the Airport because our hair was to long. I had been warned before I went so I did have some cut off but back in the seventies long hair was the norm and short hair was a no no! The problem in Singapore was drugs and the police associated anyone with long as a user or pusher. After about an hour they sorted it out and we were let in (with hair in tact).

This event was the last time the Champion was invited back the following year (just my luck). In this event Canada had two representatives. The final was live and watched by over 3 million viewers.

Kambiz Kiani was a gentleman, showman and professional womaniser. I had met Kambiz before but after the World Cup he became a very good friend of mine, turning up in England one day because he wanted to bowl in my Team. For a couple of years he played with us all around Europe and they loved him. He was a big supporter and friend of the Shar of Iran and when he was overthrown I heard Kambiz took to the hills to fight and for many years I never heard from him. But I did hear a few years ago that he was back in Tehran, how true I don't know.

One funny story from the World Cup concerning Kambiz, myself and the German player. We were going from the 20 down to the final 8 and in the final game Kambiz was playing the German. I had finished my game and had sneaked into 8th place. Kambiz was getting up for the tenth frame and if he opens, the German wins the game and makes 8th place and I go to 9th, out of the tournament. As Kambiz gets up to play the German said to him "You open let me win". By now the whole crowd new the situation and all eyes were on Kambiz. He went up and got the most perfect strike, turned around at the foul and pulled out two imaginery guns and shot the German and said "I did that for Bernie because he's my buddy and I don't like you" everybody was in fits(except the German)!

Glen Watson and I were the slowest bowlers in the event and the telecast ran over by half an hour but they stayed with it. I beat Glen 643-642 and at the time it was the highest scoring and most exciting final in the history of the World Cup. After all the hundreds of games I played from centre level, British National Final and the Final itself, it all came down to the last ball of the Championship where I needed 9 to win. It was a good shot leaving a 10 pin."

Bernie Cater
Champion 1973