Lynda Barnes from Dallas in Texas won the 41st QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup in Ljubljana, Slovenia, today, beating Fiona Banks of England by two games to nil, 230 to 197 and 219 to 188.

She qualified for the arena finals in pole position, averaging 235.2, which would have put her top of the men's section. In the finals she continued to sweep all before her, only being taken to a decisive game once.

This is the third time in the past four years that the title has gone to the USA, and the 8th time an American women has won.

'Shannon Pluhowsky who won last year called me before I left for Slovenia,' said Lynda. 'She told me I had to defend the title for her!'

When asked how this win ranked among all her other titles, she said: 'This is really special. I played the Bowling World Cup in Belfast in 1996, so I've had a 10 year build up to this. It means I can take my bowling shoes off!'

The bowling shoes will not be coming off just yet: Lynda will be bowling in her coffee morning league on Wednesday!

Runner-up Fiona paid tribute to the new champion, saying: Sjhe's bowled really well all week and it's been great watching her.'

For full results please go to www.amfbowlingworldcup.com or www.arenalive.si amd click on the Bowling World Cup logo.