2008 Hermosillo, Mexico

Martin Larsen of Sweden took an early lead in the 44th QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup after the first squad in the Bol 300 centre Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, today (November 9th).

Martin hit 1372 over his six games, an average of 228.6, putting him 32 pins ahead of second placed Derek Eoff of the USA with Jack Guay of Canada just three pins further back on 1337.

Martin’s set was very consistent with games of 234, 237, 234, 228, 241 and 198. He said afterwards: “I know the World Cup is a very long format and I wanted to focus on throwing a good ball, not chasing strikes but making my spares. And then I missed a single pin in the very first frame! After that, it went well and I am very pleased with my game today.

High game of the tournament so far goes to Nikita Koshelev of Russia with 278.

After a further three sets of six games, giving a total of 24, the field will cut to the top 24. Currently in 24th place is Pithakvarakorn Phiriyahbhoon of Thailand on 1255, a 209.1 average, but Rahul Solanki of India is only one pin behind.

Yesterday the tournament got off to a magnificent start with an opening ceremony and welcome party featuring local music and dances. The Governor of the State of Sonora, Eduardo Bours, who was a leading figure in supporting the bid to bring the Bowling World Cup to Bol 300, was present to officially open the championship.

One highlight of the opening was a presentation to Fernando Gutierrez, owner of the host centre Bol 300, by Jack Guay. Jack played in the Bowling World Cup in 1994 when it was last in Hermosillo and became the first player ever to shoot a perfect game. He presented Mr Gutierrez with the very ball he had used and a picture to commemorate the achievement.

The tournament will finish on Friday 15th November and the finals will be live on Mexican television and on Eurosport in Europe. Full results with game by game scores for all individuals can be found here.