Ildemaro Ruiz of Venezuela made a storming start to his 43rd QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup career when in his fifth game of six qualifying games he hit a perfect 300.

The 21-year old economist from the town of Lara delighted the spectators in the Kontinent bowling centre in St Petersburg, Russia. It is not his first 300 but it is his first in a major international tournament.

Even with that score he is not top of the leader board. That honour goes to Jason Belmonte, the double-handed player from Australia who is playing in his second Bowling World Cup, having come 5th when the event was held in Singapore in 2004. Jason shot 1452 over his six games, an average of 242.

Jason commented afterwards: ‘It may sound strange but I found it hard out there. I really had to work for the score, so I’m pleased to be in top spot so far. But I know it’s early days. I’m going to try and relax now by learning how to play Russian billiards!’

In second place is Bill Hoffman of the USA on 1433 (ave. 238) with Ildemaro in third and Paolo Lopes of Portugal in fourth. Paolo was in first place after the first squad of bowling early this morning.

Alexey Parshukov of Russia lived up to the ‘home favourite’ tag and is in fifth place overnight.

All the players have now completed their first block of six games. There another three blocks to play before the cut is made for the top 24. At present the cut is a 206 average.