Bowlers Journal International - January 2008 - (Page 76) WORLD CUP BY MORT LUBY JR. ONE VISION IS CLEAR, ANOTHER BLURRED Aussie coach predicted Ann-Maree Putney's victory, but did not see Bill Hoffman's coming. GEOFF BOWNESS WAS DRIVING Barnes, winner of the 2005 World Cup in in 2001 and third in 2004. his 2003 Mitsubishi wagon on the Slovenia, was back for another crack at As usual, there were a few offbeat way to his doctor's office in Belmont, the trophy. Sweden’s Helen Johnsson, entries, bowlers from unexpected aveAustralia, when he had the vision. who had finished fifth (twice) and sixth nues of life. Irena Strakova of the Czech “I could see Ann-Maree on a Republic, for example, is an art podium,” recalled the 55-yearrestorer. When she’s not bowlold retired high school teacher. ing, Irena can be found at the “She was on the top step and Narstkovo Museum in Prague, there were girls on either side where she refreshes old prints of her, obviously in second and and drawings on paper. Hoping third place. That was just my to advance her career, she’s first clue that she was going to studying a new gig: improvwin this tournament. ing the condition of mummies “It was also a good omen that excavated from ancient ruins this was the 43rd World Cup. in the Mideast. Another bio that Because 43 is my lucky number. piqued the interest of the big I lived in a house at Number press corps in St. Petersburg 43 when I was a kid. I live in a was that of Canada’s Monique house at 43 Haig St. now.” Belanger, a 22-year-old lady Bowness’ vision came true on welder. a snowy, chilly November afterThe plain-spoken Ms. Putney noon in St. Petersburg, Russia, wasn’t intimidated by any of when his pupil of 16 years, the famous or less-well-known Ann-Maree Putney, won the names on the women’s ros2007 edition of the QubicaAMF ter. She already knew her way Bowling World Cup. around the tournament after Ann-Maree (Aussies dote on placing fifth in 1997, fourth in unusual names and odd spell2000, fifth in 2003 and fourth ings of traditional names) was a again in 2004. All of that experiprime candidate when the best ence in the BWC taught her the bowlers of 88 nations poured value of adequate preparation. into St. Petersburg for the most “I got here two days before recent incarnation of bowling’s most of the girls,” she explained. most fascinating tournament. “I couldn’t practice on the tourShe’d been on a hot streak nament lanes during those two lately, winning five major titles days, of course, but the extra in Australia and claiming siltime gave me a chance to get ver and bronze medals in the adjusted. I didn’t have any recent World Tenpin Bowling problems with jet lag or getting Association Women’s World Bill Hoffman and Ann-Maree Putney pose with some of the bounty of used to the food.” Championships in Mexico. Ann-Maree got off to a their triumphs at the QubicaAMF World Cup in St. Petersburg, Russia. But the 37-year-old righthandpromising start in the qualifyer had plenty of impressive ing when she placed seventh competition at the elegant, new 32in her three previous BWC adventures, in the opening 6-game block. Korea’s lane bowling stadium in the chromewas hoping to improve her record. And bespectacled Sun Hee Lee took the and glass-clad Kontinent shopping Lisa Rosario of the Philippines was lead at that juncture with an amazing center. America’s many-titled Lynda highly motivated after placing second 231 average. HERO NODA 76 bowlers journal international JANUARY 2008
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