Bowlers Journal International - November 2008 - (Page 24) Inside Line News, Notes And Perspective AT LONG LAST, THERE’S A WEBER IN THE WEBER CUP PDW joins the American squad in the tournament named for his father, and helps the U.S. to its sixth win. BY KEITH HALE THE WEBER CUP JUST KEEPS getting better and better. The annual “all-star” encounter between the United States and Europe — a mix of matches in a race to 17 points — always provides plenty of excitement. And the 2008 edition was no exception. Sponsored by PartyCasino.com, hosted by the Barnsley Metrodome in northeast England and featuring a single Brunswick lane installation with banked arena seating very close to the lane, the event packed the seats for all of the sessions. With Pete Weber joining the American squad for the first time, and Jason Couch returning, the advantage appeared to be with the U.S., which led the series, 5-3. As the competition was about to begin on a Friday evening, showing no lack of confidence, captain Tim Mack assured all that it would be 6-3 come Sunday night. There was heart-stopping action in the very first session as Chris Barnes took on Tore Torgersen in the first of five singles matches. A strikefest right from the start saw the pair tie at 257. A 9th- and 10th-frame rolloff saw Barnes earn the first point for USA, 60-40. Despite missing two single pins, Mika Koivuniemi defeated Mack in the second game, 224-221, so the match was even. Then Tommy Jones downed Dominic Barrett, 236-199, and then the lead went to 3-1 as Couch defeated Moor in a battle of lefties, 256-246. But Europe came back as Osku Palermaa, the new Europe captain, stunned Pete Weber, 284-224. The first session ended The U.S. squad in the 2008 Weber Cup consisted of (back row, from the left) Jason Couch, Chris Barnes and Tommy Jones, along with (front row) Pete Weber (left) and captain Tim Mack. with a Baker team game, which hasn’t been Europe’s strong suit in previous tournaments. But this time they came through, posting a 217-160 win and evening the match at 3-3. The Saturday afternoon session saw three doubles matches, two singles and another Baker team. The Palermaa/Koivuniemi combo put Europe into the lead, 4-3, by defeating Weber/Couch, 258-215. But it was all square once again when Mack beat Torgersen in a squeaker, 235-231. Barnes/ Jones then won another close encounter, 232-229, over Barrett/Moor, but Europe fought back as Palermaa rolled 279 to overpower Mack’s 238. The Cup knotted at 5-5, Jones/Couch took on Koivuniemi/Barrett, and they fought to another tie, this time at 258. The rolloff finished at 39-39, so another “10th frame” was rolled. The Europeans prevailed, XX9 to X9, and regained the lead in the match, 6-5. Could Europe win a second Baker game and go into the evening session with a 7-5 lead? Yes. 244-208. Those lucky enough to get into the arena Saturday night were treated to a master class as Jones rolled his second Weber Cup perfect game, this time against Torgersen, who lost with a 268. Each had the first eight strikes. Couch then took on Palermaa, and also opened with eight strikes. He ended up winning, 268-233, and the match was tied at 7-7. Weber came back on stage to face Moor and registered his first singles win, 223-215. The U.S. then went up by two as Barnes beat Barrett, 24 Bowlers Journal International | November 2008 www.bowlersjournal.com http://www.PartyCasino.com http://www.bowlersjournal.com
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