Saturday, December 20, 2008

Who said long formats are not exciting!!

Doha, Qatar, The Qatar Open, the last event of the calender year where I played. The previous 2 events I played (the PBA events) did not go exactly as planned so I was hoping to bowl a little better here and make the 3 week tour not a complete disaster.
The format is one of the better formats that we play on the European Tour (a little side note, Qatar Open joined the European Tour as of last year and has the largest prize pool of them all. 30,000 Euro for 1st).
Anyway back to the format. 6 games, re-entry with top 6 getting 2 byes, 7-12th getting one bye, the rest of the cut field making the finals.
The first cut play 6 games cut to half the field. The next cut is then joined by those who placed 7-12th in qualifying, then cut half again after another 6 games, those remaining 10 are then joined by the top 6 from qualifying to form the top 16.
The top 16 then play another 6 games, with 8 going through, the pinfall is then carried over (just from the round of 16 scores) and then the top 8 play another 6 games then it cuts to the top 4 for the semi finals.
Its a fair bit of bowling, but thats the way I like it.
I qualfied early on but not enough for the byes. I tried a few more times, then on my last attempt I shot 1401 to qualify 3rd and get the all important 2 byes.
The pattern was not so easy on the fresh, but after a few games the lanes opened up a little and shooting 250 was considered a huge game.
The first 6 games I played I started off aweful. 340 something for 2 and was sitting last. I knew the number was going to be low so I dug my heels in and fought my way back to 55 over to be the number for the top 8.
I was pretty happy with myself to come back and knew that another 6 good games and I had a chance to win the event.
This is where the story becomes amazing.
The last 6 games was always going to be close. I was the number for the top 8 but only 30 pins out from 4th, so anyone had the potential to make the semi finals. I bowled some great games to shoot 690 for my first 3 to jump into 3rd. I shot 208 my 4th game and slipped to 4th, then 232 my 5th game to give myself some breathing space.
I had a quick glance at the scores and this is how it all sat.
Remy Ong from Singapore was out in front and couldn’t be caught. Nina Flack from Sweden was in 2nd, 40 pins in the number, Dom Barrett from England was also 40 pins inside the cut, then I was the number. I had a 35 pin buffer of Nick Froggatt of England and a 56 pin buffer from Wu Su Hong from Hong Kong.
At first I thought I was really the only one who was in trouble. Dom and Nina were well infront of me and that would make them WAY infront of the other 2 boys.
I started ok, strike, 2 spares then a double. Nina hit a wall as did Dom. Nick and Su Hong both had the front 6.
All of a sudden, only Remy was safe and at this point I’m in the biggest amount of trouble. I string another couple of strikes and then leave the most ridiculous ringing 10 of the trip. I could punch out for 247 and with a few frames left I didnt think it would be enough. I needed someone to miss.
Nick left a 7 pin and then threw some great shots to shoot 279. Su Hong left a 3-6-7-10, then made it, then struck out, leaving Dom, Nina and myself all to strike out.
Nina was up first, BANG BANG. Doubled like it was easy. Dom actually only need the first hit and he dead nutted it. Su Hong was now out. It was me Vs Nick for the final spot.
I needed a double in the 10th and count to beat him and secure my spot in the final 4.
First shot was perfect. Normally I get a little nervous but for some reason this time I had no nerves and just knew I could do it. I let it go perfect and carried all 10 into the pit.
Remy was 1st, Nina and I tied for 2nd and Dom was 4 pins behind us, with Nick just a whisker out by 6 pins.
It was the most amazing last few frames of bowling I have been a part of. The crowd would yell for every strike and for every open a gasp would be heard.
Nick was a true gentleman and came to congratulate me after I doubled and said great bowling. A sign of a great competitor.
I made the final 4 and now I had the chance to win the event.
Nina and I would play the semi finals against each other (format was 2 games total pinfall). This is where the wheels came off. I had played so well but for some reason I just forgot how to bowl. It’s never easy to play against a lady on the European tour. For a start they get 8 pins handicap a game and are just as good as the men.
Nina bowled a solid 480 and I had no reaction to compete. 3rd Place for me and to be honest I was happy with that. Some stages it looked like 16th was the more obvious place for me.
Nina went on to win and beat Dom for the title. 30,000 Euro’s (around $40,000 US). A huge pay check by anyones standards.
So I finished out the year with a smallish bang. Could have been better but it could of so easily been so much worse.
I just want to thank everyone for their support this year, it means a lot. Also have a safe and Merry Christmas and New Year.
Till next year
Cheers and be good
Belmo

The PBA - A closer look

The PBA Tour is the last hurdle in any ones bowling career. It’s the place where legends of the game are made and it’s where I want to be.
Something that ‘rookies’ of the PBA must first except and then understand is that bowling on tour is unlike any thing else.
The transitions are so much different, the people you are crossing with are so much different and the most important aspect that is completely different is the talent levels.
In Europe and Asia, the talent I bowl against is of a very high standard but the depth of that talent pool is quite shallow compared to that on tour.
Everything you can do on the lane can be done by some one else out here and 9 out 10 times, that person can probably do it better than you
You are constantly fighting the lanes and are constantly thinking about your next moves. In Europe/Asia you do get a period of time to ‘just bowl’ and not worry about anything.
I have played in a few PBA events before, but they have all been majors, where the lanes transition more like ‘normal’ because of the large number of amateur participants.
I have had great success in these events but what i experienced the last 2 weeks taught me a quick and firm lesson about how the tour is really played.
The Scorpion Championship actually was an OK event. I bowled really well. The scoring pace was extremely high and it basically came down to who could knock over the pins the most based on carry. Normally this is something i would like, I mean, being a 2 handed player one of the biggest advantages is being able to strike more….. NOT THIS TIME.
I had just too much power. For the entire week I had 1 game where I had more than 5 strikes in a row. I did shoot 280, but 1 of those games just wasn’t enough.
I think i finished in 29th and to be honest was happy with that start.
The following week, the Cheetah Championship, showed me a thing or 2 about what happens when you play poorly.
It’s been a long time since I have bowled 14 games and could honestly say that I never bowled 14 full games where every shot was different.
I was a mess, missing left and right at my target and my speed control (which is something i pride myself on) was dis-graceful.
I was extremely upset with my performance but Kimberly (my wife) offered her wisdom and made me feel a little better about myself. Basically she told me that even the best have awful weeks, and the important thing is not to dwell about the past so much and work hard to improve the future.
Good advice right.
I watched the Pro’s make a difficult pattern look easy and how they did was amazing. It’s the little tricks (that a rookie needs to learn) that these guys have mastered. The ability to change a breakpoint (like from 40 ft to 36 ft) at will and the ability to generate angles into the pocket that amateurs can’t see is awesome to watch.
These are the tricks i need to learn and trust me when i say that I will learn them and i will be able to keep up.
The next time I ’shoe up’ will be in QATAR, next week to play in one of the biggest events (dollars wise) in the world. Hopefully i’ll be able to turn my form around and finish the 3 week tour off with a BANG.

Cheers and be good
Belmo

Monday, October 27, 2008

The best and the worst days

The cashes round.

I was in a great position to remain in the top 8. Sitting 4th, with a 50 pin kicker from the top 8. The format for the cashes round is 9 games straight.
9 games against the best bowlers in the world meant if I didnt bowl great, i could easily fall out of the top 8 and if that happened, i would have to play 2 extra best of 7 matches.
I started the day with a huge break in the 10th frame for 234. That single break took all pressure off my shoulders and i felt like i could just relax and bowl.

Bowl I did. I made every single spare, almost every single spilt and threw the ball amazing. I was lofting the left gutter cap a fair bit and was in a part of the lane that noone else was, giving me the advantage of going pair to pair with a lot more confidence.
I shot 418 over for 9 games and ended up leading the field by 240 pins and securing the number 1 seed.

I was extremely excited at the prospect and now i just had to wait for 2 matches to see who I had to play.

Here comes the 'worst' part of the story.

I waited around and watched Chris Barnes come back from 3-0 down to win against Tom Baker.
I was really happy to bowl Barnes. If your going to win a major, you always want to knock out the best along the way.

I started the match GREAT. 236 and 247 to go to a 2-0 lead. Chris wasnt looking good and i was looking great. I felt like i had a great chance to win the match,
The something happened. I dont know what, but all i know is that what ever happened turned me into a nervous and un-focused player.
Chris got a little lucky in games 3 and 4, by going brooklyn 4 times over the 2 games to create 2 four baggers in both those games.
I didnt really get unlucky, i just did strike as much as i could of. The 5th game i gave away, missing spares left right and centre and then the 6th game was practically over by the 8th.

I was more upset with how i spared in the match then actually losing. I missed a bunch of spares, considering the only spare i missed in 27 games of qualifying was a single 3-6-9-10.
Chris was nice and apologized for some of his lucky breaks, but thats how the games goes. Its been there from the beginning and luck will be with bowling till the end of time.

The only positive i can take is over a many games i know i can compete with the best.....now i just need to learn how to break down a pair of lanes in the best of 7 matches.....Patience and practice and i know i will master it.

Cheers for everyones support over the past 7 days. Means a lot

Be good

Belmo

Friday, October 24, 2008

Day 2 and 3 of the PBA World Champs

Yesterday was a little bit of a grind.
I started with a couple bad breaks mixed with a couple bad shots to start the day a little slow. I didnt really pick the pace up to much but i didnt want to push, make a bad ball choice and shoot a couple of low games. I stayed consistent and shot 109 over for my second squad....basically it keep me near the top.
The lanes played much drier than they did the first day and my angle of entry was a little different, hence the solid 9's and flat 10's i left all day.

Today was, well, more like a roller coaster. I played the burn squad and the nick name for the carry down squad lived up to its name.
The left end of the house hooks like 15 boards more and i really didnt know which ball to use. I guessed and like usual i guessed wrong haha
188 out of the blocks and started to feel a little pressure. I struck in the fill shot with a different ball (Hy-Road) so i felt i could string a few together with that ball.
String a few together i did.... I bowled my first ever PBA 300. It was a great feeling. I have bowled 300 in many countries, on TV, but this was one was nice. I was very proud and excited.
The perfect game calmed me down a little and i was much more relaxed. Finished the day with 162 over and am now sitting 5th with a squad to go.

One more big day and ill make the top 8 and get the all important byes into the round of 16.

Will keep you up to date

Belmo

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

PBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS - Day 1

Day 1 - This event has treated Australians ok. Last year my idol and great mate, Andrew Frawley made the show and i hope to copy his performance this year.
The lane pattern is ok, the scores will be high but i think that scores will come from the surface of the lanes, rather than the oil pattern.
Let me explain.
The surface is very old and beat up and a track seems to have been burnt into the lane. Thus making a defined hook spot down lane. The pattern is not on the hard end, combined with the help of the lanes, scores will be rather high.

I bowled my first of 3, 6 games blocks today and bowled very consistent. Low game of 232 and a high game of 247. I had my chances in a couple of the games to get to 250 mark but with a bad shot here and there I couldnt break the 240 barrier. But as long as your low game is in the 230's, i think its safe to say that 247 is a great game.

I used the new Hy-Road basically all day and it looked great. Mix a great ball reaction with good sparing, it equals quite a good day at the office.
The format is long though, so i just have to make sure i bowl equally as good in the next few days.

I finished the day at 227 over and am sitting 2nd behind Sean Rash, he is at 266 over.

I bowl the last squad tomorrow, so i have a few hours between the squad i just finish and tomorrow nights squad, which ill use watch a couple of movies and no doubt watch some bowling :) (isnt that what bowlers do haha)

Be good

Belmo

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Special Surprise

the best part about the World Championships was the surprise I got early one morning from my Mother.

At 830am my house phone called, my mobile called and there was knocking at my hotel door.....ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

My room mate Jez, answered the house phone, i answered my mobile and then i slowly stumbled out of bed and went to the door. My dad was on my mobile, asking me if I was awake. At 830am Im not the happiest guy in the world and crankily told him "well I am now DAD" He was asking me to answer the door (How did he know someone was at the door??????) Before i could ask him that question, I opened the door and saw my mother standing in front of me.
Its been almost 3 months since I had seen, since moving to France and it was a great surprise that she was standing there.

My eyes were still half open and I must of looked like $hit haha but she hugged and kissed me and was very excited to see me.

It was the best surprise and spending the couple of days with her in Thailand was great. It really made me miss home and think of home much more.
Mum is the best cheer girl, screaming for the team each frame no matter what our scores are. For example. 1 game in the sinlges i was 36 in the 4th frame.
36!!!!!!!
And when i struck in the 5th frame, she yelled ' COME ON AUSSIE, strike out!!!!!!!!!!" hahaha not too likely considering that when someone is 36 in the 4th frame their reaction is not so good hahaha
But she yelled it out and it made me smile!!!!

Anyway....I just wanted to say thanks to Mum for coming over and supporting me......wished I had of struck a little more for you!

Love you Ma

Jason

World Champs- Masters!

The masters event.

the last chance I had to win a medal. The format, whilst I hate it (for so many reasons) was the best chance i had for a medal considering my reaction.
Best of 5, on 2 patterns and i had to win just 2 matches for a medal.

I played Dom Barrett of England first up and I chose the short oil pattern to start. Basically every game we would change to the opposite pattern. the most weird and stupid part of how we played the games was it was only on 1 lane each.
Meaning the bowler who went first in that game, would be the bowler applying the pressure all game.......SO STUPID.
But it was what it was.
I started great, 250 something on the short and then doubling in the 10th for 2teen on the long to go to a 2-0 lead. One more win and I was into the next round.
The next 2 games i truly thought I should of won either of the 2 games. I shot 225 on the short oil, with a solid 8 pin and a ring 10, and Dom carried a few messengers and bounced a 2-8-10 split out of the back to give him the upper hand and shoot 240.
No worries. I was still leading and only needed 1 more win.
i then started the next game on the long solid 7, solid 9 and then a turkey. Dom had the front 4 with 2 of them having the possibility of leaving something.
He then left a 10 pin in the 5th frame and in the 7th he missed the head pin to the right, he spared both those frames. The next 3 frames summed the game up for me. I left a solid 9, then a strike, then a pocket 4-9. He tripped the 4 pin, threw a great shot, then sent the ball wide and mixed the pins up for the turkey.
Going into the 10th he needed a mark and threw it great and struck, shutting me out.
I felt robbed, i bowled better by 30 pins but Dom beat me by 20. Bowling is the craziest game!!!!!

The 5th and deciding game is the easiest to describe. Dom bowled like a pro, throwing the ball great for 10 frames and I bowled like I did when i was bowling in the Tuesday Afternoon 4:30pm Junior comp.
I was out played and in that game he deserved to win. I was not upset with my bad breaks or his good fortune, thats how bowling is, its been that way forever and it will always be decided in close games by a little bit of luck. I was more upset at how I let it all get to me.
Normally I take it on the chin and shake my head a little but then forget about it. When a medal at the World Champs can be won, holding onto those bad feelings of misfortune is the worst thing you can do.
I didnt shake it off, I held onto those feelings the whole match, resulting in me not concentrating on my game and what i was to do in the future frames, but what had already happened.
A true 4:30pm junior mistake!!!!!
A mistake I will not let happen again!!!!!!!!

Dom will be the best bowler to come out of England ever....PERIOD. He has a great game, he can play anywhere on the lane and his ball speed control is excellent for someone his age (22). He also has a great personality which in this game is what we need more of!!!
I have no doubt that Dom and I will be bowling for major titles in the future, just hope he lets me win a couple of them :)


Dom went on to claim bronze and Walter Ray Williams of the USA (the best to of ever thrown a ball) won the gold.

Overall i felt my performance at this years World Champs was awful. I never hit my straps in any of the events and for some reason i was bowling with more fear in my head rather than aggression.
Kimberly and my mum did make me feel better by saying that a bad event for me (like this) was 7th in the all events......many guys would take 7th in a heart beat, so i did smile a little about that!

Next ill be off to Japan and Korea in 2 weeks.

Will keep you all updated on those 2 trips.

Belmo

Sunday, August 31, 2008

World Champs- Sinlges

With a great chance to win a gold in the all events, my heart rate in the morning before my squad was a little faster than normal haha

All i wanted to do was bowl well and let what ever happens happen.

I started the first 9 frames great....from there it was all down hill. I opened 4 out of 6 10th frames, 3 due to bad shots, missed a bunch of spares and got more and more frustrated as the day went on.
Looking back at it all now, i think i could of shot 50-80 over no worries. But as it happened 40 under was what i ended up with.

I was extremely upset with my performance and spent the next 30 minutes (after i finished) cursing myself in a hidden room in the ball park :)

With all that said, I still had to keep my head high, masters was the day after and i needed my head to be clear

Will let you know how i went in the masters

Belmo

Friday, August 29, 2008

World Champs- teams day 2

We needed a big day as a team to make the TV show.
The first game was the worst start possible. Bowling on a pair where 9 urethane bowling balls were used, the backend was so tight that if you were not perfect at the breakpoint, the ball never hooked.
We battled as best we could through out the day but our first game just put us in too big of a hole.
Individually i bowled well and gave myself a great chance to medal in the all events.
720 with some bad breaks, but my confidence is now on a high.

Singles event on long oil, anything can happen

Belmo

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

World Champs- trios

The trios event has now finished and bad news for Australia, there were no medals won in this event.

Walshy, Frawls and I had a chance going into today. We started great 720, then the wheels came off. With a game to go, we could still get there but we needed plenty of strikes.
The lanes had changed from pair to pair a fair bit, but the last pair fooled us.

The idea was to move inside with a stronger ball and just ping it at the gutter, the problem was that we had all played further right and didnt know that the shot was further left till it was too late.

I shot 651 today and gave away a few pins in bad shots. I was happy though because it could of been much much worse.

Still our heads must stay high and now we look forward to the teams event. The long oil in the teams starts tomorrow so ill be sure to let you know how I go.

Belmo

Monday, August 25, 2008

World Champs- Doubles and trios

Doubles was the first event I was to play. I was paired up with Jason Walsh and together I thought if we bowled well we could get into the top 4 and win a medal.

We started the practice we both had a great look. Walshy bowled great and so did I. The difference between us was that we beat me by 40 pins.
I shot 179 and left the 9 pin 3 times, the 10 pin 5 times, the 2 pin once and a 2-8-10. The normally dont complain about carry because if you leave these pins that many times it means you need to change something. Silly thing was I did everything in 10 frames to strike. I moved, slowed down, speed up, changed roll....it truly was amazing.
But the luck (or bad luck I had) didnt stop there. The next 2 games I missed the pocket 3 times and had 3 pocket spilts, a few more 9 pins and a bunch more 10 pins.
I was frustrated and i am sure that the frustration and the doubt in my mind about the carry added to constant misfortune. Walshy and I didnt have a chance at the medal so we relaxed a little and started to bowl much better. I got to 130 something over and Walshy got to 50 something.
Kept us alive for all events and gave us a little more confidence for the trios.

The doubles was won by the USA who beat Sweden in one of the greatest matches I have seen. Cant wait to watch the tape and remember it all over again :)

The trios was on the long. I was with Walshy and Frawls and again, we knew if we bowled well we would have a great chance to set ourselves up for a medal. The trios was 3 games on long oil and 3 games on short oil.
Today was only the long oil part.
The long oil is far from long. The oil volume is basically nothing and what oil there is on the lane evaporates within a few frames.

We shot -16 for our 3 games as a team and are 100 off to the pace. We need a massive day on the short oil, but with some luck and great bowling...... I know we will win a medal.
My striking shoes need to be on tight and tomorrow when I walk into the bowling centre my attitude on how to attack the pins will be much much different.

Will keep you up dated

Belmo

Friday, August 22, 2008

World Championships- Official Practice

This is it..... The big one.

This is the the tournament that everyone wants to bowl their best. It has the most prestige and now with the Pro's allowed to play, winning a gold (or any medal for that matter) will be all the sweeter.

The Australian is made up of 6 guys, Andrew Frawley, Jason Walsh, Mac Stewart, Glen Loader, Jarrod Lean (my room mate) and myself. Its a very well balanced team and I really think if we bowl our best, anything can happen.
The official practice was today and we got a taste of the duel patterns. The short played much easier than we all though. With the last 4 boards giving everyone free hook, the scores are going to be extremely high. The long on the other hand was much more tricky. The oil would move very fast and the heads would dry up after a few games.
The shot seems to be on the long, left and the shot on the short is where it always is, way out side.

Most teams experienced similar ball reactions to ours, so we know that everyone is in the same boat, its going to be a matter of who puts their striking shoes on better than anyone else.

The doubles start tomorrow, Im paired up with Jason Walsh and together we have a good chance of doing great. All we need is the luck to go our way and for us to do the rest.

Will keep you posted our the results go and how I played.

Be good and wish me luck

Belmo

Friday, August 1, 2008

barcelona - The whole story- part 2

Just thought i would let you all know that i missed the next cut by a mere 3 pins.
It kills me when i miss by such a little margin. I look back at all the things i could of done, but thats bowling. It will teach me to make every spare and always take the count.

Hall of famer Pete Weber did what Pete Weber does best......win
It was a remarkably close game, Paul Moor of England needed to strike out in the 9th and 10th to shut pete out, but missed the 9th, giving Pete a chance.....he took it.

On a more lighter note, my wife decided to make an outrageous bet. if Nicole Sanders, a young lefty, who also made the TV final was to win, the bet was that Kimberly was to run around the bowl naked.
Much to her delight, but not everyone else's Nicole lost to Pete in the first match and Kimberly got to keep her clothes on.

Its amazing what crazy bets you make after you have a couple of cocktails :)

Be good

Belmo

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Barcelona - The whole story

Ok i didn't get a chance to write here till now, so i will explain everything.....

I drove from Nice with Kimberly and Celia on Wednesday morning and bowled a squad that night. I was tired and really shouldn't have bowled, but did anyway.
The lanes are tough....which is great to see. It has been a while since I have seen such a tough pattern and good shot making was very important. I scored awful the first set, better the 2nd set and then shot 1300 my 3rd attempt to qualify.
The format though makes you take 1/2 your qualifying score, so I wanted to try and improve on my 1300. I would always have 1 low game on 1 pair (lanes 11-12) and it would cost me 40 pins every time.
11 has no backend and 12 has a bunch. The lowest scoring pair in the house by far. But it was ok. 1300 was plenty and now i just needed to bowl well in the final.

Sunday morning and I felt good. I bowled great the first game and shot 201. Three 10 pins on the left lane and no doubles till the 10th. The scoring pace has been low so a 200 was a good start.
My next pair was my arch enemy. 11-12. I started 9 spare double and felt like this was my chance. I bowled what I thought was a good shot and left a 2-10, to add to my frustration I wrapped the 2 around the 10. Next frame on the left lane I left a pocket 7-10 and then finally a ringing 10. 170 was all i could get too.
Man I HATE THAT PAIR!!!!!!! Killed me everytime and after bowling on them 4 times I still have no clue how to beat it.
The 2 next games I bowled about as good as I could. Lanes softened up and getting to the pocket was easy, In 2 games I left three 10 pins, three 7 pins, a 9 pin and two 7pins. I shot 234, 237 and I think im 10 short. The 2nd squad is about to start and I now have to wait.
But I'm a realist and another hit some where in my games would of put me in the cut for sure I think.

My only hope is that a few players in the next squad trip and hurt themselves :) (if that actually does happen, I want it known that I had nothing to do with it haha)

Some better news, I was invited to play the Federations Cup which is the Asian Zone Vs American Zone vs European Zone event (kind of like a smaller version of the World Ranking masters). Asia was unable to field enough player because of the extremely late notice of the event, and well since I am living just around the corner I was asked to make up the team.
I dont know a single thing about the event, so when I know more Ill let you know

Till next time

Be good

Belmo

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

San Marino Open

Hey guys,

I am very sorry for the late read here. There have been many problems with the internet at the bowl and the hotel. San Marino is not known for its internet cafes either haha.

San Marino is a little country with in the Italian boarder. Small is an understatement. The city boasts a massive population of about 30,000 and takes roughly 45 minutes to drive around it haha.

What it does have is some amazing views. The city itself has been built on a massive hill. Im not sure how high up we were, but the view from the top of the hill was incredible.

Kimberly and I were looking forward to this event for 2 reason. The first was that we had never been, and the 2nd was that we were to be driving down with some of our best friends.

Timmy Mack and Mike Fagan road with me and Kimberly drove down with our new good friend Celia (from Nice). A road trip it was. Road trips are great for laughing, singing old old old songs and talking about bowling. 6 hours and we were there.

I bowled the first squad and bowled okay. The lanes were not as easy as I heard they were. (Pete Weber, Jens Nickle both had massive 1500 plus scores) i shot something like 1330 and to be honest i felt like i bowled 1430. The next squad was a waste of time really. After driving all day, bowling 1 squad already, my legs were not up to bowling a 2nd squad, but you know me, i love to throw money away haha

I put a touch of polish on my ball after the 2nd squad in hope that the next squad i played, the ball would match up better. I was right. The T-Road looked great on the day and on the lane and i shot 1422.

That score was then enough to qualify with 2 byes and i was put directly into the matchplay part of the event.

I won my first round match against Marilyn Planchard got off to a good start 258 to her 202 then lanes then got a little tricky for both of us but because of my lead after the first game Marilyn couldn't make up the difference. It is never easy playing against a lady because of their 8 pin handicap and it never is easy playing against a fellow countryman, she may not be an Australian but right now France is my second home. My 2nd match in the round of 8 did not go so well. 213-150 were my two scores. Tomas Gross beat me and went on to loose to Remi Ong in the final.
In my match against Tomas, the lanes just broke down so fast and every move i made ended up leaving me with something awful to try and spare. Lost is the best word to describe how i felt while i was bowling.

I finished the event in 5th and was happy with how i played, till my last game, but thats bowling........cant win them all right???

Im driving to Barcelona today and hopefully there they have better internet coverage.

Till next time

Be good

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Storm Dutch Open Part 2

My apologies to everyone..... I had accidently typed in Belgium Open finals and not the Storm Dutch Open.....I was in HOLLAND this week :) Sorry

I stayed in the top 8 with my qualifying score so I had the luxury of sleeping in a little.
1pm was tee off time and when I walked into the bowl and saw my first match, I knew I would need every little bit of strength to get me through it.

OSKU PALERMAA Vs JASON BELMONTE.

It's a paring that should be in the title match but because of bowling and its stupid formats we were to bowl each other the first round of the match play.
Just a side note, has Roger Federer and Nadel ever played a first round against each other?? Hmmm......

We were not alone on 5 and 6, Martin Larsen and Tore Torgensen was the other match......again nice format and draw!

It was a best of 3 match and I knew Osku was only going to bowl better the more games we played. It was important that I won in 2 games.

THE FIRST GAME:
We went blow for blow really....it was neck and neck going into the 9th frame. I was working on some strikes and Osku left a 3 pin in the 9th to give me the chance to get up and in the 10th and shut him out.
Osku was up first and he needed a spare to force me to strike and a double to force me to double.
Osku left a 4-9, it was his best shot, but for how hard he throws it, something should of taken one of the pins.
I stepped up knowing that if I strike I win the game. SOLID 9.
Osku needed to spare the 4-9, which he missed narrowly, leaving me the simple spare for the win.

THE SECOND GAME:
The lanes started to burn up a lot. With Osku, Me, Martin and Tore on the same pair, the lanes was breaking down fast. I left a 4 in the first frame and then made a large move left, hoping if I slowed it down, I would stay away from everyone and my line would not change.
The 6th frame was the turning point of the match. Osku had 4 strikes and a 9 spare, I had a 9 spare and 5 in a row. Osku then left the most amazing pocket 7- 10 I have ever seen. Pins went flying and somehow the 7-10 stayed upright.
That gave me a little room and I relaxed a little more. I struck out for 290 and Osku did the same for 256.

The toughest guy in the field was gone and I felt like now I had the best chance to win.

My next match was against Paul Moor. The right lane had a awful rack and re-racking was useless.
Paul started poorly and shot 180 something, I had 210 or something like that. But I was more worried about my carry. I left all but the 8 pin and my reaction although looked good, the pins were standing far too much for how many times I thought I smashed the pocket, striking was not easy.

Paul made a ball change and shot 300, making it 1-1. I made a ball change hoping that my strike % would increase and for a second I thought it did.
Strike, 9 spare, double. He had 1 open, 1 spare and 1 strike in the first 4 frames.
Then it started to get a little crazy. Paul struck on 2 shots thats should of been spares, even possibly splits, and I left a solid 9, 7 and 10 in middle of strikes and other spares.
Paul need a mark in the 10th and struck and I of course struck out when it didnt matter.

I was really cranky, I know I cant complain about the format, its the same for everyone, but I really do wish that the Europeans would open their eyes and see that bowling is a game about repetition and skill. Not who gets who on which pair.
Bowling in Europe is great because the level of bowlers is so high, now if only the powers that be let those bowlers show off their skill in more than 3 games, people might want to come and watch some more.
(I say this, but last EBT event when I came in 2nd I wasn't bitching even though it was the same format....haha....I know i am a bad loser)

Anyway....thats my complaining out of the way.
I was happy I bowled and I felt like I bowled well......Thats all you can do.

Kimberly and I must say thank you to the staff at the bowl and the pro shop for all their help. We were treated very kindly and its that kind of welcome that makes us want to come back more and more.....

The next event Ill be bowling is in San Marino in a couple of weeks

Will let you know how I go....

Belmo

Friday, June 27, 2008

Storm Dutch Open

Kimberly and I are now in Holland.

So far I really like this country. It's both Kimberly's and my first trip to the Netherlands and although we have only been here for 36 hours our first impressions are that we both think its a fun country.

We're really looking forward to visiting Amsterdam. We have heard so much about the city and I think it's a place that to completely understand what it all about you have to see it with your own eyes.

Today I bowled a little better than i did last night. We arrived late yesterday and I decided to have a bowl. In short when you srat 148 and then 175, there are usually two reasons for this. You're bowling bad and you have the wrong ball in your hand. That's what happened to me. But with the format here (and all EBT events) 6 games re entry events allow for the occasional bad squad.

Thankfully today I had the right ball in my hand and I bowled much better. I missed a spare and bowled a few bad shots but overall I am happy with how I played. 1461 for six games. Enough for 4th right now.

I now have to sit back and hope another four guys don't go past me so I can stay in the top eight and get a bye into the matchplay round.

The lanes here are on the easier side, a little wet dry later on in the day but if you bowl well there is a HUGE number to be shot.

I'll let you know how I go in the coming days.

Be good

Belmo

Thursday, June 12, 2008

THE PETERSEN CLASSIC!

What makes this event so cool???
Is it the $25000 on top to win? or is it the fact that the worlds best bowlers cant average 190?

This is what happens.

You pay your entry and all your scam bets (doubles, teams, high game pots) you place only 2 of your bowling balls on their table, and thats the last you see them till the lights turn on.
They mark your ball with a number on it (a lane number) and then you have to go and find your ball.

The bowling centre is old and run down, but it adds to the feel of this amazing event that has been running since the 20's (might be wrong, could be even earlier).
Lanes 1-20 are sealed and blocked off. Massive golden doors with "WELCOME TO THE PETERSEN, good luck" is written boldly on the door, and for secuirty the doors are pad locked. There is a 12 ft fence built around the lanes, Oh i forgot, the bowling centre is 40 lanes large. So its weird walking into a bowl and seeing half of it closed off.

The announcement to start us off was yelled into the mic and we all walked into the arena.

What makes the event even more special is that there are no arrows on the lanes, there is no practice and each lane is oiled differently from the next,

My first shot, left gutter 30ft down the lane. there was no oil at all......so i got my plastic, 2 of the left. The pinsetters are old and all the pins are off set......but there is no re-racks. Basically its who can hit the head pin the most and that my friend is no easy task.
So to get back to my story. I then moved far to the right and tried to hit the 10 pin, but my ball never moved. 60ft straight up the lane. 3 more pins. In 3 shots i had knocked over 5 pins and after 2 frames i had 9.
This was ridiculous but wildly fun.

The winner of the event usually shoots 20 over. To most amazing thing though is this event runs for 5 months. So in 5 months, with people bowling in it all the time only 1, maybe 2 guys shot 200 average.

Oh I forgot to mention, there is a wall built from the ceiling down, above the arrows. So when you let go of the ball you cant actually see the pins, you have to bend down and look under the wall they have built. Not to mention that some pins weigh 5 times the normal pins and some pins weigh 5 times less. STriking is impossible............. Like i said, ridiculous.

I made a bet with Martin Larsen that i would shoot 200 under for the event. I was off by just a little. I shot 401 UNDER, for 8 games. low games of 112 and 122 and 129 helped me achieve my lowest 8 game total since i was 4.

WOuld i bowl again, FOR SURE, with a different game plan of course........would i suggest everyone to bowl it once in their life....ABSOLUTELY.
The people there are great and really look after you, its also full of non stop laughs.

That was my Petersen experience. Wont be my last though, i will average 200 once at that event.......mark my words :)

Belmo

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Belgium Open Finals

Ok.
I was a little worried about getting the 1 bye in the morning.
After shooting 1513 in qualifying i was ranked number 1 and the top 6 got byes right into the matchplay side of things.
I am more of a bowler who likes to start early and get on a roll, so the early morning games can sometimes be a bonus, but i was told that you should always take a bye and be happy with it.
The reason i am worried about the 'morning off' is a few times in my European career i have had byes and my first few games out are well short of where i want to be, in a best of 3 match, 2 games is sometimes all it takes to get knocked out (it has happened to me in France earlier in the year and also in Germany).
This time though i had my cheer squad with me.....KIMBERLY. Every strike was followed by either a "Aussie Aussie Aussie" cry or a extremely loud whistle.
Its funny how the nerves go away when you some some familiar support. I played Kirsten Penny in the first match.
Ladies get a bonus 8 pins, beating her scratch is hard enough, but now i have to give her 8 extra pins.
I came out of the gate quick and shot 280 to her 202, then my reaction got a little weird and and going into the 10th i needed a double to win the match. I threw it good and left the 2-8-10.
The final match I needed a strike in the 10th to shut her out and i nailed it. 245 to her 228.

My next match was against Eric Kok of the Netherlands. He is a older guy who plays very straight off the corner and is a great spare shooter. I was happy to play the guy because I thought with my rev rate i would burn the lane up and he would have to move in, if that happened I would for sure strike more and win the match.
The first game was a nail biter, I had a chance to double in the 10th to shut him out, I hit the first and then stuck on the appraoch a little and missed well left. NO GOOD.
He now needed a double and dead smacked them both. I lost 256-254. But like I thought, he had to start moving inside more and more and his reaction was getting worse and worse, where mine was getting better and better. My next 2 games were 279 and 238 allowing me to advance to the round of 8.

The next guy i had to play was Robert Anderson of Sweden. One of my great mates, aldo one of my team Pergamon mates, Robert is very hard to beat. He throws it great when he has to and can strike just as much as anyone.
The first game i hit my straps early and finished 265 to his 221. The next game though was awful for me. Robert looked a million dollars. he only bowled 216 because he threw off the last couple of frames when he knew i could not win.
The last game was going to be 50/50 after 8 frames. He opened twice early but came back with strikes from frames 6-9 and I started with a 4 bagger but then left 3 10 pins and 2 7 pins. I needed a double to win and i did just that.

Only 4 left and I had to play probably one of the most experiance bowlers i know. Jouni Helminen from Finland.
To play anyone from Finland is never a good draw but Jouni is so good it made it just a little worse. We drew a pair which i was bowling great on and the format for the semi finals and final was 2 total pinfall.
I had a 50 pin lead after the first game, with the help of a few massive messengers and shot 278. Jouni is a guy though who can string a bunch of strikes together so i was still pushing just in case. Lucky for me a few early opens from him and the match was over before the 6th frame.

This win lead me to my first final (since my move) in as many attempts. I had to play Martin Larsen of Sweden who just beat fellow 2 hander Osku in a close one. I played Martin in the final in Kuwait and beat him there was i was feeling great about the match,
We started the match and I was having some serious problems with my slide and threw 3 awful shots to lose the first game 214- 237. I changed balls and moved in a little deeper and started with the front 4 and was in the lead. I really thought I was going to win, but a solid 9 and a ringing 10 in frames 8 and 9 gave Martin the upper hand again. I smashed all 3 in the 10th to forsce Martin to spare and he struck.
One thing I have learnt about the Europeans, you can never give them the chance to win. They will take it many more times than they will miss it.

He won the final 473-458 and I was a little shattered. I really wanted to win my first event, in front of Kimberly and even more because to make the final in Europe does not happen so often, so when you get there you must take it every time.
2nd though is still a great effort and I am happy with how i bowled. I averaged 240 over my 11 games and 9 out of 10 times you will win a tournament with those numbers,

Next stop for me is the USA, where i will bowl in the PBA Summer Series. I leave in a few days so I'll be sure to let you know everything about that.

Be good

Belmo

Friday, May 30, 2008

EBT Tour- Brunswick Belgium Open

Well, first off let me say how amazing it was that our flight from Nice to Brussels was only 2 hours. Normally it takes me over 30 hours to get to Europe and for the first time I felt fresh and comfortable when i woke up the following morning. No jet lag for me haha
The scores here are very high, so i knew the lanes would have to be on the easier side, and they were :) but where i think the scores are coming from is the carry.
The pins fall very easy and to shoot big games, well its not as hard as it is normally.

I started the day with 246 243 280, then followed it up with 233 278 and a 233 again, 1513 total.

Not bad :) i know!

I did get a little lucky in that set but ill take it. Right now im sitting 1st with 2 days left of qualifying. If i stay in the top 6 (which im quite certain i will) then i get a bye in the morning and have to just play the matches.

Kimberly and I, joined by Bill O'Neil are going to have a day in Gent today. Heard some great thing, will let you.

Belmo

Thursday, May 29, 2008

EUROPEAN TOUR- The beginning

Hey everyone,

Well I have been flat out organising myself (well Kimberly has been organising me) on our arrival into France.

Nice is now where we are living, and i'll write a huge article on our move and what the place is like in the coming days.

Right now though I just want to inform you that I am at the airport about to fly to Belgium to start my European Bowling Tour campaign. I am extremely excited about the prospects of bowling in europe and whats even better is my lucky charm (Kimberly) gets to come with me everywhere.

I have on clue what the format in Belgium is, except like all EBT events there is a 6 game qualification round that will end on Saturday. I am booked into bowling a squad tomorrow night and the following morning.
So as soon as i finish both my squads i will let you know the format, the lane pattern and most importantly how i played.

Cheers and Ill be back soon

Be good

Belmo's

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Kuwait Open- Final day

What a day!

I started off in the morning on fire. 269, 256, 243, 241, winning all my matches, i flew past Martin and was bowling some of the best bowling in my career. The scores were low and I was the only guy striking.

I had a massive lead and ended up leading the round robin by over 200.

I was the first seed and i had to get beaten twice to lose the event.

Frawls also made the show: He won the first match against Sami Konstori (finland) then beat Hussain Al Sawaudi (UAE) then lost to Martin Larsen (SWE).

It was Me Vs Martin.

Martin did not look good at all on the left and he opened 3 times in the first 5 frames. I had 4 strikes and 2 spares in my first 6 frames. I went on to win 207 - 146
A bowler loves to win a event by doubling in the 10th, but ill take every win i can get even if my opponents dont bowl so well.

It was a great come back from the world masters. To get knocked out in the first round and then to come to Kuwait and win is just AWESOME.

Thats 3 wins out of 4 attempts at the Kuwait Open. Do you think i like that place :)

Be good

Belmo

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Kuwait Open - day 3

I didnt have the best night sleep. About 3 hours to be exact. I didnt get to bed till late because i could not sleep, then when i did my alarm went off and i had to be get ready and bowl 6 games.

I was tired but i needed to put a few more pins on the board just to be sure i could take it easy the next day.

I stated 265, followed by 190 and then a couple of 230's. SAFE!

i now have the top 32 cut, we play 8 games and then we cut to the top 16 and the show starts.

I just hope i keep bowling as well as i have been. If thats the case, im a real chance

be good everyone

Belmo

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Kuwait Open: Day 2

Day 2 is now done and dusted.

I bowled much better today. I started 215 (opened the 10th) then came back with 258, 276, 242, 211 and 257. I felt much more in control of my ball than i did yesterday. I used my rapid fire for the most and it struck so much.
The lanes are not hard by any means, but the carry % is so high for me that when i get near the 1-3, it strikes.

There is an out of bounds so you cant just throw it where ever, but there is a fair bit of room left.

I now have another 6 games of qualifying to go, then it cuts to the top 32. We then bowl 8 games and the top 16 are to start from scratch for a 15 game round robin.

The event really doesnt start till you make the top 16.

If i can keep throwing the ball like that (like i did today) I really think I can win this tournament.

be good

Belmo

Friday, April 25, 2008

Kuwait Open

The Kuwait Open.

I have had a great history with this event. I have played it twice, winning in 05,06 and 6th in 07.

The format this year is great. 26 games of qualifying, cut to the top 16, drop the pins, round robin, top 6 making the step ladder.

I played the first day qualifying tonight and played up and down. Started like a road train 300, 254. Then it got a little fuzzy. 190, 190 and 182. The lanes got messy and i played them so wrong, not to mention i missed a spare.
I am crossing with Andres Gomez and he was playing a little to the right, so i followed him (thanks mate) and i shot 233 to finish to lead the day by a single pin.

Pervis Granger also helped me out with giving me an idea to change ball, so i must thank him. (owe you a drink mate, maybe not in Kuwait, not to much to drink here, but some where else in the world).

Plenty of games to go, so i hope i can keep throwing the ball well and make every shot count

be good

Belmo

Saturday, April 19, 2008

World Tenpin Masters- Day 1

Oh dear. The best 2 words i can put together without using ****

Ok, i felt awful on the lane. The approaches were the stickiest I have ever played on and that made me extremely uncomfortable on the lane.

I had no confidence and to make matters worst, i was the first match. A million hours around the world and i had the least amount of rest.

Now that i have had my whinge, i must comment on my opponent.
James Tidd. Never heard of him, never met him till the day of the match. Its a name I wont forget either. He had nothing to lose, had a big family crowd to support him and it was his birthday. My chances of winning were dropping dramatically every minute.

He played a great game. he carried everything (which helps) and settled in on the lane much better than I did. I guess he was expected to lose so losing wasnt so bad.
But in this format noone is safe. I mean 2 games, well my grand father can beat me in 2 games.

He is a good bowler who im sure will only get better as his career goes on. I wish him all the luck in the event and I look forward to bowling him in a another event with a few more games :)

As for me, Ill get over it. I was looking for a 8 ft ladder and some rope after the match, but after a good night sleep and a chat with my wife Kimberly, I am now convinced this will only make me a stronger bowler.

Kuwait next, so i need to forget about the woes of the WTM and think about how I am going to win the Kuwait Open.

be good

Belmo

Friday, April 18, 2008

WORLD TENPIN MASTERS- Day 1

After one of the longest flights in history :) I finally landed into the UK (without an bags) and to my shock it was raining haha

The world masters is one event that anything can happen and usually does. Last year i bowled amazing and Paul Moor and I had a match that will go down into record books as one of the best.

This year, my first round I am playing a guy named James Tidd. I have never met James, but i have heard good things and in this format, anyone can beat anyone.

Practice session will be a little later on, then James and I are bowling the first match of the tournament. Ill be sure to make him work for it, because I know he has nothing to lose and will be pushing me all the way.

Hope I have good news when I come back

Belmo

Sunday, March 30, 2008

US OPEN- Final day

The final day.

I was not feeling the best, had another early morning wake up and not much sleep because we finished late the night before and Billy lives 45 min away.

Got to bowl and i slowly stared to wake up.

I had to bowl Norm Duke in my first match and was hoping that if I got off to a flier i could catch the leaders and make the show. 170 something is not what i call off to a flier, but i did win my match, so i got my 30 pins.
The rest of the day was really and truly like a roller coaster. I would hit a great pair and bowl 240 then make the cross and shoot 170. I spared a heap better but on this pattern, nearly there only gives you a split not 9.
I was winning my matches and staying in touch. With 3 games to go i needed a run, i shot 223 and lost by 2 pins, with a soild 9 and ringing 10 to lose, then 247 with a win and i was 175 pins out with 2 games to go. If i could somehow shoot 250, 250 i was in.
NO GOOD. I hit an awful pair and had no clue where to bowl, 175....the dream was over :)

I finished 11th and was happy with how i played. Looking back i threw away so many pins and when i come back next year and bowl, thats something i will not do again.

My first US OPEN and i finished 11th, I'm happy.

Cant wait to go get home and see my wonderful wife and family. I miss them all very much.

Be good

Belmo

Saturday, March 29, 2008

US OPEN Day 2, 3 and 4

I have had a little trouble with this site getting my blogs up, but it seems to be ok now.

Day i bowled great, it was the 'burn' squad so by the first ball of the squad i was launching the ball over the left gutter, made almost all my spares and got a little unlucky at the wrong times to shot 105 over.....that score leaped frogged me into 2nd.
I was over the moon.

The next day i bowled about as bad as i could. -35 and never had a chance to improve my score. Everything i tried was awful, my ball reaction was either washout or big 4.
I dropped to 14th i think.

The 4th day was a roller coaster, The top 122 came back for 9 more games and the top 24 would be determined.
I started the day exactly how i finished the day off yesterday. 157.
I dropped from well inside the cut, to a little bit out. Not very happy.

I scrambled my way back and made every spare i could. I needed a big last game to make sure i was there and i bowled 237.

I qualified in 15th.

The same night we had the first 8 of 24 round robin matches.
I started awesome. 207 (with a open in the 10th) 246. With 30 pins for a win, winning is a huge factor. Then i bowled on what can only be described as the most evil pair in the building.

154, i lost all my timing, the ball reaction was awful and my confidence dropped faster than you could say "trouble".

I finished the day bowling dreadful, missed a bunch of spares and was really too tired to bowl well. I started the day at 6am to drive to the bowl, then we finished bowling that night at 10pm. I was spent.

Right now im 223 pins out from the show, after a good night snooze, anything could happen

Cheers and be good

Belmo

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

US OPEN- Day 1

135 over the card is where I am after day 1.

And let me be the first to say that my score did not reflect how i bowled. I really should be about 35 over. I got very lucky today, but this is one game that when you get a break or 2 or 10, you must capitalize on it and I did.

The lanes are not easy at all, some pairs seem easier than others but on a whole, no pair is easy. The low end of the centre is about 20 boards drier and i ended up throwing over the left gutter and the high end is extremely tight down lane.

Making the cross is the hardest thing to do, you just have no idea where to stand or where to bowl.

Anyway, im off to a good start and I hope i can keep the luck going my way.

Ill let you know how it all goes after i bowl tomorrow

BE GOOD

Belmo

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

US OPEN- Can't wait!

Its finally here.

The the greatest event in the world. Possibly the hardest tournament to win, 492 bowlers on the most demanding lane pattern in an unpredictable bowling centre.

Today we had the practice session. 82 lanes, you could bowl anywhere you wanted. The bowling centre is situated in New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. There are 46 on the higher level and the rest are on a floor only 6 steps lower.
But the differences from the top end to the low end are much greater than the 6 steps it takes to walk down.

Lanes 1-46 play much drier. The ball reads the backend harder and you will find the lanes will break down not only completely different, but much faster.
Lanes 47-82 are so much tighter down lane and there is no real defined hook spot pair to pair. For me the down stairs lanes will be much lower scoring, so sparing will be so important (not that it isn't normally).

The bowling centre was packed today for the Pro-Ams they had. 82 lanes with 5 on a lane for 2 squads. The pro's are constantly being asked for autographs and photos, people are forever saying "Hi, do you remember me, we met 7 years ago", or "Hi, how do you get that spin on your ball". The questions are relentless and the pro's prove that not only are they amazing players, but they respect each and every bowler there with polite and honest answers.

Pro-Ams consist of 3 games, with the pros moving a pair to their right after every 5 frames. Its a long day, especially when you have 10 to a pair.

Im am extremely lucky for 2 reasons this time on my travels. Jason Walsh, one of my great mates from back home has joined me for this trip and Bill O'neil (one of the exempt pro bowlers) is putting us both up at his place for the week.

Billy is a great bowler who is also a great guy. He is young (26) and is one of the rising stars of the PBA tour. Usually when i travel to the states or he travels overseas we hang out as much as we can.

Anyway.......

The practice session is done and dusted, tomorrow its for the main event. We are all bowling 'C' squad, so we dont start till late, but at least we can have a little look at how the lanes are playing.

Will let you know how Me, Walshy, Billy and Mike Fagan (another young rising star of the tour who is also staying with Billy) go. Lets hope we all strike alot

Belmo

Monday, March 17, 2008

BEC- The finals

Oh dear..... Thats about the only 2 words i can say with out 'bleeping' the text.

There was no reason to bowl as bad as i did. I had a good sleep in and I felt fine. Plain and simple I bowled bad.

I shot 170 something my first game, missed a single pin and was basically spraying painting the lane with my ball. I could see where I had to throw it but my hands decided that it would be better if they did what they wanted.
I must say though, I needed the first hit in the 10th to win the first game and I left a flush 9, but to be honest I didnt throw it perfect and even though the 9 pin could of fallen, I expected not to strike.

2nd game I bowled a tad better, 279 but i did get a couple of lucky breaks. It was 1-1 and i felt like all i had to do was stay soft and slow and I would hit the pocket. Funny thing though was my target was the same as the first game, so i dont know why I threw it so bad.

Anyway, in the 3rd game I struck every shot on the left lane, on the right lane i left a 10 pin, 9 pin, 7pin and a 2-8-10, Not to mention i missed the 10 pin by a yard.
The guy i bowled had 3 cross overs, 2 for a 4 bagger and ended up shooting 220 to my 161.

But i not saying his was lucky and thats why he won. Even though it may be true, if i bowled half of what i should of, i felt like the pattern would let me shoot at least 230......But you cant always bowl great and this time i bowled my worst when it counted the most.

As always when i lose i was not the happiest little Aussie, but Kimberly, like she always does, lifted me up and made me feel better about what happened.
I know, she really is the best.

Anyway, Im off to the states tomorrow and going to bowl the US OPEN. I'll meet Jason Walsh there and will let you know how we go.

Be good........

Belmo

ps- Peter Ljung won the event, beating Mike Fagan from the USA. If you get a chance, check out bowlingdigital.com and there is video of the final.

Cheers

Friday, March 14, 2008

Qualifying at the BEC- France

There have been a few dramas with the internet at the bowl making jumping online a little hard.....but it seems to be working ok, for now.

I have bowled 2 squads and bowl squads i bowled rather well. First squad i shot 1373 and the 2nd squad i shot 1398. Sitting 2nd behind the one and only Martin Larsen from Sweden.
The lanes are tricky to start with, i have been playing a little to the right and throwing the ball hard up the lane with a bunch of forward roll. After the first 2 games i then get a little deeper and slow wheel the lane with a rapid fire (which I will say is one of the best bowling balls Storm have produced in the last year) and try and stay clean on the release.

The lanes are playing tight, i guess when there is a bunch of oil and the oil length is 40ft slowing down is the key.

Im going to have a few days off now and cheer on my room mate Andres Gomez and the big daddy Frawls. Hope they can go around me, cause if they do then Saturday we are all going to Paris to have a look at the most romantic city in the world, and dont worry ill be telling the boys that even though it is the city of love, im for looking and not for touching :)

Be good

Belmo

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Brunswick Euro Challange: France

The biggest tournament on the European Tour.

BEC boasts over 90,000 Euro in prize money, on a challenging oil pattern. Not to mention the cut throat format. First it's 6 games qualifying with re-entries then the top 16 get 1 bye into the finals.

From there its best of 3 matches. Anything to can happen and usually does.

This is my first trip to France, Paris and i must say i am extremely excited to be here. I have a good history with this event, when it was in Greece (they moved it to France this year). I played twice, 5th the first year and then i won it in 2006.

France is quite nice (i have only scene from the airport to the bowl/hotel) but i have a good feel about it. Thats kind of important i guess when Kimberly and I are moving to France in May :)
The people are nice and willing to help, but from what i have heard Paris, the CBD, is like most major cities, people are in a hurry and not really to helpful. But ill make my own call when i visit Paris myself.

The bowl is about 35 min out side of the city so its not very busy and the roads are not packed with cars.

I bowl my first squad tonight at 5pm, so i hope i have good news to report after i bowl.

Be good

Belmo

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Belmonte Vs Duke

Round of 16

Me VS one of the grestest to ever roll a ball down the lane. Norm Duke.

I felt great, no nerves, i felt like i had nothing to lose. The match started with me behind the 8 ball. I struck everytime on the right lane, never on the left lane. I dont know what happened, iun oractice they were the same but when the lights came on it changed.
Duke had the nut and was ready to sweep me i think.

I made a big change in the 2nd game and shot 266, Duke's ball played tricks on him like mine did to me in the first game.

3rd game, the transition of the lane screwed me again, and Duke found something. 4th game, i made another big move and shot 278 and felt like i had a reaction i could win the match with.
Duke shot 150 and looked lost, but like all champions, he went to his bag, pulled out another ball and proceeded to strike 21 our of 24. My reaction stayed and i couldnt match it with him. I simply got out bowled. He proved that to be the very best, you need more than just skill and talent, you need experiance. He knew exactly what he needed to do and did it perfectly.

I lost to Duke 4-2 but i felt like i didnt just give him the match, i thought i made him play his best to win.

Frawls on the other hand just keeped on winning, his last match the most thrilling.

I was asked to do some commentary for the internet PBA show Strike Pass, it was an honour and even better i got to call the Big Daddy's game live over the web.

I was over the top when it came to showing the emotion i was feeling for the big daddy. Every open he left i felt a sharp pain in my belly and every strike i would yell at the top of my lungs "GAME ON BIG DADDY"
But his last match before the show was to be his hardest by far. Wes Malott, ranked in the top 5 of the best bowlers of the PBA.

Wes was leading Andrew 2-0, but thats when the Frawls turnded it all around. 1041 for his last 4 and Wes didnt know what happened. He is the in the top 5 players in the world, and he got run down by the best Aussie bowler ever.
It just didnt make sense to him, but to me, it made perfect sense. Someone who gives everything his got everytime deserves everything he gets.

I will cheering as loud as i can for the big guy and should he lose, it will still be the greatest accomplishment by any Aussie bowler, if he should win...................you tell me what it would mean!!!!

Belmo

Friday, February 22, 2008

PBA World Champs Day 3

Day 3:

On the way to the bowl, Timmy, Frawls and I were stuck in the worst traffic. Debating wheather or not we should risk driving in the emergency lane, Col Trickle (Tom Cruise, Days of Thunder) entered Timmy's body and he managed to get out of the traffic, onto another highway and somehow got us into the bowl, 45 seconds before roll call started :)

The first 9 games were not so good for me. I had an awful ball reaction and felt like my good shots were to far inbetween my bad shots. After i realised i could not make the top 8, i played a little safe and tried to get some feel back.

I finished in 30th, about 70 pins inside the cut and was to face Chad Kloss. A PBA exempt bowler who bowled great all week.

The formatt is best of 7, first to win 4 games. Chad and I both had ok looks in practice, but when the lights turned, his stayed and i lost mine.

I lost the first match, but crawled back and won my next 2, playing a little strighter and much harder.
Right when i thought i had a great reaction, and chad didnt, the lanes played tricks on us both and the scores swapped, he had a great look and i had air.

HE won the 4th game by doubling in the 10th to shut me out, it was now 2-2.
I made another move, went further left and changed balls and again had a great look. Shot 230 and was in crusie mode, up 3-2 i thought i had the match in the palm of my hand, but once again the lane played some tricks and i got smashed in the 6th game. 3-3.
I made anotehr huge move left, got a little stronger ball and decided to play my A game. It was all over by the 6th frame, i had 4 strike and 2 spares, he had 1 spare, 4 opens and 1 strike.

I was through to the next round.....WOW, i know.

Also Frawls won his match in a gripping 7 gamer, doubling in the 8th and 9th to win, he plays Chris Warren next while i have to play some guy named Norm Duke :)

Will let you know how it goes for us both as soon as i can

Belmo

Thursday, February 21, 2008

PBA world champs day 2

Well i bowled much better today. Started with 234, 270, 232, 225, 217. I was very happy and felt like i could keep that pace. I moved to the next pair and it was awful, i managed to bowl 194 but had no idea. From that pair i moved to an even nastier pair and shot 170, with a 4 bagger in the 8th,9th,10th and 11th.

I made the cross to the otehr end of the house and just had no ball reaction at all. Everyhting i tried looked disgracful. I finished 200,201. Total over 270 over the card which puts me in 12th.

I have to stay in the top 40 for matchplay but can grab 2 byes if i make the top 8....so thats the plan.

I need a way to strike in the last 3 games, i will try something different again tomorrow so i hope that works.

For those who know my idol, Andrew Frawley, if you chwck the leader board he is sitting in 4th. I have never seen him bowl so well.

After a shaky start, andrew was only 19 over with 7 games to go. He finished 399 over, bowling 2 (300) games along the way. He is BIG DADDY......He told me that it was the best 7 games he had ever bowled, i told him it was the best 7 games i had ever seen :)

Will let you know how we both go tomorrow

Belmo

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Day 1, PBA WORLD CHAMPS

I bowled 9 games today. The first 3 were awful. I felt like i had the lane to hit, but i was so nervous that my hands were slow slippery that i couldnt not hang on to the ball in my left hand.

I started 192, 212 and 160. I had no clue how to hang onto the ball. So i changed ball, even though it had a great reaction, it was useless in my hands if i couldnt hold it.

I changed ball, moved on the lane and so how managed to bowl 290. A get out game if i ever needed it. I backed that up with 2teen and then 247. I felt like i was going to make a run.
But in a 80 lane bowling centre, your going to find a few pairs that are funny. The next 3 pairs were very weird. I never could get a good start, i grinded my way to 202, 206 and 194. I finished 123 over and i think im in the top 30. I need to stay in the top 40, which is match play.

Tomorrow ill play much smarter and will bowl better (well thats the plan). Will let you know exactly how i go.

Belmo

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

PBA World Championships

Hey guys,

The official PBA World Championship practice session was on today. The pattern is far from easy but is playable.
I am a little nervous, but i think thats healthy :)

The bowling centre is a 80 lanes centre (all the lanes in a row) its a sight to see, not to mention that the lane moves a large so moving pairs feels like walking from state to state.

The Pro's are great. Everyone i spoke with was more than happy to say hello and have a chat. These guys are bowling on a tour that requires more than just skill. Its the biggest mental grind i have ever seen. Not many people really understand how hard it is bowling on the hardest tour in the world.

Well tomorrow is the first day, im bowling the morning shift, so i hope i can get off to a great start.

Will let you all know how i go

Belmo

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

MINI ELIMINATOR 1st place

WOW...what a day

To win these megabucks two things have to happen. 1: you need to bowl great and 2: luck needs to go your way.

I bowled great to get to the round of 4 (in my division) with 4 left only 2 make it through. The guy on my pair was gone, he bowled 200 or something like that, the other 2 guys could bag out for 245 (His name is Craig) and Tom Smallwood could shoot 269. I bowled a great game but 3 ringing 10 pins meant i could ony bowl 237 if i punched out.

I was the first to bowl the 10th and i got up and jammed all 3 perfectly. This meant Craig needed a double and Tom needed a spare.

Craig is a very slow bowler and his 10th frame took a massive 14 minutes to finish. His first was light but a strike and his 11th was perfect. I thought i was done. Tom now only needed a spare and it was not looking good for me.

But after watching for 14 min, you get a little cold. His first shot was wide and almost left the 2-4-8-10, the 10 fell late. Neededing to convert an easy spare i still thought i was done. He let the ball go and the ball never read the lane. He missed it.... 236 for him, 237 for me.

I then had to play Craig to advance to the title match. I was leading by a yard a the half way point, but a open frame for me in the 8th and a string of strikes for Craig meant it was going down to the 10th.
He could bag out for 206 and i could get to 217. He was up first. Bang, bang, bang. 206. He bowled a great 10th frame. I now needed a strike to stay it, a strike, 9 spare for a tie and a double to win.

I bowled my first shot and the ball took off the break point and went high.....the 4-10 was standing.....briefly. The 4 fell and then the 10 fell late. The crowd errupted. I still needed another to make it to the final. I made a move and let it go perfectly. STRIKE.

i was in the final.

The final match was not so close, i bowling against Pete Tomas and Sol (forget his last name) i had the front 6 and the other guys had 1 open and no doubles.....I shot 255 to win the Mini.

I am so proud, i never expected to win the mini, but to now have both the mini and high roller titles, within a year, i am so happy.

YAY for me.

Anyway, Im in Milwaukee now for the USBC silver level coaching gig, (its had 4 foot of snow here by the way) and then off to Indy for the PBA world Champs.

Ill let you all know how it goes here and then in Indy

Be good

Belmo

Monday, February 11, 2008

2nd place at the Boot Hill

Hey guys,

The Boot Hill event at the south point hotel has finished. It was one of only two events I was allowed to bowl in since all these rule changes. The finals went like this:
round 1: all players bowl two games, the top half go to the next round
round 2: all players bowl one game, top half go on
round 3 and 4: same as round two
The show: four players on one pair. Highest game wins.

I lead the first round with a 479 and felt good

Shot 244 in my round and the lanes looked to be getting easier, but only on some pairs.
I then bowled on one of the tougher pairs and grinded my way to 224. Got a lucky break early, but missed a tenpin later on.
The scores that round were much lower than other rounds so with that score I made the final four.

I bowled a great game in the final match. We bowled on one of those easier pairs so the scores were high, but it was a great final. Going into the 10th, the scores (if we all struck out) was 255 for me 290, 246 and 244. It was tight, great for the crowd not so good for me.

I was up first and dead butted the first and the second. Now I could only come first or second. Cassidy schuab (a two handed lefty) needed only an 8 count to win. He threw it great and and struck out.

I finished second so I was happy with that. I have.cashed everytime I have Bowles so let's hope the scores keep coming.

I have the mini to bowl now so I'll let you know how I go.

Belmo

2nd place at the Boot Hill

Friday, February 8, 2008

Las Vegas update

Hey guys,

I have been in vegas for about five days and have bowled ok. Scoring and bowling well doesn't always mean your making money in vegas anymore. Since I can't bowl the high roller anymore (because of a new ruling where national team members can't bowl) the only way to make big money is to win a main event.

I have finished 6th, 6th, 7th and 9th in all my sweepers so I'm close. The patterns here are ok but the oil moves so quickly you feel like moving every frame.

The tournaments though are just beginning so let's hope the pins can fall a little more often for me

will let you know

Be good

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Viva Las Vegas

hey everyone,

I'm at Sydney international airport waiting to board my 14 hour flight to LA, wait for 4 hours then finally I'll have the last hour of a flight which will land me in Vegas.
I love Vegas but it scares me at the same time.

I'll be bowling the mini and the boot hill. I'll let you know how I go.

Be good

Belmo

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Qatar Open Final

The last 16 and i felt like i had a great chance.

I played where i did the day before and 'shocker' the edge was out of play....169 first game and now needed some help. I bowled 223 223 to get back into the game.
The last game i needed all 3 in teh 10th for 220 to force anoter guy from the UAE to double. I hit them all and waited..... He missed.

Now only 8 and i had a match against Wu Su Hong, from Hong Kong.

The format was total pinfall over 2 games.

if we both struck out in the 10th i would going into the 2nd game 2 pins up. He went first and rolled the 2-10, then tripped a 4 pin for the double.
I left a ringing 10 with a messenger that went in front.....SWEET! Now im down by 20.

The right lane was great for me, the left was awful, no opens but no doubles. Su Hong washed out in the 9th and made it, forcing me to double to shut him out.

I stuck on the approach a little, but it didnt really bother me too much, i missed left at the arrows and it never had a chance. I left the 3 pin.

Su Hong needed a mark and proceeded to dead nut the next 3 shots.

He went on to run 2nd (losing to Kirsten Penny from England). She did what i didnt do against Su Hong, doubled for the $50,000US first place prize check. AMAZING i know.

For me top 8 finish is ok, im salty about missing that shot now (not to many chances to bowl fo $50,000) but i learnt something that i didnt know before.......10th frames are no different than 1st frames.....so i need to throw the ball like its my first shot............

Cant wait to get home and see my wonderful wife. I miss her soo much.

Anyway...next stop is Las Vegas, USA...... hope i can hit the 10th frames better there

Belmo

Sunday, January 20, 2008

The last day of qualifying

Well....what an up and down day.

Yesterday i through away 2 chances of making it to the top 8. Bad bowling combined with a couple of dodgy pairs of lanes gave me no chance. My score was true, i didnt bowl any better than 120 over and 128 over. Of course there was a few un lucky breaks but i got my fair share too.
I was not in the best of moods but knew with 1 day with, anything can happen.

I came in and started with a positive out look on the day. I bowled in the part of the lane that i did the day before but for some weird reason there was no shot there at all..... i had no chance, i started with 160 somethingand the used the other 5 games as expensive practice :)

I had 1 chance left, 1 squad left to improve my score and try to get into the top 8 or at least the top 16 (top 8 gets 2 byes, top 16 gets 1)
I played the insdie part of the lane (because there was no shot on the gutter the squad before) and amazingly inside looked awful. I quickly went wide, through it hard and bagged out for 202.
Next 2 games were 223 and 224, or something like that. The back to back 267's i needed 210 the last game and i was in the top 8 for sure.
I bowled an awful first 6 frames and needed a double in the 10th for 206 (which would be enough) i went up and left the greatest smash 8 pin ever :)
Im happy though i get 1 bye and i know that the 8pin didnt cost me the top 8, it was the 9 frames before it.

Not to worry though i get a little sleep in (bowling starts at 1pm, so i start at 4pm) like i said, a little sleep in :)

Will let you know how i play tomorrow, i hope i have great news for you all

Belmo

Friday, January 18, 2008

Qatar international open!

Qatar, this is the 2nd time I have been here. The first time the weather could only be described as a sauna. This time its the complete opposite. Mother nature is not happy. Anyway enough about that and more about the bowling. The lands have played quite hard, I don't have a ball reaction where I can shot over 230. But I'll be patient like always. The people are wonderful as usual which allows me to enjoy my bowling even more.
I'll let you know how I go after I'm done.

Be good

Belmo

Sunday, January 13, 2008

The TV SHOW- ABF Tour

The final was bowled on the 'up staris' portion of the bowling centre. We never bowled a ball up there and the only practice we get is 2 balls.
It's actually a joke! 2 balls on a pair of lanes with a different pattern, on a pir we have not bowled on all week, on TV, what did they expect to happen to the scores.

The guy i bowled against bowled 4 good shots for the match, 1-4 frames were strikes, the rest of the game was filled by missing the headpin, basically having no chance to strike.
Me on the other hand had 4 good shots too, 2 struck, then a 7 pin then a 10 pin.

Going into the 10th he needed to open and i needed to bag out to win. He ,isse dthe headpin to the right and left a simple spare......It was all over.

I voiced my thoughts as to how much of a joke the final was today (granted i was a little pissed from loosing, but it needed to be said) and only time will tell if the powers that be open their eyes and use some common sense.

Im off to QATAR tonight to bowl in teh Qatar Open.....$50,000 US for first and hopefully this event will be run the way tournaments should be....

Belmo

ABF Tour, Tournament of Champions

Hey guys,

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and New year. I have had about six weeks off from bowling and must admit that I have really enjoyed the time off. Spending most of my time with my wonderful wife Kimberly. But its now back to work.
I am in Jarkarta, Indonesia. Only 7 hours flying time so that was nice.
The event I am playing in is call the Tournament of Champions. Basically you have to qualifiy by attaining points through out the 2007 abc tour.
The formats for this is the top 16 guys in points come here and bowl a 15 game round robin to then cut to the top 8. Once that happens we then play a 1 game match and if you lose your out. Win 3 matches and you win the event. That sounds good, but what makes that so much harder is the lane pattern.
Day one and two where completly different, some pairs play 42 feet others play 32 feet. There is not much oil on the lane so by the end of the day everyone is throwing the ball hard. I finished in 6th after the round robin and was so glad it was over. Today is the tv shows for the matches, I am playing the number 2 seed. Which is ok, its the two practice balls you get I'm worried about, normally most people need at least 3 minutes. But that's how its done is Asia. Wish me luck