The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

TWO weeks of competition came down to one final game to decide national championship winners and the opportunity to represent the Bahamas at the Bowling World Cup.

David Slatter and Jonice Lockhart claimed national titles in their respective divisions as the Bahamas Bowling Federation’s National Bowling Championships came to a close at Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Palace last night.

Slatter bowled 211 in the final game to outlast Richie Pyfrom who finished with a game of 201.

“You bowl for two weeks and it comes down to one game, which sometimes is a bit unfair. The previous two years I was a top qualifier and lost that game and this year I won it so it feels very good to be on the winning side for a change. It is my fourth time winning the nationals but the first time since 1997. I’m 48, getting a little older and time’s running out so I’ve got to get them while I can,” Slatter said.

“I’m very pleased with the way I performed all week long. It wasn’t easy but I remained focused and made sure my sparing was on par during the week. Ironically in this last game my poor sparing almost cost me the game so there’s still some stuff to work on.”

Slatter reached the championship game for the third consecutive year and was able to correct the mistakes he made in previous years to finish the tournament with the national title in hand.

“I looked at my mental preparation last year in particular. Two years ago I couldn’t find a shot. Last year I didn’t have the correct mental approach,” he said. “This year I approached it very methodically, very controlled, maintained my heart rate to stay focused and relaxed. It worked for the most part other than the two spares I missed but I threw quite a few strikes, which allowed me to win.”

While he was proud of his fourth national title, Slatter said the highlight of the evening was knowing that he would have an opportunity to represent the country at the  QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup, October 14-23 in Shanghai, China.

“I think this qualifies me to go to the bowling World Cup in Shanghai, China so that’s going to be a very exciting trip. I’m sure the Chinese will throw quite a tournament because bowling is a growing sport in Asia. They really love the sport and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

“I’ve never gone to the World Cup, the previous times I’ve won the nationals the winner didn’t get to go to the World Cup so this will be my first opportunity. It’s been a dream of mine and I’m very excited.”

 On the final day, Ken Brathwaite opened with a 209-174 win over Mario Brown. He then went on to defeat Kelsey Rolle, 210-188. Pyfrom brought Brathwaite’s run to an end with a 182-159 win to advance to the final.

On the women’s side, Lockhart overcame a slow start to finish strong with a tournament high score when it mattered most.

In the final, she posted a score of 197 to beat Driskell Rolle’s score of 152. 

“I started out in sixth place, so I got  a slow start, but by the third block I went into second place and I was able to maintain, staying in second place,” Lockhart said.

“The competition was very competitive. We didn’t have the volume we had last year, but it was still very competitive and you had to bowl your best at the right time to come out of this group. It’s a different game, but we have the same players participating. We have most of the top ladies participating, so it’s fairly competitive as last year.”

Camille Burnside opened with wins over Janice Hoyte (177-139) and Angel Smith (172-154). Lockhart defeated Burnside 165-141 to advance to the final.

Like Slattter, Lockhart said her focus now is geared toward preparation for the World Cup this fall.

“This win is overwhelming but it feels sweet because it means a qualification for the World Cup in Shanghai, China this year and we will be going to represent the Bahamas,” she said.

“Everything is now about that preparation. We go to Colombia in September and that’s added preparation for what we are about to face in China.

“Going to Colombia will prepare us, along with our regular league here in Nassau, so we will be doing quite a bit of preparation with the national team and we plan to be ready.”