'Rule change' will not be a setback for keglers By Ajitpal Singh
02/06/09
Malaysia
Republished courtesy of New Straits Times - Persekutuan, Malaysia (Feb. 5, 2009)
Professionals are expected to dominate in tournaments after the World Tenpin Bowling Association (WTBA) endorsed a new rule to allow bowlers to clean their own balls after each game.
Previously, bowlers were only allowed to clean or polish their balls before or after an event.
Editor's note: Bowlers have always been allowed to clean their balls between games. The significance of this WTBA rule change is that players are allowed to adjust the bowling ball surface any way they see fit which also includes the sanding of the ball and using scotch brite.
The WTBA Presidium arrived at this decision in a meeting in Barcelona last October and this rule has been in force since Jan 1 in tournaments sanctioned by the world body.
This rule does not augur well for the Malaysian bowlers who are known to be dependent on national chief coach Holloway Cheah when making decisions regarding equipment changes and modifications.
Holloway said experienced bowlers, especially professionals, will have a huge advantage.
"Those who can visualise how their ball will react after cleaning will have an advantage. I don't know how much it will effect but I can guess it will make a difference," said Holloway yesterday.
"I foresee a big problem in the near future as it will be tough for a particular tournament organiser to monitor every bowler during an event."
However, Holloway is not too worried about the rule change as coaches in tournaments, except for PBA Tour competitions, are allowed to give advice to their bowlers during and in-between games.
National bowlers, who aspire to turn pro in the United States, will now have to be technically sound on equipment changes to make it big over there.
"I can clean their balls but of course they will have to learn to do it on their own in the long run.
"I will have to train my bowlers as I may not be there for them in every tournament," Holloway added.
The Malaysian bowlers will get an early taste of this rule when they compete in the USBC Masters in Las Vegas on Feb 9-15 and the Malaysian Open in Bandar Sunway on March 13-21.
Editor's Note - USBC Clarification: The rules of the United States Bowling Congress, including all of its certified events, differ from the new World Tenpin Bowling Association rules that allow for surface adjustments between games. Competitors in USBC certified events, including the USBC Masters, may change the surface of the ball leading up to competition but not once a round has started. It is not allowed in PBA either. They follow USBC rules.
On another matter, a governing body representing the Southeast Asian region will likely be formed soon.
Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) secretary Sidney Tung said discussions on forming a governing body for this region will take place during the Malaysia Open.
"By forming a governing body, it will be easier to streamline bowling activities in this region. Besides that, we can have a regional competition, alternating with the Sea Games," said Sidney.
Contact Ajitpal Singh at Singhajitpalsingh@nst.com.my
Previously, bowlers were only allowed to clean or polish their balls before or after an event.
Editor's note: Bowlers have always been allowed to clean their balls between games. The significance of this WTBA rule change is that players are allowed to adjust the bowling ball surface any way they see fit which also includes the sanding of the ball and using scotch brite.
The WTBA Presidium arrived at this decision in a meeting in Barcelona last October and this rule has been in force since Jan 1 in tournaments sanctioned by the world body.
This rule does not augur well for the Malaysian bowlers who are known to be dependent on national chief coach Holloway Cheah when making decisions regarding equipment changes and modifications.
Holloway said experienced bowlers, especially professionals, will have a huge advantage.
"Those who can visualise how their ball will react after cleaning will have an advantage. I don't know how much it will effect but I can guess it will make a difference," said Holloway yesterday.
"I foresee a big problem in the near future as it will be tough for a particular tournament organiser to monitor every bowler during an event."
However, Holloway is not too worried about the rule change as coaches in tournaments, except for PBA Tour competitions, are allowed to give advice to their bowlers during and in-between games.
National bowlers, who aspire to turn pro in the United States, will now have to be technically sound on equipment changes to make it big over there.
"I can clean their balls but of course they will have to learn to do it on their own in the long run.
"I will have to train my bowlers as I may not be there for them in every tournament," Holloway added.
The Malaysian bowlers will get an early taste of this rule when they compete in the USBC Masters in Las Vegas on Feb 9-15 and the Malaysian Open in Bandar Sunway on March 13-21.
Editor's Note - USBC Clarification: The rules of the United States Bowling Congress, including all of its certified events, differ from the new World Tenpin Bowling Association rules that allow for surface adjustments between games. Competitors in USBC certified events, including the USBC Masters, may change the surface of the ball leading up to competition but not once a round has started. It is not allowed in PBA either. They follow USBC rules.
On another matter, a governing body representing the Southeast Asian region will likely be formed soon.
Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) secretary Sidney Tung said discussions on forming a governing body for this region will take place during the Malaysia Open.
"By forming a governing body, it will be easier to streamline bowling activities in this region. Besides that, we can have a regional competition, alternating with the Sea Games," said Sidney.
Contact Ajitpal Singh at Singhajitpalsingh@nst.com.my
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