Championship all set to roll
31st August, Monterry: The official opening ceremony of the World Women's Championship held at the Monterry Gymnasium, marked the start of an exciting 8-day championship from the best bowlers in the world. Dignitaries and guests were gathered to witness the grand parade with the march past of the participating nations of officials and bowlers. Newly-elected WTBA president, Kevin Dornberger and FIQ president, Jessie Phua were among those on stage to initiate the opening and deliver their speeches followed by a cultural dance.
The whole event is under the capable wing of genial Dr Jose 'Pepe' Aguilar, 62, a surgical dentist by profession, who has been the president of the Mexican Tenpin Federation for the past seven years, who has the splendid reputation of being a really hard worker and does a great job.
"We bid for this Championship at the 2003 WTBA Congress in Malaysia," said Aguilar. "We really wanted players worldwide to come to Monterrey to enjoy our beautiful city and experience our renowned hospitality.
"It was difficult getting financial support but the Monterrey government supported us well and we were able to get enough corporate sponsorship, so now we hope to break even.
"What has been disappointing is the lack of participation by many of the South American countries. We did expect to have at least some entries from Chile, Panama, Argentina, Honduras and Nicaragua for instance.
"Personally, I would like to say a big thank you to all the participants, coaches and officials - Welcome to Mexico. And I add more thanks to the happy band of 120 volunteers who are going to make this Championship a memorable success."
227 players from 43 countries will do battle commencing tomorrow (September 1) with the Doubles Squad 1 kicking off at 9.00am. Two more squads will follow in the afternoon and evening. Squad 4 will be played on September 2.
Meanwhile, the team managers' meeting was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel earlier in the morning with the official practice held in the afternoon before the opening ceremony.
Photos courtesy of MTBC.