Barrett tips Europe to have 'a very good year' in Weber Cup - 10/10/2011

Dominic Barrett believes Europe will have ‘a very good year’ at this year’s Weber Cup, although he admits the American team is stronger than before.

Barrett is once again included the four-man European team that will battle to retain the PartyPoker.com Weber Cup in tenpin bowling’s version of the Ryder Cup.

Europe won the Weber Cup in 2010. Picture: Lawrence Lustig

This year’s event will again be staged at the Barnsley Metrodome in South Yorkshire from October 14 to October 16 with four Europeans competing against an American quartet.

However, the US side has changed this year with national team members Bill O’Neill and Mike Fagan coming in to replace Tim Mack and Pete Weber.

“Their team has probably got stronger as they have brought in two bowlers from their national team who have gone around the world and won," said Barrett.

“But maybe they will have nerves and going on to that one lane for the first time is difficult for anybody.

“I’m looking forward to it and feeling pretty good. I know the US team has changed a bit but I think we’re going to have a very good year and I feel pretty positive about it.

“Osku (Palermaa) is playing well, Paul (Moor) and myself are playing quite well and Mika (Koivuniemi) won the biggest event in the world (PBA Tournament of Champions) earlier this year.”

While 50 per cent of the American side is different from 2010, the European four is unchanged as the hosts aim to win the trophy for the third successive year.

Each member of the European outfit has played in the event at least three times and Barrett believes this will help them to more glories.

“We’re a good team, all good bowlers and all trust each other,” added Barrett.

“With our past experiences we all know we can play well and win matches on that lane. We’ve had the same team for the last two or three years and that gives us a lot of confidence.

“With the atmosphere that the crowd generate at Barnsley and the event itself, it’s fantastic to be bowling on that lane and you don’t see that set up for the rest of the year.

“It’s always in the back of your mind how far the Weber Cup is away and I’m really looking forward to it.”