Second title in Qatar
29th November, Doha: Dominic Barrett of England took a narrowest of victory over top seed, Mika Koivuniemi of Finland, 460-441 in the finals of the 11th Qatar Bowling Open to win his second title in Qatar on Tuesday evening.
Barrett, who was seeded second after the Stage 2 finals contested earlier, was in sizzling form trashing No. 3 seed, Sean Rash of USA, 512-419 in the 2-game total semi-finals to set up the finale with top seed and newly-crowned World Bowling Tour Grand Finals champion, Mika Koivuniemi.
In the first match, Barrett had put together four strikes in a row to open up a slight gap over the Finn but suffered a 8-pin split in the seventh frame allowing Koivuniemi to draw level after the latter had a double in the seventh and eighth frame.
The Finn ended the match with 226 to take the first match despite Barrett responding with a double in the tenth frame to finish with 223.
Another 8-pin split in the second frame of the second match from Barrett put the challenger one frame behind Kovuniemi but the Finn suffered a split too which put the match evenly balanced.
Barrett struck in his next four frames while the Finn also responded with four of his own. When Koivuniemi could not strike out in the tenth frame, Barrett replied positively by striking out to take the match 237-215 and the title, 460-441
"I made a quick ball change after I had the split in the secomd match and it paid off," said the 24-year-old Barrett from Essex, who won the H.H. Emir Cup in February here in Doha.
"It was a very close match and it put me on my toes all the way. I just made sure I bowl my normal game and focus on the task each frame at a time. This is a well-timed win as it will allow me to have a nice Christmas."
The Kovuniemi advanced into the title match after he defeated fourth-seed, Mike Fagan of USA, 490-416 in the other semi-finals. Barrett won the top prize of 30,000 Euro while the runner-up took home 14,000 Euro.
Rash, who remained in third and Fagan fourth settled for 5,000 Euro each. 123 players from American, Europe and Asia complete in the 20th and final stop of the European Bowling Tour.
2011 EBT winners, Osku Palermaa and Joline Persson Planefors (picture right)
Osku Palermaa of Finland claimed the Men's EBT title while Joline Persson Planefors of Sweden won the Women's EBT title. Both took home 2,000 Euro each. Kim Jensen, Vice President of EBF and EBT Director gave the prizes to the EBT winners.
Mr Abdul Salam, President of the Qatar Bowling Federation and Mr Ahmed Al Mulla, secretary general gave away the prizes to the top 4 winners after the finals.
Coursey of abf-online.org
Photos by Terence Yaw in Doha.
Mika Koivuniemi (picture left), wins top seed after rolling 1464 (244.00 ave) in the final step 2. Dom Barett (picture right), is just 44 pins behind with 1420 (236.67 ave.) to gain 2nd seed. In 3rd place is Sean Rash with 1412 (235.33 ave.) and Mike Fagan, 4th with 1377 (229.50 ave.)
In the final step 3 Mika Koivuniemi plays Mike Fagan and Dom Barett plays Sean Rash in a 2 game total pinfall semi-final. The winners of these matches play in a 2 game total pinfall Championship Match.
Qatar International Open Bowling Tournament will be played from 23 - 29 November 2011, the tournament is approved by Qatar Bowling Federation, ABF and WTBA and is open to Players from all WTBA member federations.
It will be fourth time that the tournament is an EBT (European Bowling Tour) ranking system and is EBT 2011-12 Platinum leg.
The format of this tournament is a singles mixed and women will have 8 pins handicap (per game). It will be played in Qatar Bowling Center which is equipped with 32 QubicaAMF lane.
The official hotel is Retaj Hotel Doha Apartments and the rates for a two-bedroom apartment is QAR 600 nett per night for 4 persons inclusive of breakfast. Free internet access is available at the hotel. Transportation to/from airport and to/from hotel to bowling centre twice a day will be provided.