I must admit, whilst I see everyones point of view, I have to agree with George, if you are making a living from this sport it isn't going to be easy doing it in Australia, we don't have the population or sponsors with money that can produce a tournament for US$130.000.00 (AUD$200,000.00)which is currently in Qatar.
These bowlers need to travel throughout Asia, Europe and the US chasing the dollars if they are going anywhere. I know only too well the difficulties with Cara Honeychurch and the cost and struggle to stay on top on the PWBA Tour, as we almost have daily contact with her throughout her travels, difference with Cara, Maxine Nable and Carol Gionotti is that they turned professional, which means they are not allowed in events like the High Roller, Mini Eliminator or other high paying amateur events throughout the world. Ask some of the more successful amateur bowlers traveling the world why they don't turn pro, because it pays better staying an amateur.
Regarding the Melbourne Tenpin Cup, it was very successful this year as it was in previous years, and I must admit we could not do it with the current number of genuine open bowlers in this country, the field would be maybe 60 or so instead of 135, we cater to the elite but also give a great deal of incentives to the bowlers on the fringe, this year we paid 50% of the field, and also gave an added 16 bowlers outside the cash some money as well, along with 4 free spots in the 2003 Brunswick Australia Cup and 2004 Melbourne Tenpin Cup, as well as free drinks all weekend and a spit roast at the end, all this with a small prize pool of $30,000.00.
To us it's all about taking care of the bowlers, and we go out of our way to provide that, I think we do it well, and at least the bowlers appreciate it when they come over.
Left handers don't always get near the top, but then again we also don't always get the best left handers bowling, they are overseas or decide not to come, one day they will all get over here and challenge the best right handers in the country, then we will know for sure.
As Roy Boy said, it's just as well right handers don't decide to go to Darwin, Canberra, S.A, Perth or the AO, then we would have very small tournaments indeed.
It's all about a challenge, and as George said himself, winners don't use lane conditions as an excuse, right George.
Good luck to all our bowlers overseas at the moment, and here's hoping tournament bowling in this country continues to improve, which I am sure it will.
Regards,
Patrick Birtig
2003 TD Melbourne Tenpin Cup