Belmo back in Aussie team

JASON Belmonte’s calendar just became a little busier after he was selected in the Australian men’s team to compete at the World Tenpin Bowling Association World Championships.

The Orange bowler has been in top form of late, winning the United State Bowling Congress Masters last month, his first Professional Bowlers Association major title.

Belmonte was selected in a seven-man Australian men’s team which also includes Sam Cooley, Stephen Cowland, Michael Little, Glen Loader and Brendan Meads as well as reserve Paul Trotter.

Seven players have all been chosen for the Aussie women’s team including a reserve, while Chris Batson will coach the sides.

The World Championships will be held in Las Vegas from August 18-31.

Bowlers compete in singles, doubles, trios and teams.

After this the individuals with the best overall totals qualify to bowl in the prestigious masters event for the world title.

Belmonte will bring plenty of experience to the Australian men’s teams, boasting multiple PBA titles as well as other international victories including his World Cup crown in 2011.

At the same time Belmonte was winning the USBC Masters, some of the other Australian team members were showing off their skills in the Commonwealth Championship in Auckland and this earned them selection the national team.

Tenpin Bowling Australian chief executive officer Cara Honeychurch is confident the Aussie teams will be competitive at the World Championships.

“Following brilliant results at Commonwealth Championship and bolstered by the inclusion of two legends of the sport in Jason (Belmonte) and Carol (Gianotti), Australia is in an excellent position to win medals,” Honeychurch said. 

“Chris (Batson) and the other selectors have named teams that strike a balance between experience and sheer talent and I’m extremely confident that they will do Australia and their fellow bowlers proud.”

The WTBA World Championships are held every four years.