Lorraine Casha qualifies for second round

Lorraine Casha has progressed to the second phase of the 2005 QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup, currently taking place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, achieving yet another goal in her fledgling bowling career.

Casha is competing among a formidable field of top female bowlers and national champions from no fewer than 68 countries from all over the world. The Maltese bowler has turned in an impressive performance so far, displaying fantastic stamina over her 24 qualifying games and also an ability to handle the pressures of top class competition.

Casha began well, obtaining high games throughout her four six-game sessions, hovering around the 190 average game mark to stay in the hunt for a place in the top 24.

The fear that fatigue may set in and undermine her performance was always there and indeed Casha looked set to slip out of the reckoning during her final session. A remarkable 238 final game rewarded her efforts though, as Casha secured herself a place in round two by qualifying 24th, with a great 4,587 total (191 ave).

Speaking to the media after her qualification, Casha said: "I was really worried. It was all so close and there were so many players who could all have made it. I am just so happy to be in the next round, especially as this is my first Bowling World Cup."

Casha will now play a further eight games in round two, hoping to force her way into the top eight to advance further.

Yesterday evening, Kenneth Arpa was playing his final six-game session in the 83-strong men's division.