November saw the first ever visit to Malta of top US tenpin bowler and first-class coach Brian Voss. He carried out an intensive week-long coaching clinic at the Eden SuperBowl.

Thanks to an initiative by the Malta Tenpin Bowling Association (MTBA), bowlers of all abilities benefited from free group sessions with Voss, who scrutinised their game and was able to detect even the most minor of flaws.

Voss utilises the latest bowling technology in his methods, instantly uploading video footage of each player on a laptop to draw bowlers' attention to what part of their motion and action needs adjusting.

The MTBA are already considering the possibility of a return trip in 2009 for Voss, who was impressed with what he found on his first visit here.

"I had a wonderful time in Malta. The Maltese were very responsive and enthusiastic about learning the necessary skills to elevate their game. Everything was brilliant," he said.

Voss has enjoyed an extremely successful career as a player, winning his first ever Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) tour title in 1983, and the PBA National Championship in 1988, when he was also named the PBA Player of the Year.

More recently, Voss was inducted into the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Hall of Fame on the very first ballot.

In bringing Voss to Malta, the MTBA were assisted by the Eden SuperBowl and the InterContinental Hotel, and supported by the Maltese Olympic Committee.