Sue Abela and Neil Sullivan, who retained their titles in the Tenovar MTBA National Championships just concluded at the Eden SuperBowl, will represent the country at the 2011 European Champions Cup in Finland next month.

Sullivan nosed ahead after two eight-game sessions, going into the final eight played on the tricky ‘dual-oil’ lane condition.

Day One leader Mark Spiteri and Simon Burke were second and third respectively.

Sullivan played consistently well during the decisive series, shooting highs of 225, 248 and 247 for a solid 1,652 and a winning total of 4,860 pins (202.5 ave) as Spiteri hung on to second place on 4,729.

Kenneth Arpa claimed third after a good 1,670-session (total 4,728) while Burke suffered a poor 1,439 series, to fall way out of contention and finish ninth.

In the women’s competition, only an absolute disaster could have prevented Abela from claiming a convincing victory and her 15th national title, having led by 476 pins from Tiziana Carannante after 16 games (3,186-2,710).

Abela did have a shaky start on Day Three, opening with a low 149-game. However, she soon improved to power through the remaining seven with top games of 234, 258 and a superb 276 effort, to complete a 1,672 series for a final tally of 4,858 (202.4).

Abela finished 712 pins ahead of Carannante (4,146, 172.7 ave) while third place went to Melissa Swift on 4,105 (171 ave).

The two national champions are currently following a strict training regime with lane time provided by the Eden SuperBowl, prior to their trip to Lahti next month.