Colombia, Hong Kong capture 2015 World Cup titles in Las Vegas
November 19, 2015
LAS VEGAS - Colombia's Clara Guerrero successfully defended her title, while Wu Siu Hong gave Hong Kong its first title as the 51st QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup came to a close Thursday.
Guerrero took down two-time World Cup champion Shannon Pluhowsky of the United States, 2-0, while Hong defeated South Africa's Francois Louw, 2-0, in best-of-three matches at Sam's Town Bowling Center.
The World Cup is considered one of the sport's most prestigious singles titles and featured bowlers from 88 countries, making it the largest event in the sport in terms of number of countries competing.
Guerrero, who won the title last year in Wroclaw, Poland, defeated Pluhowsky in back-to-back games, 202-177 and 243-238, to take the title.
"Winning one World Cup title was amazing, but winning twice is a dream come true," Guerrero said. "I'm extremely happy and thankful to God and all the people who have supported me to make this happen."
Pluhowsky, who defeated Russia's Maria Bulanova, 2-1, in the semifinal, just couldn't get comfortable on both lanes in the championship match.
"Clara bowled great all week and it's a major accomplishment to win this event in back-to-back years," said Pluhowsky, who won the World Cup in 2002 and 2004. "The right lane was a little tricky for me, and I just wanted to throw it well on that lane. When I did throw it well, the pins just didn't fall."
Hong took advantage of a crossover strike to win the first game against top seed Louw, 233-219, and then rolled to the win in the second game, 223-180.
"For me, this is very special," said Hong, who defeated Singapore's Jaris Goh, 2-0, in the semifinal. "This is a great win for Hong Kong, and it gives me confidence. My highest finish in the World Cup was ninth, so this is very special."
Team USA's Kamron Doyle finished the event in 12th place after being knocked out in the Round of 24 on Wednesday.
2015 QUBICAAMF BOWLING WORLD CUP
At Sam's Town Bowling Center, Las Vegas
Thursday's results
MEN
Semifinal: Wu Siu Hong, Hong Kong def. Jaris Goh, Singapore, 2-0 (198-173, 223-194)
Final: Hong def. Francois Louw, South Africa, 2-0 (233-219, 223-180)
WOMEN
Semifinal: Shannon Pluhowsky, United States def. Maria Bulanova, Russia, 2-1 (219-174, 242-177, 238-194)
Final: Clara Guerrero, Colombia, def. Pluhowsky, 2-0 (202-177, 243-238)
Guerrero took down two-time World Cup champion Shannon Pluhowsky of the United States, 2-0, while Hong defeated South Africa's Francois Louw, 2-0, in best-of-three matches at Sam's Town Bowling Center.
The World Cup is considered one of the sport's most prestigious singles titles and featured bowlers from 88 countries, making it the largest event in the sport in terms of number of countries competing.
Guerrero, who won the title last year in Wroclaw, Poland, defeated Pluhowsky in back-to-back games, 202-177 and 243-238, to take the title.
"Winning one World Cup title was amazing, but winning twice is a dream come true," Guerrero said. "I'm extremely happy and thankful to God and all the people who have supported me to make this happen."
Pluhowsky, who defeated Russia's Maria Bulanova, 2-1, in the semifinal, just couldn't get comfortable on both lanes in the championship match.
"Clara bowled great all week and it's a major accomplishment to win this event in back-to-back years," said Pluhowsky, who won the World Cup in 2002 and 2004. "The right lane was a little tricky for me, and I just wanted to throw it well on that lane. When I did throw it well, the pins just didn't fall."
Hong took advantage of a crossover strike to win the first game against top seed Louw, 233-219, and then rolled to the win in the second game, 223-180.
"For me, this is very special," said Hong, who defeated Singapore's Jaris Goh, 2-0, in the semifinal. "This is a great win for Hong Kong, and it gives me confidence. My highest finish in the World Cup was ninth, so this is very special."
Team USA's Kamron Doyle finished the event in 12th place after being knocked out in the Round of 24 on Wednesday.
2015 QUBICAAMF BOWLING WORLD CUP
At Sam's Town Bowling Center, Las Vegas
Thursday's results
MEN
Semifinal: Wu Siu Hong, Hong Kong def. Jaris Goh, Singapore, 2-0 (198-173, 223-194)
Final: Hong def. Francois Louw, South Africa, 2-0 (233-219, 223-180)
WOMEN
Semifinal: Shannon Pluhowsky, United States def. Maria Bulanova, Russia, 2-1 (219-174, 242-177, 238-194)
Final: Clara Guerrero, Colombia, def. Pluhowsky, 2-0 (202-177, 243-238)