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RESULTS: Doubles

HONG KONG - Team USA's Kelly Kulick of Union, N.J., and Carolyn Dorin-Ballard of Keller, Texas, overcame a slow start in doubles qualifying Monday at the 2011 World Tenpin Bowling Association World Women's Championships and took the lead with one squad to go.

The pair surged into the lead after two qualifying squads with a six-game total of 2,901, an average of 241.75 a game, at Hong Kong Bowling City. Kulick led the pair with 1,473, while Dorin-Ballard shot 1,428.

In addition to taking the lead, the U.S. duo shattered the one-game (556), three-game (1,536) and six-game (2,901) World Championships records, but now must wait until the final qualifying squad concludes Tuesday to see if they remain in the top four to advance to Tuesday's semifinals, which will be broadcast live on BOWL.com.

After struggling out of the gates with a 382 game, Kulick and Dorin-Ballard came on strong and saved their best for last, closing with a 556 game. Dorin-Ballard shot 290, while Kulick had 266 in the final game on the Seoul lane condition.

"I just changed balls at the right time and Kelly stayed with it and moved a little right, and we were able to put it together the last game," Dorin-Ballard said. "You always want to get as much as you can and give everyone else something to shoot at."

The first game score was a bit deceiving, Kulick said, as both players were in the pocket but struggled with carry. After some slight adjustments, they were able to rally into the lead.

"For Carolyn, she threw it great the first game and just needed to change balls, and for me, it was a line and angle change," Kulick said. "I still think there are powerhouse teams behind us, but with the number we shot, I feel pretty good that we are going to make the semifinals."

Team USA's Shannon Pluhowsky of Kettering, Ohio, and Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y., and Singapore's Jazreel Tan and New Hui Fen are tied for second place with 2,780. However, the Singaporeans hold the tie-breaker advantage by virtue of a 493-480 higher last game.

Doubles qualifying concludes Tuesday morning as Team USA's Shannon O'Keefe of Arlington, Texas, and Stefanie Nation of Grand Prairie, Texas, take to the lanes.

The 2011 World Women's Championships features 171 bowlers from 33 countries. The teams are competing in six disciplines - doubles, trios, team, singles, all-events and Masters.