The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

David Slatter, better known as ‘Mr Consistency,’ emerged as the top qualifier for the Tournament of Americas following the Bahamas Bowling Federation’s trials at Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Center.

While Slatter totalled 3,737 pins to out-duel arch-rival Leonardo ‘Lee’ Davis (3,687), Janice Hoyte came from behind on the final night of competition on Monday to post 3,011 to past Driskell Rolle (2,988).

For Slatter, his constant sparing was what enabled him to pull through. “I threw quite a few strikes, which allowed me to put up the high score,” said Slatter, who averaged 207 over 18 games. “But we had difficult oil patterns on the lanes, so it was set up to be difficult and you had to be patient and throw high quality shots.

“I think myself and Lee Davis was able to adapt to the different lane conditions and throw quality shots. People who were not as consistent with their ball speed or the way they released the ball, they had more difficulty than normal.”

The lane conditions, according to Slatter, rewarded the consistent bowlers as they all made it to the top five to eventually qualify to compete on the tam going to the Tournament of Americas that is scheduled to be held July 29 to August 4 at the Sawgrass Lanes Tamarac in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Joining Slatter and Davis as the top male qualifiers were Sonith Lockhart in third with 3,452, Johann Pyfrom in fourth with 3,374 and Charles Isaacs, who rounded out the top five with 3,356.

On the women’s side, Janice Hoyte had an average of 167 as she came from second place going into Monday’s finale to surge into first place with her total of 3,011.

Driskell Rolle, who has been performing exceptionally well from the start of the tournament, slipped into second with 2,988. Rounding out the top five were veteran Marina McClain with 2,930, Angela Smith with 2,885 and Joanne Woodside with 2,817.

Newly elected president of the federation, Yule Hoyte, said they are anticipating the team being selected from among the top five qualifiers because not all of the players will be able to travel.

Once the team is selected, players will also get to compete in the senior division at the tournament. The Bahamas has always done well at the tournament despite the lack of an arena after the closure of the Village Lanes on Village Road.