Americans top Europeans to win Weber Cup
Tim Mack, center with trophy, is joined by American teammates Doug Kent and Bill Hoffman (center row from left) while Tommy Jones and Chris Barnes hold up the American flag.
BARNSLEY, England - Tommy Jones won the deciding point Sunday night as the United States rallied to defeat Team Europe and win the PartyPoker.com Weber Cup at the Barnsley Metrodome for the second consecutive year.
Jones defeated Europe's two-handed phenomenon Osku Palermaa 235-196 to clinch a 17-15 victory in the annual Weber Cup, an event that features two five-man teams from Europe and America doing battle in a series of singles and doubles matches - all live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom.
At one point Sunday, Team USA trailed 14-10 but soared back to stun the Europeans. USBC Sport Bowling spokesperson Chris Barnes put Jones in position to win the Cup with a 264-202 win over Tore Torgersen.
American captain Tim Mack believed his team showed poise in making the comeback.
"When you are staring at a four-point deficit sometimes you are stuffed, but we stuck to it," Mack said. "Hats off to Tomas Leandersson and the entire European team, and also to the crowd - they were fantastic."
Leandersson, Team Europe's captain, praised his opponents.
"That's the way it is sometimes," Leandersson said. "The players from the USA showed how good they are. They threw so many strikes and we couldn't match up. They are really good at this - it's their living. We tried and did our best and we were unlucky with the Baker match and that proved to be the turning point. All we can do is say 'congratulations' and all we can do is say we will try and win next year."
The Americans pulled even at 15-15 with Europe with a thrilling 203-202 Baker victory. With a 20-pin lead headed into the seventh frame, the Europeans had an open frame and followed with two spares to give Team USA a chance to take the Baker victory.
Mika Koivuniemi needed to strike out in the 10th to take the win for Europe but could only manage a spare with his second attempt which left the gate open for Jones to steal the point for the United States.
