In the world of chess in 1997, a machine defeated the world's best human player. On Tuesday, one of the best bowlers in the world demolished his mechanical counterpart.

Defending Masters champion and one of the top professional bowlers in the world Danny Wiseman of Baltimore defeated "Harry" the ball-thrower in a race to five strikes at the United States Bowling Congress Research and Testing Facility on Tuesday.

While "Harry" was far from perfect, Wiseman was right on target, striking on his first five shots. "Harry" only managed one strike in five attempts.

"From what I was told, that thing was dialed in yesterday and was ready for me," Wiseman said. "I'm assuming because the environment changed with the lanes sitting all night that when they turned it on something wasn't right. I've seen it strike at will before, but I was fortunate because I wasn't even loose but was close enough to strike."

The match-up was the first of its kind in the bowling world and took place as Wiseman was in town to help announce the USBC Masters return to Milwaukee. The event will be held Nov. 15-20 with the nationally televised finals taking place at U.S. Cellular Arena.

Wiseman, 37, has an impressive bowling background, including winning last year's Masters, which is a major on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour. He has won 11 career PBA titles and nearly $1.2 million in prize money since joining the PBA in 1987.

"Harry" is used primarily for testing new equipment, pins and lanes that are certified by USBC and had never been used to bowl against an opponent. The machine was developed and built by USBC engineers.

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8/30/2005

By Lucas Wiseman
USBC Communications