15th September, Kuala Lumpur: Petri Mannonen is celebrating his 33rd birthday today sharing the honours with teammates Sami Konsteri and Lasse Lintila after finishing at the top of Squad B of the Men's Trios today.

The Finns posted a three-game total of 1963 in the second Trios squad, 23 pins ahead of the USA trio Castillo, Hoffman and Mack, with Belmonte, Muir and Little of Australia just four pins further behind.

This is the second World Championships appearance for Petri Mannonen, who won Silver in the Doubles in Abu Dhabi four years ago. "I think the lanes were tougher in Abu Dhabi - just a little easier here" he said. "But every time there are 350 good bowlers, there is always going to be tough competition" he added.

26 year-old Sami Konsteri gained an insight into the scope of world competition when he competed in the World Youth Championships in Korea in 1998, although this is his first outing at Adult level. The 2003 Finnish Championship winner admitted to being relieved that the Trios continue tomorrow, after struggling with a 550 tally today. "It will be nice to have another three games - I hope I can do better tomorrow" he said smiling wryly.

The strength of his teammates scores has secured second spot for Mannonen and the Finns in the combined squads to date, with the Filipino Trios leaders in Squad A maintaining their lead, ahead by 23 pins. Squad B second placegetters, USA is in third position a further 23 pins behind, a single pin ahead of Iceland, with Australia just three pins beyond.

Meantime, 700-plus scores in Trios squads so far today sees Sweden's Anders Oman at the top of the leader board of the All Events on 3530, with USA's Tim Mack 86 pins behind, a scarce six pins ahead of Nickel Jens from Germany on 3438.

For further information, please contact WTBA Media Director, Lynne Clay at lynneclay@wtba.ws, media@mtbc.org.myor via the World Championships Media Room Phone +60 37492 0902.