15th September, Kuala Lumpur: Are the English pleased and content with two gold medals in their bowling bags? Certainly not. After a tussle with the Koreans, the defending ladies' trios champions from the 1999 meet in Abu Dhabi, UAE, England's Zara Glover, Lisa John and Kirsten Penny are the leaders at the conclusion of the first of the two squads of the women's trios.

Their first series score of 1,995 set a new record, beating the three-game set of 1,954 by the Koreans in Abu Dhabi.

Once again, singles and doubles gold medalist Zara Glover was the top scorer of the three, hitting 698, John and Penny backed her up with 646 and 651 respectively. There is a secret to their success, "We've bowled together for years," explained Lisa John. "We've even grown up together."

"Our score was good, but we should have a lot more," commented Penny. "I know I hit 651 but my last game of 190 was awful, it was the only game under 200 for the team." With two gold medals to their credit, the English haven't had much time as yet to look around KL, but they did have a quick visit to Chinatown.

"One problem today was that there didn't seem to be much atmosphere in the centre. We felt detached after the wonderful support over the weekend. Maybe it's because there won't be any medals today," added Penny. "I hope there is a better crowd here tomorrow."

One thing the trio did agree upon was that they are enjoying the competition. "We are very impressed with the organisation, especially as this is the first tournament for a long time that has run to schedule," said Glover.

They have a good incentive to go for further gold medals, "I want one!" said Lisa John.

The three Korean girls go into the final phase tomorrow with a deficit of 72 pins to make up. The English are well fired up, so they'll have to work hard for more strikes. The Finnish girls currently hold third place, but they are 154 pins off the pace.

For further information, please contact Media Director, Keith Hale at KEITHHALE679@aol.com , media@mtbc.org.myor via the World Championships Media Room Phone +60 37492 0902.