17th September, Kuala Lumpur: Norway set the early pace in the first round of the men's five-person team event, firing in a high game of 1,140, thanks to a remarkable 279 from Per Kristian Eide. The Norsemen held the lead after the second game, despite dropping to 1,016, but Sweden, who had been waiting in the wings in 12th place after the first game with a lowly 990, came back well to second place, hitting 1,156.

They then took over first place and demoted Norway to third with a total score of 3,248, 96 pins ahead of their neighbours Finland. The Finns were second after the first game, dropped to third, then came back to the runner-up spot in the third game.

Sweden's Martin Larsen was the star of their team, bowling 723, but that was not the high series of the squad, that belongs to Kristian Eide with one pin more. Magnus Johnson, the highly respected Swedish coach was, as

expected, quite pleased with his team's performance. "We started out well in the first game and then threw it all away in the final frames," he said. "We got back on course and bowled well from then on. I think Finland is going to be our main contender. Normally if you beat the Finns you get a medal. The Philippines, Australia and United States could also do something and, above all, don't forget the Malaysians."

Anders Ohman had the second highest score in the Swedish team this morning, a 672, which bodes well for him as all events leader, but has Tim Mack of TeamUSA breathing down his neck. "That doesn't worry me," he commented. "I can't play for Mack, I play for myself. Anyway, a five-man team gold medal is far more valuable to me than all events. We want to win and we're going to win.".

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