islandstats.com continues the spotlight on the Bermuda National team bowlers as they head to the International Bowling Federation (IBF) World Bowling Championships in Hong Kong, China.
Name: Dennis Joell
Right Handed Bowler:
Q. On the highly technical oil patterns at international events like the World Championships, what specific adjustments have you focused on in training—both individually and in the Baker format—to ensure ball reaction and pin carry remain consistent on foreign lanes?
A. At the international level, especially in events like the World Championships, the oil patterns are far more demanding than what we typically face locally. In training, we’ve placed a strong emphasis on understanding pattern breakdown and adjusting both speed and rotation to maintain consistent ball motion and using multiple layouts and surfaces.
In the Baker format, our team focuses on communication and understanding where each player fits in and having multiple eyes on the lane to see what is happening ahead of the lane transition. That is key to maintaining a consistent ball reaction and ensuring proper pin carry across all frames.
Q. How have you balanced with the energy of the squad to build team chemistry heading into the Singles, Doubles, and Team events?
A. Team chemistry isn’t something that just happens but we have been together for a period of time and we are all pretty good friends with an understanding of each other. We’ve spent time together outside of the bowl and on the lanes which allows us to be able to have open conversations with each other. We all have one goal in mind as we know what we want to do when we get to Hong Kong.
Q. Hong Kong's Queen Elizabeth Stadium will host the event. What preparation have you done to simulate the unique conditions, atmosphere, and time difference of competing in a high-pressure Asian venue that is vastly different from Warwick Lanes?
A. Competing at Top Bowl in the newly built Kai Tak Stadium will be a new challenge, having gone as an assistant manager on the previous trip there in January I was able to see and live every ball thrown. Although not bowled at the stadium I have bowled in the World Championships previously. The time change is significantly different so we have to adjust as quickly as possible once we arrive. We’ve also done our best to replicate tournament-like pressure environments. To feel the pressure of a must make spare or strike. We know that other countries will have their support teams with them and when they strike they make noise, but our focus has to remain and we have to be prepared to silence the crowds. We've done it before and we can do it again.
Q. Team Bermuda achieved a significant milestone by reaching the Round of 16 in the IBF World Cup earlier this year; what specific, measurable team and individual performance goals have you set for the World Championships to build on that success?
A. Being there as the assistant manager and living every shot and knowing how good it felt to take on and beat the best in the world we as a team only want to feel that success again if not better it. We want to put ourselves in a position to bowl at The Queen Elizabeth Stadium where they will build two lanes outdoors to host the semi finals and finals of each discipline.
Q. Given the comprehensive schedule, which includes Singles, Doubles, Trios, and the Team of 5 event, how are you planning to manage the physical and mental workload to ensure you are sharp and peaking for the crucial final rounds, especially the demanding Baker Format match-play?
A. The management of such physical and mental fatigue has started already and we must have our bodies and minds right before we go out as it won't just click for us when we arrive there. We've prepared ourselves and we have to ensure that we respect our bodies and continue to do the necessary.
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