As the Bermuda National Bowling team heads to Hong Kong, China, for the International Bowling Federation (IBF) World Bowling Championships, IslandStats.com shines a light on one of the island's most experienced competitors, David Maycock.
Maycock is a familiar face on the global bowling circuit and a consistent force for the national side. His selection for the prestigious World Championships underscores his status as a key member of the six-man squad.
Crucially, Maycock has recent competitive experience at the very venue hosting the tournament, the Top Bowl at Kai Tak Sports Park. Earlier this year, he competed there during the IBF World Cup, an advantage that cannot be overstated when adjusting to technical oil patterns and the unique environment of a foreign lane.
In that previous appearance, Maycock demonstrated strong individual form, notably posting a six-game total of 1,197 pins in the men's singles, which included four games scoring over 200, with a high of 232. This ability to find and maintain a line on complex international patterns will be vital for Team Bermuda's success.
Name: David Maycock
Left handed or Right Handed Bowler: Right handed
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. I have been practicing on the oil pattern being used a couple of times. We will be bowling on a 46 feet pattern similar to the one we bowled on last time we were in Hong Kong for the World Cup. I have an idea of how the lanes played last time at the Top Bowl Bowling Center, so taking what I have learnt and hopefully I can capitalize off that.
Q. How have you balanced with the energy of the squad to build team chemistry heading into the Singles, Doubles, and Team events?
A. We all get along well, and we know each other’s game pretty well. We all just have to stay focus each shot and make our spares. Try to stay out of trouble with not shooting a lot of splits. We are all here for each other and we will uplift each other.
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. Hong Kong’s Queen Elizabeth will be for the finals only. All qualifying will be at the Top Bowl Bowling Center. The lanes will definitely play different in the arena, but we have to get to the finals first then we will come up with a game play to suit those conditions.
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. That was a big achievement and I know what we achieved last time and what we are capable of doing. Each tournament is a new one and we have to treat it that way. Any time we compete off the island is to win medals. My goal and all my teammate’s goal is to win medals.
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.I will say workout a little bit in gym, eat healthy, it’s all about having a balance, get a good night sleep, rest the body as much as you can. You have to stay in the moment, especially these long format tournaments.
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