Sweden’s Martin Larsen says he can’t wait to feel the ‘magic atmosphere’ of the Metrodome Arena, Barnsley when the Weber Cup returns to the world-famous Yorkshire lane, September 8-10.
The 37-year-old is yet to taste defeat in five Weber Cup appearances and says the tournament’s unique, purpose-built lane is the best in the world to bowl on.
Larsen made his Weber Cup debut in 2009, when Europe ran out 17-11 victors. He missed out the following three years but returned to the fold in 2013, helping the side regain the trophy after two successive defeats. The host nation hasn’t looked back since, with ‘Lucky’ an ever-present as Europe have amassed a record four consecutive trophies.
“To get the honour to represent Europe in the Weber Cup for the first time in 2009 was a dream come true for me,” said Larsen. “Blue and yellow are colours in my heart. To represent Sweden is big and to represent Europe even bigger.
“That I will now bowl my sixth Weber Cup feels unbelievable and I’m 100 percent sure that my great friends and teammates will do all we can to keep the Cup in Europe.
“Together with the great crowed in Barnsley we been proven hard to beat, but I know the guys from ‘over there’ are getting tired of losing so they will get to England well prepared.
“Europe has many great bowlers but very few get this chance. Everyone that has been on that lane knows what I mean when I say that it is THE lane to bowl on. I can’t wait to feel the magic atmosphere again this year.”
The Weber Cup is the annual transatlantic tenpin tussle which promises high drama as Europe’s best taken on their American counterparts over a series of team, doubles and singles matches.
Dom Barrett retains the European captaincy in an unchanged team, with he and fellow Englishman Stuart Williams joined by Swedish pair Larsen and Jesper Svensson.
Sean Rash takes up the American captaincy as he and World Champion EJ Tackett both make their Weber Cup debuts at Metrodome Arena. Marshall Kent and Kyle Troup return to the USA line-up having established themselves as fan favourites in 2016.
Weber Cup XVIII takes place from Friday, September 8 until Sunday, September 10 at the Metrodome Arena, Barnsley. Tickets are on sale now at www.webercup.com priced from just £11 for adults and £6 for concessions with family ticket discounts available.
