Skoglund surprise in Scotland

Press, 7 February 1986, Page 10

Skoglund surprise in Scotland

NZPA Coatbridge A veteran New Zealand bowler, Phil Skoglund, pulled off a major upset at the Embassy world indoor championships at Coatbridge, Scotland, yesterday when he knocked out last year’s beaten finalist, Cecil Bransky. Skoglund, aged 48, staged a dramatic recovery to reach the quarter-finals with a 2118 victory over the Israeli after being 8-18 down at one stage.

The Palmerston North bowler, who had lost to Bransky in a warm-up tournament just prior to the world championships, admitted: "I had written myself off at that stage as I was so far behind.” The tough Kiwi showed his determination by preventing Bransky from scoring again and he collected 13 shots without reply over the next eight ends to complete a remarkable comeback. Skoglund is now guaran-

teed at least 1500 pounds sterling ($3900) for his efforts in reaching the last eight where he meets the winner of the second round tie between the top Englishman, David Bryant, and Ireland’s David Hamilton.

The defeat of Bransky completed a disastrous day for the seeded players at Coatbridge. The English international, Roy Cutts, eliminated the 1982 winner, John Watson, of Scotland, 21-15, to reach the last eight, while the 1983 titleholder, Bob Sutherland, took care of his successor as world champion, Jim Baker, of Ireland, 21-17.

New Zealand’s world outdoor champion, Peter Beiliss, begins his bid for the indoor crown with a second round match against Scottish teenager Richard Corsie today. Skoglund’s quarter-final match will be played tomorrow.