Give us a sporting chance - The Fans Speak Out

Bowling Digest, Dec, 2002 by Peter Tedesco

In the era of wood lanes, every shot was a fair shot. If you made a mistake, the ball still had a chance to get back. But now all houses have synthetic lanes that don't properly absorb oil. By the time evening bowling leagues begin, the lane is worn. This makes for a good shot to the pocket, but it is very hard to carry corner pins--even on good hits.

These days, ball speed is too important a part of the release. I wish the house where I bowl used the sport condition. As it is, the lanes reward guys who cannot hook and just chuck the ball. Under certain conditions, such free-wheeling bowling is fine, but it is not a substitute for the ability to read the lanes. I am pleased with the sport condition and with the ABC for demanding such a high standard for bowling.

Peter Tedesco
Maywood, N.J.