1983 Mexico City, Mexico
Jeanette Baker arrived to defend her title in Mexico City after what can only be described as a horrific year. Following her victory in Scheveningen, Baker took an office job with AMF in Australia. The Australian Tenpin Bowling Congress took exception, saying that the paid employment with a bowling company made Baker a "professional." (Remember, these were still the days of Avery Brundage-inspired "pure" amateurism.) An appeal to the Federation Internationale des Quilleurs, bowling's international governing body, restored Baker's amateur status but not before she had missed out on the 1983 FIQ World Championships.
So it's little wonder that Baker arrived in Mexico City hoping to make a point. She had embarked on a furious training program prior to winning Australia's BWC qualifier; once in Mexico City, she cloistered herself in her hotel room when not competing. Her asceticism and dedication were rewarded, as she trounced Gisela Lins of West Germany, 233-194, to win the women's crown, making it back-to-back Bowling World Cup championships. To date, Baker remains the only athlete, male or female, to successfully defend the title.
Yu-Tien Chu of Chinese Taipei became the first "helicopter" spinner (so named because of the unique twist delivered to the ball) to win a major global championship when he defeated Michael Chuah of Malaysia, 213-180.
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Archives
Since the first event in 1965, winning AMF’s Bowling World Cup title has been the most coveted goal in amateur bowling. Whether held in the shadows of the Great Pyramids in or under the bright lights of , each tournament has provided unforgettable moments from competition that has spanned five decades. Browse the archives to discover or revisit these moments, competitors, and the great champions that have made up the rich history of AMF’s Bowling World Cup.