Experience may be crucial for Barrett (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Experience may be crucial for Barrett

9:31am Thursday 17th July 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share

Dominic Barrett believes his experience could be vital as he jets out for the World Youth Championships in America.

The 22-year-old, from Walton, is part of a five-strong English team taking part in the global event, which starts tomorrow.

And the former Tendring Technology College pupil - now Europe's number one ranked bowler - hopes his experience could make a difference as he strives for success in Florida.

He told the Gazette: "Representing England is always a buzz. It's one of the main reasons I went into bowling in the first place.

"I'm the oldest member of our squad and feel I've got a fair bit of experience now, having travelled around competing at different events.

"I've represented England at senior level, as well as for the under-18s and under-23s, and hopefully I'll be able to use that to my advantage - especially if we make it through to the final stages."

Barrett goes into the competition in good heart, having reached the latter rounds of competitions in Malta and Holland.

In Malta, he battled through to the final - only to lose to fellow Englishman Paul Moor, from Yorkshire.

Then, in Scheveningen, at the Dutch Open, he reached the semi-finals before bowing out to Belgium's Gery Verbruggen.

"I feel pretty good and confident and will be trying my best," he said.

"I'm in good form and have been playing well this year.

"I'm learning a lot and hopefully I'll get better and better."

Barrett, of Elmtree Avenue, will compete in singles, doubles and team events, alongside fellow Englishman Sean Croke, Matt Hann and Richard Teece.

And he jets out there knowing that - for the time being at least - he's the number one bowler in Europe.

He achieved the feat after his recent trips to Malta and Holland and said: "It's a great feeling.

"The irony is that I haven't actually won any tournaments on the Euro tour this season. I've been consistent, though, placing well and finishing in the top four a few times."

Barrett will almost certainly drop from the top position because there are two more Euro events during his time in Florida.

He said: "It's a shame but I'll still be in the top four and there are plenty more competitions before the end of the season to get more points on the board."

• Print
• Email
• Share