David Maycock and Dennis Joell came up short in their 2023 Pan American Games qualifying bid competing at the Pan American Bowling Confederation Champion of Champions that concluded in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday.

The local pair failed to clinch one of the three qualifying spots up for grabs, which were secured by the United States, Brazil and Canada based on the cumulative scores in the men’s doubles and singles competitions.

The championships concluded with the final eight games in the men’s singles competition at the Boliche Social Club, with Maycock (4,964) placing fifteenth and Joell (4,479) in 29th among the field of 30 competitors.

“There were some individual errors that cost us pins, but this is how we learn,” Joell told The Royal Gazette.

“When you come up against the powerhouses of Brazil, Canada, USA and all the other countries in the Americas, you expect a tough tournament. The competition is extremely tough and we have definitely taken the experiences and lessons to heart.”

Joell said failing to secure Pan American Games qualification was not a bitter pill to swallow.

“As a whole the tournament was not a disappointment, but a steep learning curve,” he added. “The need for possible overseas training shows, as things that are done here cannot be duplicated back home.

“Many people may think that you just throw a ball down the lane. But with the lane surfaces and the oil patterns that are put on the lanes, the whole game changes.

“As always, though, we fought to the end and never quit.”

Joell said the tournament was well run and was particularly moved by the sportsmanship demonstrated among the rival countries.

“We always come to win but the love for the sport outweighs all,” he added. “As we pushed through game 15 of the 16-game block, Team Canada's coach was more than willing to point out a few things. For this the sport only grows and finally gets into the Olympics, as we all hope.”

Kris Prather (5,605), of the United States, won the gold medal in the men’s singles event, with Brazilian Bruno Costa (5,547) claiming the silver and American AJ Johnson (5,535) the bronze.

The United States also won the gold medal in the doubles event held on Tuesday, with Costa Rica claiming the silver and Guatemala bronze.

The 2023 Pan American Games will be held in Santiago, Chile, from October 20 to November 5.