Much has happened since this year’s Brunswick Ballmaster Open ended in Jouni Helminen’s victory. As you can see, the tournament has new web pages, which we hope will serve you even better than before.

Another novelty that effects the players most in this stage is the renewing of the reservation system. The soon to be opened system will make it easier for the bowlers and the organizer. According to the old practice you can make the reservations for the hotel through me by e-mail to the address ballmaster(a)kolumbus.fi. You can also e-mail your flight details, so we can plan the transportations.

Our new tournament hotel is Sokos Hotel Flamingo, which is situated in shopping centre Jumbo, close to the airport. A spa, night club and many other luxurious facilities create great surroundings for the hotel of a dignified tournament.

Brunswick Ballmaster Open 2008 was the biggest on the modern history of the tournament. We hope to continue on the same rising curve also the coming year. The tournament in January 2009 is expected to be even more astonishing mega week for top bowlers and bowling friends.

The tournament is approaching middle age, or is soon forty years. The promoter Kimmo Lehtonen just reached that 40 year post late in last winter. Ballmaster Open will reach the same decade in 2010.

The base for success is good. The prize fund has been raised from last year again. Now the emphasis is in the lower end of the list, the last prizes in the next year will pay 1 000 Euros. The winner will grab 12 000 Euros, the total purse is 74 000Euros. The increased lane charges put pressure on the entry fee. The fee that has remained the same for years was raised only by 5 Euros.

We wish our yearly familiar entrants and newcomers and of course the spectators welcome again. You all are creating the familiar entertaining atmosphere to the Brunswick Ballmaster Open in Tali Bowl in next January 3.-11.

Seija Lankinen