The Bermuda National Bowling team is preparing to depart for the International Bowling Federation (IBF) World Bowling Championships in Hong Kong, China. Leading up to the prestigious tournament, we turn the spotlight onto one of the six men selected to represent the island: the experienced Dayvon Tucker.
Affectionately known as 'Skully' by his peers, Tucker is a seasoned campaigner on the lanes who brings both experience and vital team chemistry to the national squad. He is one of the four returning members who previously competed at World Championships, ensuring Bermuda has a core group familiar with the intense pressures of global competition.
Q. On the highly technical oil patterns at international events like the World Championships, what specific adjustments have you focused on in training—both individually and in the Baker format—to ensure ball reaction and pin carry remain consistent on foreign lanes?
A. On highly oiled patterns, I will approach it with a ball that is strong at the back end of the lane and maybe apply some surface to it, depending on how the ball is looking during practice.
I will try my best to stay behind the ball with my hand and not allow my hand to come around the ball. In the baker format, I will simply just focus on things that I can control. If I have a bad shot, I will just let that go and focus onto the next shot
Q. How have you balanced with the energy of the squad to build team chemistry heading into the Singles, Doubles, and Team events?
A. I feel like I have balanced my energy well, but there is still room for improvement. I will focus on keeping the energy up as the team looks to bounce off my high energy and will most likely look to me for that.
Q. Hong Kong's Queen Elizabeth Stadium will host the event. What preparation have you done to simulate the unique conditions, atmosphere, and time difference of competing in a high-pressure Asian venue that is vastly different from Warwick Lanes?
A. I have not changed much for the condition. The bowling center in Hong Kong will be extremely cold, so I will make sure that I keep myself warm so that it doesn’t affect my hand because of the temperature. Mentally I will know from competing there earlier this year that the lanes play much tighter then it does here in Bermuda.
Q. Team Bermuda achieved a significant milestone by reaching the Round of 16 in the IBF World Cup earlier this year; what specific, measurable team and individual performance goals have you set for the World Championships to build on that success?
A. In this IBF World Championships, I will try to remain focused on the task at hand and my game. Understanding that there will be times when things will be tough and I may not throw a great shot. I have set a high standard for myself to perform well and to throw the ball to the best of my ability. My goal is to return home with some silverware.
Q. Given the comprehensive schedule, which includes Singles, Doubles, Trios, and the Team of 5 event, how are you planning to manage the physical and mental workload to ensure you are sharp and peaking for the crucial final rounds, especially the demanding Baker Format match-play?
A. I will approach the singles, doubles, trios and team events with a clear mind, and look to my team to help me whenever I need it
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