tenpin bowling title and a $3,800 first prize.

Morgan, from Atlanta, Georgia, had to overcome strong challenges from two former champions to take the fifth Bermuda Southern Regional Tournament at Warwick Lanes yesterday.

In the top five stepladder, he first beat defending champion John May, fom Lincolnton, North Carolina, 257-223.

And in a low-scoring finale he won 182-169 against pre-tournament favourite Sam Zurich, from Melbourne, Florida.

After receiving his trophy, 42-year-old Morgan said: "I feel great, but tired -- this competition was very draining.

"The last game against Sam was a low-scoring affair, but I think that was partly due to the heat and humidity here. I had a problem holding onto the ball and the lane conditions were pretty difficult.'' Morgan added: "I'll definitely be back next year. We get treated better here than anywhere else.'' Zurich pocketed $1,800 for second place and May $1,200 for third. Two of the other 26 American professionals competing took fourth and fifth, Mark Massie ($1,100) and David Watson ($1,000).

Of the 14 local amateurs taking part, four managed to make the cut of 14 after Saturday's first stage.

The top local finisher was eighth-placed Dean Lightbourne, who won the inaugural tournament in 1995.

Mike McCallum placed 11th and Steven Riley 12th, a place ahead of the 1996 winner Antoine Jones.

Jones' fellow Commonwealth Games silver medallist Conrad Lister failed to make the cut.

See photo, page 25.