American Kent Wagner wrapped up his third straight Bermuda Open bowling title at the Warwick Lanes last night, picking up a winner's cheque for $4,000.

In the final of the PBA Southern Region tournament, held annually at the Lanes, Florida resident Wagner defeated compatriot Jason Hurd 203-190.

Another American, John May, placed third.

Wagner had beaten May 225-216 in the last game of match play to decide the final five standings which determined who went through to the finals.

Of the top five, Wagner finished on 819 followed by May (786), Hurd (744), Gary Morgan (684) and Bryan Goebel (637).

Celebrating his victory last night, Wagner agreed that he and Bermuda were a perfect fit.

"Everything just goes right here," he said. "This time I was a bit luckier than the other times (when I won) because the lanes were a bit tougher.

"I like to play outside and this time I needed to shoot inside which made it difficult.

"But everything just went right . . . I think that it must be the Bermuda weather!"

Earlier, in the team event, Bermuda defeated the USA to clinch the Colonial Cup for the first time in five years.

The team of Antoine Jones, Casey Burgess, Conrad Lister, Dean Lightbourn and Mike McCallum came out tops in a two-game total pins match by 438 to 355.

Bermuda won the first game 230-190 and were equally convincing in the second game, winning 208-165.