Calgary, Alberta, Thursday and bowling's World Tenpin Team Cup.

"We expect to win it'' said Bermuda Bowling Association (BBA) president and team bowler Mike McCallum.

Just 16 countries earned places on the men's side, following qualifying in the three FIQ zones -- America, Europe and Asia -- with Bermuda emerging from the American group, along with Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia, United States and the host nation.

Defending champions Sweden lead the European contingent, which McCallum noted as a strong bunch, as well as a few other countries from the American zone, such as Mexico and the always strong United States.

"Without a doubt this is as confident as I've ever seen a group going,'' said McCallum, whose teammates include Antoine Jones, Steven Riley, Richard Zuill, Ty Williams and the Island's best bowler Dean Lightbourne, while Calvin Basden is team manager.

"The camaraderie, the level of play, the whole nine yards...everything is just clicking. I think there's definitely a good chance for us. The format that they use brings the larger countries down to us.

"And the thing is, with us, we all grew up together, while a lot of these countries have guys meeting each other for the first time and just the spirit alone that we have will take us an extra step.'' Bermuda will bowl against each country three times -- there are three rounds among the round robin -- or 15 matches per day, making for a rigorous schedule that will demand consistency and utmost concentration.

The top three following the round robin phase progress to the stepladder finals to decide the ultimate winner.

Bermuda will also be represented by a women's team, after a last minute invite when two other nations withdrew. The five member female outfit contains Bobbi Ingham, Pat Price, Charletta Samuels, June Dill and June Pitt with Kathie Caines the team manager. And while not expected to be a threat to the title, they should give a solid account and earn valuable experience for the future.