GOLD RUSH: Orange’s Jason Belmonte is aiming for teams gold after being selected in the Australian side for the 2008 World Men’s Tenpin Bowling Championships.

Belmonte is part of a six-man Australian team for the prestigious event in Nonthaburi and he wants team glory more than anything else.

“I have only one goal - to win the team gold,” Belmonte said.

“The best teams in the world will be there and for the first time pro’s are allowed to play so the very best of the best are there. I want to win the team event more than anything because of that reason.”

The 24-year old has represented Australia at various levels since he was 17 and still enjoys a special feeling ahead of donning the green and gold again.

“There really is no feeling better then wearing an Australian shirt,” Belmonte said.

“When I heard the news that I had made the team, I felt the same way I did when I was told I had made the team for the first time - excited and proud.”

The two-handed bowler made the move from the Colour City to France earlier this year and he is hoping the relocation has helped his game ahead of the World Championships.

Belmonte is now a regular competitor on the European tour and he feels the higher standard of competition is having a positive influence on his performances.

“The European Tour is extremely strong. Bowling against some of the best in the world on a more regular basis has been great for my game,” he said.

“My results have been good, a second in Belgium and 10th in Holland.

“There is room for improvement but on a whole I feel that I am throwing the ball with more confidence.

“If I can take that confidence into Thailand for the World’s, I have no doubt that I’ll be a chance at a medal somewhere.”

Belmonte is no stranger to winning medals for Australia having made the podium on a number of occasions over the past seven years.

And he thinks the Australian team is likely to win some medals despite having a youthful line-up.

The World Men’s Championships run from August 21-31.

Belmonte has two European tour events in the lead up to the event in Thailand and they will act as an ideal preparation with some of the world’s best competing in San Marino and Barcelona.

q The Central Western Daily will follow Belmonte’s progress at the World Championships next month.