Pinball's 'Venus and Serena' Vie for Title

United Press International

PALATINE, Ill., May 14 (UPI) -- A pair of Illinois brothers, the No. 4 and 5 pinball players in the world, are training for the game's upcoming world championship in Minnesota.

Josh Sharpe, 30, of Palatine, and brother Zach Sharpe, 28, of Chicago, said they have their sights set on beating the No. 1 ranked pinball player in the world, Jorian Engelbrektsson of Sweden, during the May 21-23 World Pinball Championship in Cokato, Minn., the Chicago Sun-Times reported Friday.

However, the men said their greatest adversaries in the tournament might end up being each other.

"It's Venus and Serena Williams," Josh Sharpe said, referring to the sibling tennis pros. Josh Sharpe is ranked No. 4 in the world, while Zach is ranked No. 5.

The brothers said the difference between playing amateur and competitive pinball is being able to plan moves far in advance.

"You're playing for such high stakes at such a high level that the slightest loss of concentration can lead to your tournament demise," Josh Sharpe said.

Copyright 2012 by United Press International