Singaporeans gunning for world title
17th October, Toulon: Debutant, Jonathan Ang and 2007 reprentative, Daphne Tan will be gunning for the world title at the 46th QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup ehn it starts on Tuesday at the beautiful Cote D'Azur on the French Riviera of Toulon, France. Ang, who got the rare opportunity to represent Singapore at the world meet will face stiff competition and has to be at his best while Daphne, who made the Top 24 rounds in Russia, will be hoping to regain the women's crown which Jasmine Yeong-Nathan won in 2008.
The duo went through their paces at the official practice on Monday before the grand opening ceremony held at the historical Tour Royale castle in which 92 men and 76 women from 93 countries marched past.
Also at the opening were Mr Kelvin Dornburger, WTBA President, Mr John Walker, President and CEO of QubicaAMF Worldwide and Mr Michael Beltramone, Managing Director of Bowling De Provence, his partners and his able team of volunteers.
Mr Bernard Gibbons, Tournament Director kicked off procedings as emcee of the ceremonies which consisted of the march past by 95 participating countries down the stairs of the castle to the back of the main stage.
In his speech, Mr Beltramone thanked QubicaAMF for being given the opportunity to host such a prestigious event which has returned to France since 1992 which was first hoted by Le Manns.
The Bowling De Provence centre is one of Toulon's major sporting complexes which also house a billiard room, a swimming pool and a fitness centre. The bowling centre has been completely refurbished inside and out, and had its official launch last month.
It is a modern, state of the art facility, fully equipped with QubicaAMF exuipment, It has grown down the years, from 6 lanes at the beginning to 12, then 16, 20, 24, 28 and now 44 lanes, it is the biggest bowling centre in France.
Mr Beltramone also thanked his sponsors and partners and acknowledged the support from Mr Bubert Falco, Mayor of Toulon, minister in the French Government and Jean-Louis Masson, mayor of La Garde for theie help and contributions.
"As our sport works toward the future and attaining our place as part of the Olympic Games, events such as the World Cup increase in significance," said Mr Kevin Dornburger in his address. "Any event that showcase our best athletes is positive for bowling and helps our sport earn even more respect throughout the world."
"France has hosted the even twice before, once in the early days in 1967 at the stunning Bwling de Paris in the Bois de Boulogne," said Mr John Walker, President and CEO of QubicaAMF Worldwide.
"The we visited France again in 1992 when the World Cup went ot Le Manns. In 1967 just 30 countries took part. By 1992 that figure had risen to 50. This year it has equalled the record 95 countries."
Immediately after the athletes and officials oath taking ceremonies were completed, Mr Jean-Louis Masson officially declared the 46th edition of the QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup opened with the unveiling of the Men's and Women's challenge trophy.
Earlier in the day, men and women participants went through their paces in the official practice spread over 4 sessions at the Bowling de Provence. Competition starts tomorrow with the first block of 5 games (two squads from men and two squads for women).
The bowlers will contest the 20 games qualifying round over four days when the field will be cut to top 24 men and top 24 women. They will bowl another 8 games to determine the top 8 men and top 8 women.
The top 8 men and top 8 women will play a final 8 games to determine the top 3 men and top 3 women who will advance to the stepladder finals on Saturday, October 23. Live scoring and video streaming will be featured throughout the event.
Detailed information: Participants List | Schedule.
Photos by Terence Yaw in Toulon.