The prestigious BowlingGP France Senior 2024 concluded on Sunday in the picturesque Normandy region, specifically at Rouen Grand-Quevilly. The event showcased four finals across different divisions, providing an exhilarating competition and a spectacular bowling display for the enthusiastic crowd.
More than 140 senior bowlers, all aged 50 and above, competed in this renowned International Senior Bowling Tour (ISBT) tournament, which is officially recognized by both the European Bowling Federation (EBF) and the International Bowling Federation (IBF).
The BowlingGP France Senior 2024, held from October 2nd to October 6th at Bowling Plaza Rouen, was far more than just another ISBT stop. The organizers made special efforts to celebrate local bowlers, creating an atmosphere that matched the excitement experienced by ISBT competitors on tour.
Intensive Battle in Local Divisions
In the Local Women’s division, Agnès Agoston triumphed over Chantal Sineux in the final, winning with a score of 191-170. The crowd of nearly 100 spectators cheered as confetti rained down, celebrating Agoston’s victory. She was awarded a trophy and a €500 prize cheque. Nadia Goron and Sabine Garcia took joint third place after falling in the semifinals to Sineux and Agoston.
In the Local Men’s division, Jean Luc Ramaugé came close to achieving the tournament’s second perfect game. Ramaugé, appearing calm and collected in the final, defeated Daniel Ratel with an impressive score of 275-189. Like Agoston, Ramaugé received a BowlingGP trophy and a €500 prize. Alain Rigault and Philippe Boichu, who faced stiff competition in the semifinals, finished in joint third place.
The ISBT Divisions Take Center Stage
Following the local competitions, attention shifted to the main ISBT divisions.
In the ISBT Women’s division, Vanessa Vissenberg claimed the top spot on the podium with a commanding performance in the final, defeating Veronique Perniaux 252-156. Vissenberg’s victory earned her an ISBT tour title and a €3,000 prize. Linda van Kerckhove and Marine Lancien finished in joint third place after losing their semifinal matches to Vissenberg and Perniaux.
The ISBT Men’s division was no less thrilling, with Paulo Vial and Stephen Carnall delivering a captivating final. The match kept the audience on the edge of their seats until the very last frame, with Vial ultimately securing victory with a score of 218-206. His triumph earned him the ISBT tour title and a €3,000 prize. Frank Öing and Frederic Cosquer took joint third place, with Cosquer also receiving an additional award for the tournament’s only perfect 300 game.
BowlingGP - A New Force in Bowling Tournaments
BowlingGP, a fresh face in international bowling tournaments, was behind the successful organization of this ISBT stop. Known for its ambition to elevate the prestige of bowling events, BowlingGP aims to bring top-tier experiences to the global stage.
“We aim to organize Ultimate BowlX events and host the most prestigious international bowling tournaments,” BowlingGP organizer Pierre Vasse told BowlingLife’s Karolis Murauskas in an interview. “But more than that,” Vasse added, “we want to bring our own touch—showcasing both top-notch playing conditions and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.”
Vasse further explained that BowlingGP, a brand launched by the Bowling Plaza Company, is ready for the challenges of becoming a leading tournament organizer. “With three bowling centers in France and decades of experience, we are fully equipped to succeed. We have taken the best of our team to launch this new project.”
Looking Ahead: BowlingGP France Youth 2024
The France Senior 2024 tournament is not the only event BowlingGP is hosting this year. On November 23-24, BowlingGP will welcome young talents to the BowlingGP France Youth 2024 tournament in Saint-Maximin. Formerly known as the Jeff de Bruges Tournament, this youth competition is now open for registration on the official website: www.bowlinggp.com.
