One of Europe’s biggest bowling tournaments is getting ready to return toHelsingborg, Sweden. The Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2026 will take place from August 21 to August31 at Olympia Bowling, once again bringing together top bowling stars,European talents and bowling fans for one of the most exciting bowling eventsin the world. The Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2026 As the only PBA Tour title event held outside the United States, thetournament offers bowlers across Europe a rare chance to compete for a PBAtitle without crossing the Atlantic. This year’s event also comes with several important updates. Organizers haveannounced a record prize fund, registration details, a new jersey designconnected to a good cause, and the tournament’s role in the 2026 ThunderRanking by Storm. Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2026 Registration is Now Open! Don't miss your chance to compete in one of Europe's most prestigious events. Spots are filling up fast, so secure your place on the lanes today! Register Now Registration Now Open Players can now secure their spot for the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2026. Registration opened on April 1 at 6:00 PM Central European Time, with entries available through the official tournament website. official tournament website. In 2025, the event attracted 376 players in Helsingborg, and organizers are expecting to hit that number this year. Biggest Prize Fund in Tournament History The 2026 edition will feature the biggest prize fund in Storm Lucky LarsenMasters history. The minimum total prize fund has been set at $148,500 (1,400,000 SEK). Firstplace will pay $20,150, while the runner-up will receive $13,800. Third andfourth place will each earn $10,000. The payout will extend all the way down to 55th place, which will receive$850, giving a large part of the field something important to compete forthroughout the event. Total Prize Fund $148,500 (1,400,000 SEK) First Place $20,150 + PBA National Title Tournament Format The format for Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2026 keeps the same style as inprevious years, but with one major twist. Competitors bowl six qualifying games. Unlike other PBA Tour events,unlimited re-entries are allowed during the qualification stages. Afterqualification, the field is cut to the top 55. The top 25 advance straight to Final Step 2. The other 30 bowl a five-gamescratch block in Final Step 1 to decide the top 15 who move on. In Final Step2, 40 players bowl six games scratch to determine the top 16. From there, the top 16 bowl one three-game total-pinfall match in the1/8-Finals and 1/4-Finals to decide the four semi-finalists. Single-gamematches in the semi-finals and final determine the champion and PBA Tourtitle winner. There is, however, one important change for 2026. The Final 4 will take placeon Monday instead of Sunday, offering a fresh format designed to put morefocus on the top contenders and create a stronger show on the closing day. "After many discussions and evaluations, we have decided to take the nextstep in our journey with SLLM," said Patrick Backe, one of the tournamentorganizers. "We’ve realized that our tournament needs better opportunities tomake the final days as strong as possible. Therefore, in 2026, we will improvethe Sunday final day and then maximize everything for the top four, who willinstead compete on Monday evening." New Jersey Supports a Good Cause This year, the design of the official tournament jersey returns to thetournament’s traditional blue colors. At the same time, the jersey alsocarries extra meaning. Storm Lucky Larsen Masters continues its tradition of supportingorganizations that work for a good cause. In 2026, part of the sales fromofficial merchandise will go toTYP 1 KAMPEN,which works for a future without child diabetes. TYP 1 KAMPEN For every official tournament jersey sold, 100 SEK will be donated. For everyt-shirt sold, 50 SEK will be donated. Anyone who wants to order the new jersey can already do so through theofficial tournament website. official tournament website Part of the 2026 Thunder Ranking by Storm Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2026 will also play an important role in the 2026Thunder Ranking by Storm. The special ranking includes three Storm events in Europe: Storm 4th NoUrethane Open, Storm Lucky Larsen Masters, and Norwegian Open by Storm. Players who compete in these events will have the chance to earn additionalprizes through the ranking. On top of that, nine bowlers will earn a ThunderRanking 2027 exemption, which means a free first squad in all three events in2027. According to the organizers, the value of that exemption is approximately400 to 450 euros. Want to learn more about the benefits of the new Thunder Ranking by Storm?We covered it in one of our articles back in January. We covered it in one of our articles back in January Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2026 Registration is officially open. Secure your spot today! Register Now No One Won It Twice The list of past champions also says a lot about the level of the Storm LuckyLarsen Masters. Past winners include Jason Belmonte in 2017, Kyle Troup in 2018, CarstenHansen in 2019, Mathias Ankerdal in 2022, AJ Johnson in 2023, Jesper Svensson in 2024 and Sean Rash in 2025. AJ Johnson in 2023 Jesper Svensson in 2024 What makes that list even more interesting is that no player has ever won thetitle twice. Last year, PBA Hall of Famer Sean Rash ended the 2025 PBA Tour season bywinning his 18th career title in Helsingborg,Sweden. It was also his first PBA Tour title in four years, since the 2021PBA Chesapeake Open. winning his 18th career title in Helsingborg That history adds another layer to this year’s event. A new champion couldonce again be crowned in August, or one of the previous winners could try tobecome the first player to ever lift the trophy twice. More Details Will Be Announced Closer to the Event With registration opening soon, a record prize fund, a well-known format andseveral extra storylines around the event, there are already many reasons forplayers and fans to keep a close eye on what is coming next. The tournament organizers have also arranged special hotel deals for Storm Lucky Larsen Masters participants. Elite Hotels are offering discounted rates for all SLLM bowlers and fans, which can be found on the official SLLM website. official SLLM website. More details will be announced as the tournament approaches, so make sure tofollow Storm Lucky Larsen Masters onInstagram,Facebook,andYouTubeto stay updated. Instagram Facebook YouTube {"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "FAQPage","mainEntity": [{"@type": "Question","name": "When is the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2026?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "The Storm Lucky Larsen Masters (SLLM) 2026 will take place from August 21 to August 31, 2026, at Olympia Bowling in Helsingborg, Sweden."}},{"@type": "Question","name": "How can I register for the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2026?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Registration for SLLM 2026 opens on April 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM CET. Players can secure their spot through the official tournament website at luckylarsen.se."}},{"@type": "Question","name": "What is the prize fund for SLLM 2026?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "The 2026 edition features a record-breaking minimum prize fund of $148,500 (1.4 million SEK), with $20,150 awarded to the first-place winner along with a PBA National Title."}},{"@type": "Question","name": "Is the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters a PBA Tour event?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Yes, the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters is currently the only PBA Tour title event held outside of the United States, allowing players to earn a PBA National Title in Europe."}},{"@type": "Question","name": "What is the new format change for the 2026 SLLM finals?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "For the first time, the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters will move its Top 4 'Final Step' matches to Monday evening to maximize the spotlight on the championship contenders."}}]}{"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "NewsArticle","headline": "Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2026: Record Prize Fund and New Monday Finals","description": "Registration for the 2026 SLLM opens April 1. Explore the biggest prize fund in tournament history and the new schedule changes for the PBA's only European stop.","image": "https://fsn1.your-objectstorage.com/bowlinglife/media/Posts_Uploads/SLLM-Jersey-2026-.jpeg","author": {"@type": "Organization","name": "BowlingLife"},"publisher": {"@type": "Organization","name": "BowlingLife","logo": {"@type": "ImageObject","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu/logo.png"}},"datePublished": "2026-03-26T20:00:00+00:00","mainEntityOfPage": {"@type": "WebPage","@id": "https://tournaments.bowlinglife.eu/storm-lucky-larsen-masters-2026/"}}

The 6th annual NAIA Men’s Bowling National Championship wrapped up today at Royal Scot Lanes in Lansing, Michigan. In a very intense final, Mount Mercy (Iowa) took home their first-ever Red Banner by defeating the defending champions, Marian (Ind.). Mount Mercy (Iowa) Marian (Ind.) This year marked the debut of the "Mega Match" format in the winner's bracket, providing a massive test for the 12-team field across three days of competition. The Championship Finale: Mount Mercy vs. Marian The final match was a clash between the tournament's top seed and the reigning champs. Because it was a Mega Match, the teams had to battle for three separate points: a traditional team game, a five-game Baker total, and a Best-of-7 Baker tiebreaker. Set 1 (Traditional Game): Marian jumped out to an early lead, winning 1056 to 1027. Hayden Fowler was the star for Marian, shooting 259. Blake Walsh led the Mustangs with a 232.Set 2 (5-Game Baker Total): Mount Mercy answered back immediately. They found their look on the pair and outscored Marian 1095 to 988, tying the match 1-1.Set 3 (Best-of-7 Baker Matchplay): With the title on the line, Mount Mercy took control. After dropping the first game, they won four straight to win the set 4-1 and claim the championship. Set 1 (Traditional Game): Marian jumped out to an early lead, winning 1056 to 1027. Hayden Fowler was the star for Marian, shooting 259. Blake Walsh led the Mustangs with a 232. Set 1 (Traditional Game): Set 2 (5-Game Baker Total): Mount Mercy answered back immediately. They found their look on the pair and outscored Marian 1095 to 988, tying the match 1-1. Set 2 (5-Game Baker Total): Set 3 (Best-of-7 Baker Matchplay): With the title on the line, Mount Mercy took control. After dropping the first game, they won four straight to win the set 4-1 and claim the championship. Set 3 (Best-of-7 Baker Matchplay): Championship Lineups & Traditional Scores Here is how the individuals performed in the opening traditional team game of the National Championship match: Mount Mercy (Iowa)ScoreMarian (Ind.)ScoreBlake Walsh232Hayden Fowler259Keaton Ostrowski207Cayleb Carey246Jacob Bockstie201Jacob Neubauer202Keegan Alexander199Maxwell Berche175Andru Blaney188Kyle Toyias174Team Total1027Team Total1056 Mount Mercy (Iowa)ScoreMarian (Ind.)Score Mount Mercy (Iowa) Score Marian (Ind.) Score Blake Walsh232Hayden Fowler259Keaton Ostrowski207Cayleb Carey246Jacob Bockstie201Jacob Neubauer202Keegan Alexander199Maxwell Berche175Andru Blaney188Kyle Toyias174Team Total1027Team Total1056 Blake Walsh232Hayden Fowler259 Blake Walsh 232 Hayden Fowler 259 Keaton Ostrowski207Cayleb Carey246 Keaton Ostrowski 207 Cayleb Carey 246 Jacob Bockstie201Jacob Neubauer202 Jacob Bockstie 201 Jacob Neubauer 202 Keegan Alexander199Maxwell Berche175 Keegan Alexander 199 Maxwell Berche 175 Andru Blaney188Kyle Toyias174 Andru Blaney 188 Kyle Toyias 174 Team Total1027Team Total1056 Team Total 1027 Team Total 1056 Championship Matchplay Scores (Best-of-7) GameMount MercyMarian (Ind.)Game 1156201Game 2174150Game 3254161Game 4225205Game 5238186 GameMount MercyMarian (Ind.) Game Mount Mercy Marian (Ind.) Game 1156201Game 2174150Game 3254161Game 4225205Game 5238186 Game 1156201 Game 1 156 201 Game 2174150 Game 2 174 150 Game 3254161 Game 3 254 161 Game 4225205 Game 4 225 205 Game 5238186 Game 5 238 186 Full Tournament Results & Bracket Below is the complete journey for all 12 teams through the Red and Blue brackets during the 2026 Championships. Credit: naia.org naia.org Drama in the Elimination Bracket: The SCAD Controversy While the finals provided plenty of excitement, a controversial moment happened in the elimination bracket during a match between SCAD Savannah and Lawrence Tech. SCAD Savannah Lawrence Tech SCAD's Justin Bohn shared the story on social media, describing a frustrating end to his team's tournament. It started with a shot by Griffin Jordan that was "too close to call" - officials weren't sure if the pinsetter rack interfered with a pin before it fell. The controversial moment that led to a one-hour delay and a provisional shot ruling. Instead of taking a "provisional shot" immediately, the match continued. After an hour-long wait for a ruling, officials decided the shot had to be re-taken. However, by the time Griffin stepped back on the lane, the pair had already been re-oiled for the next round of matches. With no warm-up shots on the fresh pattern, Griffin left a "ring 10" and SCAD was eliminated by just one pin. "One of the most unique things I’ve seen in this sport, just stinks we were on the losing end of the match." — Justin Bohn via Social Media Justin Bohn via Social Media Championship Resources: Championship Photo GalleryChampionship Bracket Championship Program Championship Photo Gallery Championship Bracket Championship Program

The International Bowling Federation has postponed the 2026 Para Bowling WorldChampionships that were scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand. BowlingLife has obtained a letter sent to member federations by IBF PresidentSheikh Talal M. Al Sabah, confirming the decision. As outlined in the letter, the event, originally planned for April 29 to May10 at Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl in Siam Paragon, will not be held asscheduled. According to IBF president, the decision was made due to the current globalsituation and increasing uncertainty surrounding international travel. The IBF pointed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as a key factorbehind the decision. Recent developments in the region have createdinstability that may affect airline operations, travel safety, and overalllogistics for international events. In the letter, the IBF president highlighted concerns about potential airspacelimitations, travel disruptions, and wider logistical issues that could affectthe safe participation of athletes, officials, and delegations. The Quick Take Postponed: The 2026 Para Bowling World Championships in Bangkok (originally April 29 – May 10) will not be held as scheduled.Safety Concerns: IBF President Sheikh Talal Al Sabah cited global instability and Middle East conflicts as major risks to international travel and logistics.Travel Risks: Potential airspace limitations and airline disruptions were key factors in ensuring the safety of athletes and delegations.Looking Ahead: The IBF is exploring new dates for the event, likely in late 2026 or early 2027. Postponed: The 2026 Para Bowling World Championships in Bangkok (originally April 29 – May 10) will not be held as scheduled. Postponed: Safety Concerns: IBF President Sheikh Talal Al Sabah cited global instability and Middle East conflicts as major risks to international travel and logistics. Safety Concerns: Travel Risks: Potential airspace limitations and airline disruptions were key factors in ensuring the safety of athletes and delegations. Travel Risks: Looking Ahead: The IBF is exploring new dates for the event, likely in late 2026 or early 2027. Looking Ahead: late 2026 or early 2027 The IBF president also acknowledged that many member federations had already investedtime and resources in preparing for the Para championships. However, as statedin the IBF announcement, the situation is beyond the control of thefederation. The IBF is now exploring options to reschedule the Para Bowling WorldChampionships to a later date, with late 2026 or early 2027 being considered. {"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage": {"@type": "WebPage","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/ibf-postpones-2026-para-bowling-world-championships"},"headline": "IBF Postpones 2026 Para Bowling World Championships Due to Travel Safety Concerns","description": "The IBF has officially postponed the 2026 Para Bowling World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, citing logistical risks and Middle East conflicts.","image": {"@type": "ImageObject","url": "https://fsn1.your-objectstorage.com/bowlinglife/media/Posts_Uploads/IBF_Postponement_Bangkok_2026.jpg","width": 1200,"height": 675},"datePublished": "2026-03-19T16:00:00+02:00","dateModified": "2026-03-19T16:30:00+02:00","author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Erikas Jansonas","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu/author/erikas-jansonas"},"publisher": {"@type": "Organization","name": "BowlingLife","logo": {"@type": "ImageObject","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu/logo.png"}},"about": [{"@type": "Event","name": "Para Bowling World Championships"}],"mentions": [{"@type": "Person","name": "Sheikh Talal Al Sabah"},{"@type": "Organization","name": "International Bowling Federation"}]}

After the finalists were determined for the 2026 Intercollegiate Singles Championships last Friday, attention shifted to team competition. 2026 Intercollegiate Singles Championships last Friday The field is now complete for the 2026 Intercollegiate Team Championshipsfollowing two days of sectional qualifying held across the U.S. The advancing teams will compete for the Helmer Cup from April 15-18 at TheAshwaubenon Bowling Alley in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Sectional rounds happended across four states - Addison, Illinois; Fort Worth,Texas; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Smyrna, Tennessee. Teams bowled 64 Baker games over Saturday and Sunday, with total pinfalldetermining the four advancing men’s and women's teams at each site. In the men’s division, Mount Mercy led the Addison Sectional with 13,678. St.Ambrose followed with 13,618, Marian-Wisconsin advanced with 13,398, andSpring Arbor secured the fourth spot with 13,263. In Fort Worth, Wichita State topped the standings with 13,719. Newman finishedwith 13,199, Southern Nazarene posted 13,166, and St. Francis-Illinoisadvanced with 13,072. At the Pittsburgh Sectional, McKendree led with 12,914, followed closely byTrine with 12,901. Milligan advanced with 12,864, and Lawrence Tech securedthe final berth with 12,836. In Smyrna, Webber International paced the field with 13,666. Belmont Abbeyfinished second with 13,535, Purdue recorded 13,068, and Savannah College ofArt and Design-Savannah advanced with 13,012. On the women’s side, Maryville led Addison with 12,905. Sacred Heart followedwith 12,604, Mount Mercy posted 12,482, and Central Missouri advanced with12,255. In Fort Worth, North Carolina A&T topped the standings with 13,109.Louisiana Tech recorded 12,404, Newman finished with 12,327, and Tulanesecured the fourth spot with 11,849. In Pittsburgh, McKendree led with 12,531. St. Vincent followed at 12,181,Duquesne posted 12,089, and Trine advanced with 12,023. The highest total of sectional qualifying came in Smyrna, where JacksonvilleState rolled 14,259 to win the sectional. That two-day total over 64 Bakergames set a new sectional scoring record in the women’s division, averagingjust under 223 per game. Lindenwood finished with 12,746, Savannah College of Art and Design-Savannahrecorded 12,447, and Cumberland advanced with 12,350.Visit bowl.com for more results and updates.

The 122nd edition of the USBC Open Championships officially began Saturday atthe National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada. More than 11,000 teams will compete during this year’s USBC OpenChampionships. Competition will run for 128 consecutive days and conclude onJuly 19. The USBC Open Championships traditionally begin with a ceremonial first ball,a custom that dates back to 1951 under the title “Joe Bowler.” Last year, the event introduced the “Josephine Bowler” distinction, continuingthe long-standing tradition with a new name. This year, Vicki Larsen of Caldwell, Idaho, was selected as the 2026“Josephine Bowler” and delivered the ceremonial first shot to officially openthe tournament. Larsen rolled a nine count, leaving only the 10 pin standingto start the 122nd edition of the USBC Open Championships. Saturday also featured the traditional Mass Ball Shot, where one member fromeach team rolls a ball at the same time to officially mark the start ofcompetition. USBC Open Format Bowlers at the USBC Open Championships will compete in team, doubles andsingles events. Each participant bowls three games in each discipline, for atotal of nine games. Competition is divided into Regular, Standard andClassified divisions based on average. Titles will also be awarded in all-events, which combines the nine-gametotals. Early Leaders After the first day of competition, Storm Bowling of Fort Worth, Texas, leadsthe Regular Team division with 2,857. The team rolled games of 934, 932 and991. In the Standard Team division, Maple Family Centers 1 of Rockville Centre, NewYork, and Plaza Lanes of St. Charles, Missouri, are tied at 2,640. Hoosier Connection #2 of Brownsburg, Indiana, leads the Classified Teamdivision with 2,352. The first doubles and singles squad of the 2026 USBC Open Championships willbegin Sunday at 7 a.m. Pacific Time.

The finalists have been determined for the 2026 Intercollegiate SinglesChampionships following four sectional qualifying events held across the U.S. The national Intercollegiate event will feature 24 women and 24 men competingfor individual titles from April 13-18 at The Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley inGreen Bay, Wisconsin. Sectional qualifying took place Friday in Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania andTennessee. Each competitor bowled six games. The top four women and top four men at eachlocation earned automatic spots, with additional qualifiers determined byfield size. In the men’s division in Illinois, Leland Jones led with 1,476. Tyler Closefollowed with 1,362, Nate Trentler had 1,350, and Andrew Allen posted 1,314.Connor Rogus finished with 1,312, Ryan Wenman had 1,310, while Jacob Holsteand Camryn Stefanini tied with 1,301. In Texas, Daryus Alo led with 1,393. Dmitri Richardson recorded 1,375. KaedenWhite and Bobby Habetler tied at 1,371. Brandon Handog had 1,351, and BrandonCaruso finished with 1,346. In Pennsylvania, Malakai Pettrie led with 1,317. Severo Gordon posted 1,284.Brody Wildenmann and Hayden Tarris tied at 1,272. David Schaberg also advancedwith 1,271. In Tennessee, Brady Lauber led with 1,413. Landin Jordan followed with 1,401.Joe Woods-Weisman had 1,354, Camden Malott posted 1,343, and Evan Flathrecorded 1,341. On the women’s side in Illinois, Brianna Rogers led with 1,321. Hope Bunkfinished with 1,320, Emily Newbauer had 1,274, and Katarina Hagler posted1,237. Savannah Swiatocha and Karleigh Lemond tied at 1,223. Haylee Batesfinished with 1,222, and Dannielle Henderson had 1,207. In Texas, Sara Duque led with 1,354. Ashtyn Woods recorded 1,310, DeniseBlankenzee had 1,304, Payton Hartgrove posted 1,300, and Kaylin Wahlmeierfinished with 1,291. In Pennsylvania, Kenzi Nieman led with 1,271. Sara Ritchie followed with1,269. Leah Brazier posted 1,254, Elizabeth Springsteen of Muskingum had1,227, Addysen Case of McKendree recorded 1,221, and Amelia Adams finishedwith 1,208. In Tennessee, Kaitlyn Stull led the field with 1,419. Emma Yoder posted 1,359,Gianna Brandolino had 1,355, Bricey Caudill recorded 1,340, and SaphyreNofuente finished with 1,339. After the Singles event is complete, the Team sectional competition willfollow, with total pinfall from 64 Baker games determining which programsadvance to the Intercollegiate Team Championships. The team finals will also be held in Green Bay from April 15-18. Visitbowl.comfor more information. bowl.com

CBS Sports Network will broadcast major women’s, collegiate and youth bowlingevents in 2026 as part of a 10-event television schedule. The broadcast calendar includes collegiate national championships, two livePWBA majors and four Junior Gold Championship finals. The USBC Intercollegiate Championships, taped April 18 in Green Bay,Wisconsin, will air as follows: Tuesday, April 21 – 7 p.m. ET – Intercollegiate Singles Championships(Women)Tuesday, April 28 – 9:30 p.m. ET – Intercollegiate Singles Championships(Men)Tuesday, May 5 – 7 p.m. ET – Intercollegiate Team Championships (Women)Wednesday, May 13 – 7 p.m. ET – Intercollegiate Team Championships (Men) Two PWBA majors will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network: Tuesday, May 19 – 6 p.m. ET – USBC Queens, Las VegasTuesday, June 16 – 7 p.m. ET – U.S. Women’s Open, Indianapolis The season will conclude with coverage of the USBC Junior Gold Championshipsfrom Minneapolis, taped July 18. The finals will air on consecutiveTuesdays:Tuesday, July 21 – 7 p.m. ET – Junior Gold Championships(U12)Tuesday, July 28 – 7 p.m. ET – Junior Gold Championships (U14)Tuesday,August 4 – 7 p.m. ET – Junior Gold Championships (U16)Tuesday, August 11– 7 p.m. ET – Junior Gold Championships (U18)In December, CBS and PBA announced, taht the PBA World Series of Bowling XVII will also be broadcasted on CBS and CBS Sports. In addition, all four championship rounds of PBA50 WSOB title events will air live on CBS Sports. In December, CBS and PBA announced, taht the PBA World Series of Bowling XVII will also be broadcasted on CBS and CBS Sports. all four championship rounds of PBA50 WSOB title events will air live on CBS Sports

The Philippine Bowling Federation has announced the selective adoption of the78D minimum hardness requirement for urethane bowling balls. The decision was released through an official technical bulletin. The federation stated that the measure is part of international alignment andpreparation for high performance competition. At the same time, it confirmedthat the application of the urethane standard will be limited to specificelite divisions. The 78D urethane requirement will apply to the Philippine International Open,the Philippine Open, and PBF Circuit Stops. Within these events, the rulecovers Class O and Mixed Open Masters divisions. The new rules of urethane use will also apply to selected youth elitedivisions. These include the Collegiate Division and the Majors Division whenconducted under Youth Quarterly Tournaments, Youth Annual Tournaments, and theNational Youth Championships. All other divisions are excluded from this regulation at this time. Under the equipment standard, only urethane bowling balls manufactured with aminimum hardness of 78D will be permitted in the covered divisions. Thefederation referenced the current USBC National Tournament Ineligible BallList for technical guidance. However, the official hardness measurement takenduring event inspection will determine compliance. Random hardness checks may be conducted at the discretion of the TournamentDirector or Technical Delegate. Any ball measuring below 72D during inspectionwill be declared non compliant and removed from competition. The policy will take effect beginning with the next PBF Circuit Stop qualifiedtournament following the GMTBC Open. All covered events conducted after thatdate must comply with the new urethane requirement.

2019. 2023. and now 2026. Team World completes the three-peat at the PBA USA vs. The World event, addinganother chapter to what is quickly becoming a modern rivalry classic. Jason Belmonte, Jesper Svensson, Graham Fach, Dom Barrett, and his son Colby -who delivered the final shot of the night - lifted the Hall of Fame Cup onceagain. "Anytime you get an opportunity to roll the ball on TV with a bunch of guysthat you respect and that you really enjoy spending time with is a blessing,"Belmonte said after the win. "We're very lucky in what we were able to do. Andthen to be able to do it as well as we did today, honestly, an incrediblystrong American team in a house that made it very clear who they were goingfor." Competing far from home and in front of a clearly pro-USA crowd, Team Worldsecured a 5-1 (912-957) victory on U.S. soil over EJ Tackett, Ethan Fiore,Andrew Anderson, and Anthony Simonsen to continue its dominant run in theevent. For the international squad, the win meant more than just another trophy. Itwas a small reward for all the time they spend away from their families. WithDom Barrett’s family in the crowd, the team made sure the moment became evenmore special by inviting his son Colby to throw the final shot. "We love our families, we miss home so much, and, you know, Dominic's luckythis week to be able to have his family with him, so I'm glad they're able toenjoy this moment together," Belmo said. Colby knocked down eight pins, sealing the final match at 244-232. Belmontethen turned to the camera with a smile and joked that next year Dom’s sonmight officially be part of Team World. 2026 PBA USA vs. The World - Final Results Singles Match EJ Tackett 258 - 268 Winner (1 pt) Jason Belmonte Winner (1 pt) Simonsen / Fiore 220 - 210 Doubles Match Fach / Svensson Baker Match 1 Team USA 235 Winner (1 pt) Team World Baker Match 2 Team USA 244 Winner (1 pt) Team World The 2026 edition of PBA USA vs. The World began with a singles showdownbetween captains EJ Tackett and Jason Belmonte, followed by a doubles matchwith teams selected by the captains. The final two contests were full-teamBaker matches. Each match carried one point, with two additional pointsawarded for total pinfall across all four games, meaning every shot trulymattered. Tackett vs. Belmonte In a rematch of the captain’s showdown between two of the sport’s greats, EJTackett and Jason Belmonte both opened with strikes. However, Belmonte’s earlysplit gave Tackett the advantage, and he capitalized on it. Using the newMotiv Venom Hysteria, Tackett did not miss a shot in the first half and builta 38-pin lead. Belmonte stayed patient and continued striking with his Storm Viking. After anearly mistake in the second frame, he responded with 10 consecutive strikes.That run forced Tackett to strike twice in the tenth frame to win. Tackett wasunable to deliver, and Team World claimed the opening point with a 268-258victory. Doubles: Simonsen/Fiore vs. Svensson/Fach The doubles match featured an all-left-handed lineup of Graham Fach and JesperSvensson against the all-right-handed duo of Anthony Simonsen and Ethan Fiore.Unlike the high-scoring captain’s duel, this match turned into more of abattle for control. All four players struggled to find a consistent look. Simonsen and Fioremanaged to hold a narrow lead heading into the ninth frame, but Fiore left a2-10 split and was unable to convert. Simonsen followed with two strikes andnine pins, leaving an opportunity for Team World to steal the point with threestrikes in the tenth. However, Fach was unable to deliver the needed strikes, and Team USA securedthe equalizer with a 220-210 victory, tying the match at 1-1. Team Baker Match #1 In the first Team Baker match, both sides came out strong. Each team openedwith four strikes in the first five frames, and neither built a clearadvantage before the commercial break. After the break, Team World began to separate. They built a 20-pin leadheading into the foundation frame. Jason Belmonte delivered a strike, whileAndrew Anderson left a 2-8-10 split and was unable to convert. That frameeffectively decided the match, and Team World secured a 235-202 victory. With that result, Team World carried a 33-pin advantage into the final match.Since two additional points were awarded for total pinfall across all fourmatches, the overall margin remained crucial heading into the last game. Team Baker Match #2 The final match began with both teams opening with early strikes, knowing thateverything was still at stake. Dom Barrett left a bucket in the fourth frame,briefly giving Team USA a chance to apply pressure. However, Anthony Simonsenfollowed with a pocket 7-9 split, which ended that opportunity. Team USA notonly needed a win, but also a 34-pin margin to secure the total pinfallpoints. Both teams returned to trading strikes until the eighth frame, when EJ Tackettleft a 7 pin. Barrett answered with a strike, and from that moment Team Worldcould not be caught - 232-244. The focus now shifts to Sunday’s live stepladder finals of the PBA OhioClassic. Ryan Barnes will wait in the title match as the top seed, while EJ Tackett and Chris Via open the show. 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The Advancers Round at the PBA Ohio Classic is complete, and the five playersheading to Sunday’s stepladder finals are now set. PBA Ohio Classic At the center of the entire week was Ryan Barnes. The reigning PBA Rookie ofthe Year took the lead in the third round of qualifying and never really letthis tournament slip out of his hands. took the lead in the third round of qualifying Barnes finished as the top seed with 9,139 total pins, averaging 253 over 36games. Now, he is just one win away from his first career PBA Tour title. Ryan Barnes | PBA Ohio Classic While Barnes controlled the lead, Hanrahan quietly held his position rightbehind him. Packy Hanrahan secured the No. 2 seed with 8,948, putting together one of thesteadiest weeks in the field. The two-handed lefty held second place since qualifying Round 4 and never hada bad block that pushed him out of that position. He now has a chance to winhis third career title, but he will first have to get past Spencer Robarge. Robarge made his second TV appearance of his rookie season after finishing fifth in the season-opening PBA Players Championship. He was solid early,sitting fifth after qualifying, but dropped to tenth after a slower 1,371block in the Elimination Round of 40. A strong final block of 1,567 in theRound of 16 changed everything, pushing him up to third place with 8,841. finishing fifth in the season-opening PBA Players Championship In his hometown, Chris Via followed a similar script. The Columbus native wasoutside the top-five pace after qualifying and still eighth after the Round of40. But when it mattered most, he delivered. A 1,532 block in the Round of 16lifted him into fourth place with 8,817, earning him a spot in the finals infront of a home crowd. And then there was the man without whom Sundays on The CW just don’t happen. EJ Tackett was leading the tournament after 12 games, but then his weekstarted going in the opposite direction. Tackett dropped to seventh after 24 qualifying games, and by theend of the Round of 40, he was sitting in 11th place and well outside thestepladder. was leading the tournament after 12 games He needed something late - and he found it. Tackett closed the Round of 16 with games of 289 and 280 to climb back intofifth place with 8,813 and secure the final spot in the show. It marks his fifth championship round appearance in seven events this season. PBA Ohio Classic Stepladder Finals Awaiting in Title Match #1 Ryan Barnes Awaiting in Semifinal #2 Patrick Hanrahan Awaiting in Match 2 #3 Spencer Robarge #4 Chris Via #5 EJ Tackett Tackett now has a chance to repeat Boog Krol’s run at theUSBC Masters last week, where he climbed from the No. 5 seed to lift the trophy after defeating Tackett in the final. lift the trophy after defeating Tackett in the final Just outside the stepladder finals, Graham Fach finished sixth with 8,800,missing the show by only 13 pins. Hayden Stippich followed in seventh with8,767, and Matt Russo placed eighth with 8,759. François Lavoie, who made headlines earlier in the week, finished ninth with8,744. CW Network color analyst Kyle Sherman rounded out the top 10 with8,732. who made headlines earlier in the week The stepladder finals will be broadcast live on Sunday, April 5 at 4 p.m. ETon The CW. The CW RankPlayerTotalAvg.1Ryan Barnes9,139253.862Patrick Hanrahan8,948248.563Spencer Robarge8,841245.584Chris Via8,817244.925EJ Tackett8,813244.81CUT TO STEPLADDER FINALS6Graham Fach8,800244.447Hayden Stippich8,767243.538Matt Russo8,759243.319Francois Lavoie8,744242.8910Kyle Sherman8,732242.5611Kris Prather8,712242.0012Cameron Crowe8,701241.6913Richie Teece8,653240.3614Jeff Mann8,653240.3615Darren Tang8,592238.6716Zach Wilkins8,471235.31 RankPlayerTotalAvg. Rank Player Total Avg. 1Ryan Barnes9,139253.862Patrick Hanrahan8,948248.563Spencer Robarge8,841245.584Chris Via8,817244.925EJ Tackett8,813244.81CUT TO STEPLADDER FINALS6Graham Fach8,800244.447Hayden Stippich8,767243.538Matt Russo8,759243.319Francois Lavoie8,744242.8910Kyle Sherman8,732242.5611Kris Prather8,712242.0012Cameron Crowe8,701241.6913Richie Teece8,653240.3614Jeff Mann8,653240.3615Darren Tang8,592238.6716Zach Wilkins8,471235.31 1Ryan Barnes9,139253.86 1 Ryan Barnes 9,139 253.86 2Patrick Hanrahan8,948248.56 2 Patrick Hanrahan 8,948 248.56 3Spencer Robarge8,841245.58 3 Spencer Robarge 8,841 245.58 4Chris Via8,817244.92 4 Chris Via 8,817 244.92 5EJ Tackett8,813244.81 5 EJ Tackett 8,813 244.81 CUT TO STEPLADDER FINALS 6Graham Fach8,800244.44 6 Graham Fach 8,800 244.44 7Hayden Stippich8,767243.53 7 Hayden Stippich 8,767 243.53 8Matt Russo8,759243.31 8 Matt Russo 8,759 243.31 9Francois Lavoie8,744242.89 9 Francois Lavoie 8,744 242.89 10Kyle Sherman8,732242.56 10 Kyle Sherman 8,732 242.56 11Kris Prather8,712242.00 11 Kris Prather 8,712 242.00 12Cameron Crowe8,701241.69 12 Cameron Crowe 8,701 241.69 13Richie Teece8,653240.36 13 Richie Teece 8,653 240.36 14Jeff Mann8,653240.36 14 Jeff Mann 8,653 240.36 15Darren Tang8,592238.67 15 Darren Tang 8,592 238.67 16Zach Wilkins8,471235.31 16 Zach Wilkins 8,471 235.31 Click here for full results of the PBA Ohio Classic. 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How much can happen in a single event qualification? Well, quite a lot, if wetalk about the PBA Ohio Classic. PBA Ohio Classic Most bowlers were expecting a high scoring pace this week in Columbus SquareBowling Palace after the oil pattern was announced, but probably no onethought it would be THIS high. The scoring pace for this 24-game qualifying block was enormous. Thetotal average of the top 10 alone was 246.7, while players averaging 232.75and below didn’t even make the 40-player cut. To put that into perspective, if you averaged 232 at the 2026 PBA IndianaClassic, which was also very high scoring, you would be somewhere around thetop 20 and comfortably inside the cut. But strikes were falling all over Columbus at an unbelievable pace. Ryan Barnes, who led the field from the third block and eventually wonqualifying, secured the top spot heading into the Advancers Round. Barnes shot 300 twice in the final block, adding them to the one he made inBlock 3, and finished with 6,061 total pins (252 average). He never went below1,450 in any six-game block (1,450, 1,517, 1,571, 1,523) and is just oneperfect game away from matching the all-time PBA Tour record for most 300games in a single event (4). But the belle of the ball, at least in the final two blocks, was FrançoisLavoie. The three-time major champion couldn’t miss on Wednesday, breaking not one, not two, but - by BowlingLife’s count - three PBA Tour records. three PBA Tour records François Lavoie's Historic 3-Game Stretch In the final block, the Canadian right-hander went ballistic, posting an 898 three-game total (300, 299, 299). If the PBA record books are correct, no one has ever scored that much, and Lavoie broke the previous record of 889 set by Jason Hurd at the 1999 Tournament of Champions.* *STORY UPDATE: as PBA Tour only tracks 3-game single block records in sets (games 1–3 and 4–6), Lavoie's 3-game single block record stays unofficial. Yes, 898 in three games. Just two pins shy of a perfect series. And no, that’s not an April Fools’ joke — we checked. Lavoie added games of 290, 226, and 277 to reach a massive 1,691 six-gameblock, breaking the long-standing record of 1,635 shared by Norm Duke and Dave Wodka. Dave Wodka Interestingly, that 26-year-old record was already under pressure earlier inthe same block, as Graham Fach posted 1,671, which would have been a record ifLavoie hadn’t scored more. Graham Fach New PBA 6-Game Scoring Record 1,635 Norm Duke (1994) & Dave Wodka (1998) And yet, the Canadian was not done. In January 2025, Michael Davidson broke PBA Hall of Famer Mike Aulby’s record,which had stood for nearly three decades, setting a new 12-game mark at 3,086.That record lasted just over a year. Michael Davidson broke PBA Hall of Famer Mike Aulby’s record Lavoie completely reset the mark with a 3,200 total over his final 12 games,improving it by 114 pins. Even if it wasn’t for Lavoie, the 12-game record would have fallen anyway. PBA Ohio Classic leader Ryan Barnes also beat the previous mark, shooting3,094 over his final 12 games. On almost any other day, Barnes would becelebrating a record, but Lavoie was basically a bowling Grinch last night,stealing every possible record from his fellow bowlers. Talk about Canadiangenerosity, huh? New PBA 12-Game Scoring Record 3,086 Michael Davidson (Jan 2025) All eyes also caught another small detail. François Lavoie was using a new,unreleased Storm bowling ball - the Storm Mansoon - which has been on the USBClist for months and is expected to be announced Friday for the U.S. market. The Mansoon is expected to be a solid version of the Storm Typhoon, suited formedium oil patterns. medium oil patterns EJ Tackett, who was leading the tournament after 12 games, could not keep thesame pace over the final two blocks and dropped to seventh place heading intothe Advancers Round. leading the tournament after 12 games The cut line for the top 40 fell at 5,594, held by Bailey Mavrick in 40thplace. Just below the cut, Kyle Troup finished 41st with 5,588, missing theAdvancers Round by just six pins. Top 10 PBA Ohio Classic RankPlayerTotalAvg.1Ryan Barnes6,061252.542Patrick Hanrahan6,030251.253François Lavoie6,014250.584Graham Fach5,944247.675Spencer Robarge5,903245.966Cameron Crowe5,898245.757EJ Tackett5,897245.718Kyle Sherman5,877244.889Matt Russo5,875244.7910Chris Via5,856244.00...40Bailey Mavrick5,594233.08CUT TO ADVANCERS ROUND41Kyle Troup5,588232.83 RankPlayerTotalAvg. Rank Player Total Avg. 1Ryan Barnes6,061252.542Patrick Hanrahan6,030251.253François Lavoie6,014250.584Graham Fach5,944247.675Spencer Robarge5,903245.966Cameron Crowe5,898245.757EJ Tackett5,897245.718Kyle Sherman5,877244.889Matt Russo5,875244.7910Chris Via5,856244.00...40Bailey Mavrick5,594233.08CUT TO ADVANCERS ROUND41Kyle Troup5,588232.83 1Ryan Barnes6,061252.54 1 Ryan Barnes 6,061 252.54 2Patrick Hanrahan6,030251.25 2 Patrick Hanrahan 6,030 251.25 3François Lavoie6,014250.58 3 François Lavoie 6,014 250.58 4Graham Fach5,944247.67 4 Graham Fach 5,944 247.67 5Spencer Robarge5,903245.96 5 Spencer Robarge 5,903 245.96 6Cameron Crowe5,898245.75 6 Cameron Crowe 5,898 245.75 7EJ Tackett5,897245.71 7 EJ Tackett 5,897 245.71 8Kyle Sherman5,877244.88 8 Kyle Sherman 5,877 244.88 9Matt Russo5,875244.79 9 Matt Russo 5,875 244.79 10Chris Via5,856244.00 10 Chris Via 5,856 244.00 ... 40Bailey Mavrick5,594233.08 40 Bailey Mavrick 5,594 233.08 CUT TO ADVANCERS ROUND 41Kyle Troup5,588232.83 41 Kyle Troup 5,588 232.83 Click here for the full results. Today, the remaining 40 players will bowl another six games in the AdvancersRound. From there, the top 16 will move on to the next round, with the topfive earning a place in Sunday’s stepladder finals. The stepladder finals will be broadcast live on Sunday, April 5 at 4 p.m. ETonThe CW. 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EJ Tackett moved into the top position after the opening two rounds ofqualifying at the PBA Ohio Classic, setting the pace through 12 games atColumbus Square Bowling Palace. Tackett leads the field with a total of 2,996 pins, averaging 249, putting himahead of Packy Hanrahan, who is second, by 27 pins as the tournament reachesthe halfway point of qualifying. The right-hander sat in 21st place after the opening round with 1,447 over sixgames, but followed it with a strong second block, averaging over 258 to jumpinto the lead. EJ Tackett's Climb to 1st Place ⬆+20 Positions 1st Place 2,996 Total Hanrahan sits in second place with 2,969, followed closely by Chris Via inthird with 2,968. Ryan Barnes holds fourth position with 2,967, while DarrenTang completes the top five with 2,954. Kyle Sherman currently stands sixth with 2,947, followed by Bill O’Neill inseventh with 2,929. Gary Haines, hwo led the field after the opening round, is eighth with 2,926,while Matt Russo takes ninth with 2,913. Spencer Robarge rounds out the topten with 2,900. The current cut line for the top 40 sits at 2,804, held by Finland's TomasKäyhkö in 40th position. Just below the cut, Timmy Tan is in 41st place with 2,799, only five pinsbehind Käyhkö. Qualifying continues on Wednesday with two more six-game blocks. After thoserounds are completed, the field will be reduced to the top 40 players, whowill advance to Thursday’s Advancer rounds. The stepladder finals will be broadcast live on Sunday, April 5 at 4 p.m. ETon The CW. Top 10 After Qualifying Round 2 RankPlayerTotal PinsAvg.1EJ Tackett2,996249.002Patrick Hanrahan2,969247.003Chris Via2,968247.004Ryan Barnes2,967247.005Darren Tang2,954246.006Kyle Sherman2,947245.007Bill O'Neill2,929244.008Gary Haines2,926243.009Matt Russo2,913242.0010Spencer Robarge2,900241.00...40Tomas Käyhkö2,804233.00CUT TO ADVANCER ROUND41Timmy Tan2,799233.00 RankPlayerTotal PinsAvg. Rank Player Total Pins Avg. 1EJ Tackett2,996249.002Patrick Hanrahan2,969247.003Chris Via2,968247.004Ryan Barnes2,967247.005Darren Tang2,954246.006Kyle Sherman2,947245.007Bill O'Neill2,929244.008Gary Haines2,926243.009Matt Russo2,913242.0010Spencer Robarge2,900241.00...40Tomas Käyhkö2,804233.00CUT TO ADVANCER ROUND41Timmy Tan2,799233.00 1EJ Tackett2,996249.00 1 EJ Tackett 2,996 249.00 2Patrick Hanrahan2,969247.00 2 Patrick Hanrahan 2,969 247.00 3Chris Via2,968247.00 3 Chris Via 2,968 247.00 4Ryan Barnes2,967247.00 4 Ryan Barnes 2,967 247.00 5Darren Tang2,954246.00 5 Darren Tang 2,954 246.00 6Kyle Sherman2,947245.00 6 Kyle Sherman 2,947 245.00 7Bill O'Neill2,929244.00 7 Bill O'Neill 2,929 244.00 8Gary Haines2,926243.00 8 Gary Haines 2,926 243.00 9Matt Russo2,913242.00 9 Matt Russo 2,913 242.00 10Spencer Robarge2,900241.00 10 Spencer Robarge 2,900 241.00 ... 40Tomas Käyhkö2,804233.00 40 Tomas Käyhkö 2,804 233.00 CUT TO ADVANCER ROUND 41Timmy Tan2,799233.00 41 Timmy Tan 2,799 233.00 Click here to see full results. {"@context": "https://schema.org","@graph": [{"@type": "NewsArticle","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/ej-tackett-leads-pba-ohio-classic-round-2/#article","headline": "EJ Tackett Takes the Lead at PBA Ohio Classic After Qualifying Round 2","description": "EJ Tackett jumps 20 spots to lead the PBA Ohio Classic after 12 games of qualifying at Columbus Square Bowling Palace. View the Top 10 standings and the top 40 cut line.","image": ["https://fsn1.your-objectstorage.com/bowlinglife/media/Posts_Uploads/Discord_ad_banner_bowlinglife.png"],"datePublished": "2026-04-01T11:00:00+03:00","dateModified": "2026-04-01T11:00:00+03:00","author": {"@type": "Organization","name": "BowlingLife","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu"},"publisher": {"@type": "Organization","name": "BowlingLife","logo": {"@type": "ImageObject","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu/logo.png"}},"mainEntityOfPage": {"@type": "WebPage","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/ej-tackett-leads-pba-ohio-classic-round-2/"}},{"@type": "SportsEvent","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/ej-tackett-leads-pba-ohio-classic-round-2/#event","name": "PBA Ohio Classic","sport": "Bowling","startDate": "2026-03-30","endDate": "2026-04-05","location": {"@type": "Place","name": "Columbus Square Bowling Palace","address": {"@type": "PostalAddress","addressLocality": "Columbus","addressRegion": "OH","addressCountry": "US"}},"competitor": [{ "@type": "Person", "name": "EJ Tackett" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Patrick Hanrahan" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Chris Via" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Tomas Kayhko" }],"description": "Live standings and results from the qualifying rounds of the PBA Ohio Classic."},{"@type": "FAQPage","mainEntity": [{"@type": "Question","name": "Who is leading the PBA Ohio Classic?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "EJ Tackett took the lead at the PBA Ohio Classic after the first two rounds of qualifying, posting a 12-game total of 2,996 pins for a 249 average."}},{"@type": "Question","name": "What is the cut line for the PBA Ohio Classic?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "After Qualifying Round 2, the cut line for the top 40 to advance is 2,804, which is currently held by Finland's Tomas Kayhko."}},{"@type": "Question","name": "When are the PBA Ohio Classic finals on TV?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "The PBA Ohio Classic stepladder finals will be broadcast live on Sunday, April 5 at 4 p.m. ET on The CW."}}]}]}

If you’ve been hearing aboutHBO’s Born to Bowland wondering how to actually watch it, now is a good time to jump in — theseries is already heading into its third episode this week. No worries,BowlingLife has you covered. HBO’s Born to Bowl We’ve put together a simple breakdown of how and where to watch Born to Bowl,and what the series is all about. The five-part documentary follows some of the biggest names on the PBA Tour -Kyle Troup, Anthony Simonsen, EJ Tackett, Cameron Crowe, and Jason Belmonte -showing what it really takes to compete at the highest level, both on and offthe lanes. The series is directed by James Lee Hernandez and Brian Lazarte and executiveproduced in part by actor and director Ben Stiller. It is narrated by LievSchreiber. “This is not just a series about bowlers winning. It’s about the heart ittakes to put everything you’ve got into this sport,” directors James LeeHernandez and Brian Lazarte saidin a recent interviewwhen speaking about the vision behind the project. in a recent interview The hope is that Born to Bowl could have a similar impact to Netflix’s Driveto Survive, which brought millions of new fans to Formula 1 by focusing onpersonalities and behind-the-scenes stories. That shift helped F1 attract younger audiences and grow its global presence -something professional bowling could benefit from as well. Episodes Focus on Different Bowlers Each episode of Born to Bowl centersaround a different storyline on the PBA Tour. The first episode follows Kyle Troup at the U.S. Open as he looks to defendhis title. Episode two shifts to Anthony Simonsen and Jason Belmonte battling for a spotin the finals, with tensions rising along the way. In episode three, EJ Tackett takes the spotlight at the Pete Weber Classic,trying to hold off Belmonte and Simonsen. Episode four moves to the World Series of Bowling in Reno, where a largeinternational field competes across multiple events. The final episode takes place at the Tournament of Champions, where the seasonbuilds toward one of its biggest moments. How to Watch Born to Bowl in the U.S. Born to Bowl is available onHBO and can be streamed onHBO Max, with each episode running around 30 minutes. HBO New episodes will air every Monday at the same time, with the fifth and finalepisode scheduled for April 13. If you prefer streaming, each episode will be available onHBO Max immediatelyafter its television broadcast. HBO Max offers monthly subscription plansstarting at $10.99 (€9.99). HBO Max Since all five episodes will be released between March 16 and April 13, thegood news for your wallet is that one month of subscription is enough to watchthe entire series. How to Watch Born to Bowl for International Viewers While Born to Bowl is primarily released for U.S. audiences, internationalviewers can still watch Born to Bowl legally using a VPN. If youare outside the U.S. and cannot access the show through HBO Max due to yourlocation, simply connect your VPN to a U.S. server and log in to your accountto enjoy the series. If you don’t currently have a VPN, you canget NordVPN using BowlingLife promo code(purchasing through this link helps support BowlingLife), though any reliableVPN service will work to bypass the geo-block. get NordVPN using BowlingLife promo code How to Watch for International Viewers Get a VPN: If you don't have one,get NordVPN hereto support BowlingLife. Get a VPN: get NordVPN here Connect to the US: Open your VPN app and select aserver located in the United States. Connect to the US: United States Open HBO Max: Go to theHBO Max websiteor app and log in to your account. Open HBO Max: HBO Max website Enjoy: Search for "Born to Bowl" andstart streaming! Enjoy: "Born to Bowl" Born to Bowl schedule March 16 | 9:00 p.m. ET/PT – Episode 1March 23 | 9:00 p.m. ET/PT –Episode 2March 30 | 9:00 p.m. ET/PT – Episode 3April6 | 9:00 p.m. ET/PT – Episode 4April 13 | 9:00 p.m.ET/PT – Episode 5 {"@context": "https://schema.org","@graph": [{"@type": "Article","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/how-to-watch-born-to-bowl/#article","headline": "How to Watch Born to Bowl: PBA Documentary Schedule & Streaming Guide","description": "Find out how and where to watch the new PBA Tour documentary series Born to Bowl on HBO Max, including international streaming options using a VPN.","image": ["https://fsn1.your-objectstorage.com/bowlinglife/media/Posts_Uploads/Discord_ad_banner_bowlinglife.png"],"datePublished": "2026-03-31T08:00:00+03:00","dateModified": "2026-03-31T08:00:00+03:00","author": {"@type": "Organization","name": "BowlingLife","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu"},"publisher": {"@type": "Organization","name": "BowlingLife","logo": {"@type": "ImageObject","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu/logo.png"}},"mainEntityOfPage": {"@type": "WebPage","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/how-to-watch-born-to-bowl/"}},{"@type": "TVSeries","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/how-to-watch-born-to-bowl/#series","name": "Born to Bowl","genre": "Documentary","numberOfEpisodes": "5","provider": {"@type": "Organization","name": "HBO Max"},"director": [{ "@type": "Person", "name": "James Lee Hernandez" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Brian Lazarte" }],"actor": [{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Kyle Troup" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Anthony Simonsen" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "EJ Tackett" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Jason Belmonte" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Cameron Crowe" }],"description": "A five-part documentary series following the biggest names on the PBA Tour."},{"@type": "HowTo","name": "How to Watch Born to Bowl for International Viewers","description": "A step-by-step guide to streaming Born to Bowl on HBO Max from outside the United States using a VPN.","step": [{"@type": "HowToStep","name": "Get a VPN","text": "Sign up for a reliable VPN service, such as NordVPN, to bypass geographical restrictions."},{"@type": "HowToStep","name": "Connect to a US Server","text": "Open your VPN application and connect to a server located in the United States."},{"@type": "HowToStep","name": "Open HBO Max","text": "Go to the HBO Max website or launch the app and log into your account."},{"@type": "HowToStep","name": "Start Streaming","text": "Search for 'Born to Bowl' in the HBO Max library and enjoy the documentary."}]},{"@type": "FAQPage","mainEntity": [{"@type": "Question","name": "Where can I watch the Born to Bowl documentary?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Born to Bowl is available to stream exclusively on HBO Max. Episodes also air on the HBO television network in the United States."}},{"@type": "Question","name": "When do new episodes of Born to Bowl come out?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "New episodes of Born to Bowl are released every Monday at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT from March 16 through April 13, 2026."}},{"@type": "Question","name": "Can I watch Born to Bowl outside the US?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Yes, international viewers can watch Born to Bowl by using a VPN connected to a United States server to access HBO Max."}}]}]}

Just one week after being part of thelowest-scoring title match in PBA Tour history, Krol completed a remarkable turnaround, climbing from the No. 5 seed tolift his first major title at the 2026 USBC Masters at Thunderbowl Lanes inAllen Park, Michigan. lowest-scoring title match in PBA Tour history That is how quickly things can change. One week, life is giving you lemons.The next, you are holding a major title trophy. Krol entered the stepladder finals needing to win three matches in a row, buthe wanted it more than anybody else. 30-year-old two-handed righty defeated Matt Sanders, Jesper Svensson, and EricJones before finishing the job against EJ Tackett to secure his third careerPBA Tour title and first major. In the title match, EJ Tackett struggled early, leaving two splits that hecould not convert, which gave Krol an early lead. Krol, still using thepolyester ball that he relied on throughout the stepladder finals, had sometrouble carrying corner pins and was not able to fully extend his advantage. Asplit in the sixth frame erased all the advantage Krol had, while Tackettbegan to find his rhythm, striking with a Motiv Lethal Venom. However, Krol stayed composed. He delivered a crucial double in the seventhand eighth frames, then added a strike and a spare in the tenth frame, forcingTackett to strike on his first two shots in the tenth. Tackettstruck on the first ball and came close on the second, but a 10-pin remainedstanding, sealing the victory for Krol. EJ Tackett was also chasing the career Grand Slam, but will now have to wait abit longer to join Jason Belmonte, Norm Duke, and Mike Aulby in that exclusivegroup. Here’s how the remaining stepladder finals unfolded at the 2026 USBC Masters. #2 Seed Eric Jones vs. #5 Seed Book Krol Meanwhile, all three bowlers - including Boog Krol - relied on spare balls inthe first two matches of the stepladder finals. No. 2 seed, 21-year-old EricJones, flipped that strategy completely, stepping up with a reactive HammerEffect Tour. Lofting the ball with confidence, Jones came out firing with a flushfour-bagger. Krol tried to keep up, but two early spares quickly put himbehind. However, the momentum shifted when Jones left a 2-4-6-10 that hecouldn’t convert, then followed it with a poor shot in the sixth frame,missing the headpin. Just like that, the match was wide open again headinginto the commercial break. Jones came out of the break by missing the headpin and failing to convert aspare, handing the lead to Krol. The 30-year-old two-handed righty built onthat momentum with a key strike in the eighth. He nearly had a double in theninth, but a stubborn 10-pin refused to fall. Jones stayed in it with a spare in the ninth, then a strike and nine in thetenth, forcing Krol to mark to shut the door. Krol didn’t hesitate - hestepped up, delivered a strike, and punched his ticket to the title match forthe second straight week with 206-196 victory. #3 Seed Jesper Svensson vs. #5 Seed Book Krol In the second match of the stepladder finals, No. 3 seed Jesper Svenssonopened with a double using a Storm Mix Platinum spare ball, then added threespares to stay clean early. Boog Krol started with a spare of his own beforeswitching to a Hammer Axe, a move that helped him apply pressure and take aslim 4-pin lead into the commercial break. After the break, both players traded spares and strikes, but neither couldcreate much separation. Svensson pushed the pace, throwing shots over 18 mph with around 560 rpm, butthe plastic ball just wouldn’t carry the corner pins. Krol took advantage,striking when it mattered most. He closed with a four-bagger over the finaltwo frames to shut down The Iceman with a 227-202 win. #4 Seed Matt Sanders vs. #5 Seed Boog Krol In the opener, Matt Sanders opened with a missed 7-pin but quickly bouncedback with a triple. Boog Krol, meanwhile, was looking for redemption afterlast week’s 136 in thelowest-scoring PBA title match at the Indiana Classic. He started with a spare and a strike to grab the early lead. lowest-scoring PBA title match at the Indiana Classic Both players were using very weak polyester asymmetric Radical The Spy balls.The match stayed close early on, but Sanders left a big four that he couldn’tconvert. Krol didn’t hesitate, responding with back-to-back strikes before thecommercial break. After the break, Sanders came back with a spare and a strike, but he justcouldn’t string strikes together. That allowed Krol to slowly stretch the leadwithout much pressure. In the tenth frame, Krol finally gave Sanders a small opening by missing a10-pin, but it was too late, Sanders could not catch him and Krol moved onwith a 216-197 win. The USBC Masters was the sixth stop of the PBA Tour season and the thirdmajor. It also marked the start of Round 2 of theBowlingLife Fantasy League, where you have a chance to win a brand-new pair of Dexter bowling shoes ofyour choice. BowlingLife Fantasy League Next week, the PBA Tour heads to Columbus, Ohio, for the Pilgrim’s PBA OhioClassic, taking place from March 30 to April 5. {"@context": "https://schema.org","@graph": [{"@type": "NewsArticle","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/boog-krol-wins-2026-usbc-masters/#article","headline": "Boog Krol Climbs from No. 5 Seed to Win 2026 USBC Masters","description": "Boog Krol wins his first major PBA title at the 2026 USBC Masters, defeating EJ Tackett in the stepladder finals at Thunderbowl Lanes.","image": ["https://fsn1.your-objectstorage.com/bowlinglife/media/Posts_Uploads/Discord_ad_banner_bowlinglife.png"],"datePublished": "2026-03-30T08:00:00+02:00","dateModified": "2026-03-30T08:00:00+02:00","author": {"@type": "Organization","name": "BowlingLife","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu"},"publisher": {"@type": "Organization","name": "BowlingLife","logo": {"@type": "ImageObject","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu/logo.png"}},"mainEntityOfPage": {"@type": "WebPage","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/boog-krol-wins-2026-usbc-masters/"}},{"@type": "SportsEvent","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/boog-krol-wins-2026-usbc-masters/#event","name": "2026 USBC Masters Stepladder Finals","sport": "Bowling","startDate": "2026-03-29","location": {"@type": "Place","name": "Thunderbowl Lanes","address": {"@type": "PostalAddress","addressLocality": "Allen Park","addressRegion": "MI","addressCountry": "US"}},"competitor": [{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Boog Krol" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "EJ Tackett" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Eric Jones" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Jesper Svensson" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Matt Sanders" }]},{"@type": "FAQPage","mainEntity": [{"@type": "Question","name": "Who won the 2026 USBC Masters?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Boog Krol won the 2026 USBC Masters, climbing from the No. 5 seed to defeat EJ Tackett in the stepladder title match."}},{"@type": "Question","name": "Did EJ Tackett win the PBA Grand Slam at the 2026 Masters?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "No, EJ Tackett finished as the runner-up at the 2026 USBC Masters, falling short to Boog Krol and missing out on completing his career Grand Slam."}},{"@type": "Question","name": "What bowling ball did Boog Krol use to win the Masters?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Boog Krol primarily used polyester spare balls, specifically the Radical The Spy and a Hammer Axe, to navigate the tricky conditions and win the 2026 USBC Masters."}}]}]}

After 15 games of qualifying and a demanding match play bracket, the field of390 at the 2026 USBC Masters has been cut down to just five players. AfterJakob Butturff’s record-breaking performance earlier in the week, few expectedthat another record moment was still to come. Jakob Butturff’s record-breaking performance earlier in the week But if there is one player capable of delivering the unexpected, it is EJTackett. It may sound surprising, but the reigning three-time Player of the Year hadnot appeared on a USBC Masters finals in 12 years. That changed this week.For the first time since 2014, Tackett reached the stepladder finals, and hedid it in record-breaking fashion. reigning three-time Player of the Year Tackett went undefeated through all six matches in the winners bracket andaveraged 258.39 across those games. That performance set a new USBC Mastersmatch play scoring record, breaking the previous mark set by Anthony Simonsenin 2023 (250.4 avg.). USBC Masters Match Play Record New Record (2026) 258.39 EJ Tackett Previous Mark (2023) 250.40 Anthony Simonsen Tackett started match play as the No. 17 seed and worked his way through astrong lineup. He defeated Steve Novak, Casey Cohagan, Nate Garcia, FrançoisLavoie, Boog Krol, and Eric Jones to lock up the No. 1 seed. Eric Jones will enter the finals as the No. 2 seed. The 21-year-old put together a strong run of his own, winning five straightmatches before falling to Tackett in the final winners bracket match. On hisway, he defeated Daniel Vick in a roll-off, followed by wins over Matt Ogle,Dylan Bowers, Jason Belmonte, and Jesper Svensson. Jesper Svensson still found his way into the show despite that loss. The 14-time PBA Tour title winner from Sweden advanced through the finalfour-player, three-game match and posted a total of 715 to secure the No. 3seed. Earlier in match play, Svensson defeated Shota Kawazoe, BrandonRobertson, Nick Pate, and Deo Benard before losing to Jones. This marks Svensson's second TV round appearance in a major this season after he finished fourth in the season-opener PBA Players Championship. second TV round appearance in a major this season Matt Sanders earned the No. 4 seed after a strong run through the eliminationbracket. The 32-year-old left-hander dropped into the elimination side early but keptwinning when it mattered. After victories over Garrett Meadows and ZacharyWilkins, he lost to Deo Benard but then responded with four straight winsagainst Tomas Käyhkö, Blake Walsh, Francois Lavoie, and Matt Russo. Sanderssecured his spot in the finals by shooting 697 in the final four-player match. Boog Krol will make his second consecutive TV round appearance after claimingthe final spot in the stepladder finals as the No. 5 seed. second consecutive TV round appearance Krol qualified in 53rd place but put together a strong run in match play. Hewon five matches in a row in the winners bracket before losing to Tackett. Inthe final four-player match, Krol scored 666 to earn his place in the finals.He will face Sanders in the opening match on Sunday. Stepladder Finalists SeedPlayer1EJ Tackett2Eric Jones3Jesper Svensson4Matt Sanders5Boog Krol SeedPlayer Seed Player 1EJ Tackett2Eric Jones3Jesper Svensson4Matt Sanders5Boog Krol 1EJ Tackett 1 EJ Tackett 2Eric Jones 2 Eric Jones 3Jesper Svensson 3 Jesper Svensson 4Matt Sanders 4 Matt Sanders 5Boog Krol 5 Boog Krol Opening Match #4 Matt Sanders vs. #5 Boog Krol Brandon Bonta, PBA Players Championship champion, finished sixth after posting 584 in the same four-player match,just missing out on the stepladder finals. PBA Players Championship champion The stepladder finals will take place Sunday at 4 p.m. Eastern and will bebroadcast live on The CW. The winner will earn $100,000 and claim the title atthe 2026 USBC Masters. New Finals Format The 2026 USBC Masters marks a shift in how the champion will be crowned.Following the move to a new broadcaster, The CW, the tournament isreturning to the traditional five-player stepladder finals. The CW five-player stepladder finals In the championship match, the #1 seed only needs to be defeated once, nottwice, as in previous years. The Pattern This year, Kegel has laid out a 41-foot challenge at the USBC Masters. The 41-foot 2026 USBC Masters oil pattern Distance: 41 FeetTotal Volume: 35.59 mL (Extremely heavy)Pattern Ratio: 1.87:1 Distance: 41 Feet Distance: Total Volume: 35.59 mL (Extremely heavy) Total Volume: Pattern Ratio: 1.87:1 Pattern Ratio: {"@context": "https://schema.org","@graph": [{"@type": "NewsArticle","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/pba-tour/2026-usbc-masters-stepladder-finalists-tackett-record/#article","headline": "EJ Tackett Sets Match Play Record, Leads 2026 USBC Masters Stepladder Finalists","description": "EJ Tackett averged a record-breaking 258.39 to earn the No. 1 seed at the 2026 USBC Masters. 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The opening day of match play at the 2026 USBC Masters took place Friday atThunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park, Michigan, as the tournament moved into itsbracket stage, where a single match can decide your fate in the season’s thirdmajor event. Some love it, some hate it, but one thing is clear - the format deliversexcitement from start to finish. A total of 64 players, including defending champion Gary Haines, entered thedouble-elimination bracket. Over Friday, the field was cut in half, with 32players eliminated and 32 remaining in contention for the title. defending champion Gary Haines Sixteen players stayed undefeated in the winners bracket, while another 16remained alive in the elimination bracket, with no room for error in theremaining four matches on Saturday. Highlight Performances Several of the top qualifiers continued their strong form into match play.Eric Jones, who finished second in qualifying, remained undefeated. Deo Benard,Spencer Robarge, Jesper Svensson, and Matt Russo also advanced without a loss. There were also strong performances from players outside the top seeds. JasonBelmonte, EJ Tackett, and François Lavoie each finished the day undefeated,keeping themselves in position heading into the next rounds. Several notable players remain in the elimination bracket, including GaryHaines, Parker Bohn III, Dom Barrett, and PBA Players Championship winner Brandon Bonta, who all kept theirchances alive by winning key matches after early losses. PBA Players Championship winner Brandon Bonta Butters and Simo Out However, the format is tough on everyone, including the favorites. Jakob Butturff, who led qualifying with a record-level performance, startedmatch play with a win over defending champion Gary Haines. However, he laterlost to Nate Garcia and then fell in the elimination bracket to GarrettMeadows, ending his run in the tournament. who led qualifying with a record-level performance Anthony Simonsen, a three-time USBC Masters champion and a popular pick in theBowlingLife Fantasy League this week, saw his run end earlier than expected.After winning his opening match, he lost his next two matches, including one in a elimination match, and was knocked out of the tournament. BowlingLife Fantasy League Match play continues Saturday, where the field will be narrowed down to thefinal five players who will advance to the stepladder finals. The finals will be broadcast live on Sunday at 4 p.m. Eastern on The CW. BOWLINGLIFE FANTASY LEAGUE Curious where your team sits in the overall race? Check the updated USBCMasters leaderboard and see if you're in the running for a pair of anyDexter bowling shoes from their shop! Dexter bowling shoes from their shop! View Team Standings New Finals Format The 2026 USBC Masters marks a shift in how the champion will be crowned.Following the move to a new broadcaster, The CW, the tournament isreturning to the traditional five-player stepladder finals. The CW five-player stepladder finals The road to the show is intense: the final two competitors in the WinnersBracket will face off to determine the top seed, while the final four playersin the Elimination Bracket will fight for the remaining three spots on TV. In the championship match, the #1 seed only needs to be defeated once, nottwice, as in previous years. The Pattern This year, Kegel has laid out a 41-foot challenge at the USBC Masters. The 41-foot 2026 USBC Masters oil pattern Distance: 41 FeetTotal Volume: 35.59 mL (Extremely heavy)Pattern Ratio: 1.87:1 Distance: 41 Feet Distance: Total Volume: 35.59 mL (Extremely heavy) Total Volume: Pattern Ratio: 1.87:1 Pattern Ratio:

Brooke Roberts captured her second PWBA Regional title by winning the PWBAOrlando Regional at Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando, Florida. Roberts, who earned a No. 1 seed after qualifiers, defeated Maranda Pattisonof California in the championship match, 234–201. Roberts earned $2,600 for the victory, while Pattison received $1,300 as therunner-up. The stepladder finals began with Morgan Kramer defeating Alyssa Ferraro,221–184. Then in the semifinal, Pattison advanced with a 257–201 win overKramer. This was second PWBA Regional Tour title for Roberts. With the win, shesecured an automatic berth into the season-ending PWBA RegionalShowdown. The PWBA Regional Tour continues March 28 with the PWBA Eastern PennsylvaniaRegional in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The new PWBA National Tour season begins on April 29 in Rockford, Illinois.

The PWBA Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026, with three new membersset to be inducted during tournament week of the United States BowlingCongress Queens in May. Two inductees were selected in thePerformance category, while one was chosen in the Meritorious Service andBuilder category. Kelly Kulick and Cara Honeychurch will be inducted for their success ascompetitors, while Leila Wagner will be recognized for both her bowling careerand her many years of contribution to the sport beyond the lanes.Theinduction ceremony will take place on May 13, 2026, at the Gold Coast Hoteland Casino in Las Vegas, alongside the USBC Queens tournament, which runs fromMay 13 to May 19. A Legend Both on PWBA and PBA Kelly Kulick built a long career that spans collegiate bowling, professionalcompetition, and international play. She joined the PWBA Tour in2001 after a successful college career at Morehead State. That same year, sheearned Rookie of the Year honors and finished among the tour leaders in bothpoints and earnings. Kulick won five major championships duringher career, including titles at the Queens and the U.S. Women’s Open.In 2010, she made history by becoming the first woman to win a PBATour title when she captured the Tournament of Champions. Kullicklater added two more PWBA titles after the tour returned in 2015. Kulick alsorepresented Team USA on 1998-2001, 2008, and 2010-2021, won multipleinternational gold medals. She currently serves as the head coach of JuniorTeam USA and assistant coach of the Team USA. Australia's Bowling Icon Cara Honeychurch joined the PWBA Tour in 1999 after early internationalsuccess for Australia. Before turning professional, she won theAMF World Cup and earned gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. On the PWBATour, she quickly became a regular presence on television and won severaltitles, including major events. Honeychurch earned Rookie of theYear honors in 2000 and remained a top competitor through the early 2000s.She claimed eight career PWBA titles and received recognition forboth performance and sportsmanship. After the tour paused, she returned toAustralia and later served as the chief executive officer of Tenpin BowlingAustralia. A Voice of Women's Bowling Leila Wagner earned her place in the PWBA Hall of Fame through her work as acompetitor, broadcaster, and ambassador for bowling. As aprofessional bowler, she made numerous television finals and won two careertitles. She later became a familiar voice and face of women’sprofessional bowling as a lead announcer and commentator during televisedevents for more than a decade. Wagner also traveled extensively topromote bowling through clinics, exhibitions, and public appearances. Her workhelped bring women’s bowling to a wider audience across multiple countries.Withthe addition of the Class of 2026, the PWBA Hall of Fame will include 54members across all categories. The upcoming induction continues the Hall ofFame’s role in recognizing both competitive success and long-term service toprofessional women’s bowling.For more information visitpwba.com pwba.com

Shannon Pluhowsky won the 2025 PWBA Tour Championship at ABC Gates Bowl in Rochester, New York. Pluhowsky, the No. 1 seed, defeated England’s Verity Crawley 235-167. She earned $50,000 for the win, while Crawley took home $25,000 for second place. The title match was low scoring in the early frames. Pluhowsky had 85 through five frames after leaving a 4-6-10 split, while Crawley had 70 with two strikes and two opens. After the commercial break, both players struck twice in a row, but Pluhowsky added two more strikes to take control. A strike in the ninth and another in the 10th secured the match for Pluhowsky. The victory marked Pluhowsky's third career major title, sixth overall and second in a row PWBA title. Just 3 days ago, Pluhowsky won PWBA Pepsi Open. won PWBA Pepsi Open Crawley reached the title match by defeating No. 5 seed Stephanie Zavala, 233-215 in the semifinals. Zavala had earlier defeated No. 4 seed Jordan Snodgrass, 185-150, and No. 3 seed Lauren Russo, 233-170. Snodgrass earned $10,000 for fifth place, Russo earned $12,000 for fourth, and Zavala collected $15,000 for third. 2025 PWBA Tour Championship was the last event of the 2025 PWBA season. Singapore's New Hui Fen was named 2025 PWBA Player of the Year. She led the tour with 94,550 points and three titles, including the U.S. Women’s Open, Rock 'n' Roll Open and BowlTV Open. Snodgrass finished second in the points race with 93,125. U.S. Women’s Open Rock 'n' Roll Open BowlTV Open

The stepladder finalists are set for the 2025 PWBA Tour Championship at ABC Gates Bowl in Rochester, New York. Five players remain in the season’s final major event, and the PWBA Player of the Year race is still undecided.Singapore’s New Hui Fen, who led the PWBA Tour season in points and earnings, did not advance to the stepladder finals, finishing ninth. She will receive 10,600 points, bringing her total to 94,550 Tour points accumulated throughout the season. Jordan Snodgrass, who earned the No. 4 seed, will fight against fifth seed Stephanie Zavala in the opening match of the stepladder. With a single win, Snodgrass can overtake New in season points with 94,625. Meanwhile, Zavala moved into the stepladder during the position round, defeating 2025 Rookie of the Year Malaysia’s Gillian Lim 226–202 to jump from seventh to fifth place. 2025 Rookie of the Year The winner of the opening match will face third seed Lauren Russo. Russo is making her second television appearance of the season after finishing third at the U.S. Women’s Open earlier this year. Second seed Verity Crawley of England will await the winner of that match as a No. 2 seed, only two wins away from the major title. In qualifiers, Crawley averaged over 244 during her block on the 38-foot oil pattern, becoming the first player since the format change in 2021 to start 8-0 in match-play. to start 8-0 in match-play Crawley is also appearing on TV for the second time this season, having reached the finals of the PWBA Anniversary Open in June. Top seed Shannon Pluhowsky, will bowl in the championship match. Pluhowsky is looking for her second straight title after winning the PWBA Pepsi Open and her third career major title. winning the PWBA Pepsi Open The finals will take place Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.

The PWBA Tour Championship began at ABC Gates Bowl in Rochester, New York, with winners from this season and the top 24 in points competing in match play. Day one kicked off with the first eight games of the 24-game match play, and with a major title up for grabs, UK's Tenpin Hall of Famer wasted no time making history. UK's Tenpin Hall of Famer Verity Crawley became the first player since the format change in 2021 to start the event 8-0 in match-play.Crawley averaged over 244 during her block on the 38-foot oil pattern, scoring 1,957 before bonus pins for a total of 2,197. This is the fifth-highest eight-game match-play total since the PWBA Tour’s relaunch in 2015. Shannon Pluhowsky, the PWBA Pepsi Open champion, sits in second place with 2,066, while Lauren Russo holds third with 1,992. Singapore’s New Hui Fen, the season leader in points and earnings, and Josie Barnes, ranked second in earnings and third in average, share fourth place at 1,973. Positions six through ten after day one are Dasha Kovalova of Ukraine (1,957), Julia Bond (1,941), Jordan Snodgrass (1,926), Lindsay Boomershine (1,926), and Natasha Roslan of Malaysia (1,914). Match play continues Monday morning at 10 a.m. Eastern with another eight games, followed by the final eight games starting at 5 p.m. Eastern. After 24 games, the top five players will advance to the stepladder finals on Tuesday night, broadcast live on CBS Sports Network at 7 p.m. Eastern. Both rounds of match play are being livestreamed on BowlTV. BowlTV

Malaysia’s Gillian Lim has been named the 2025 PWBA Rookie of the Year. She became the first Malaysian player in history to receive the award. Lim led all rookies in points, earnings, and top-12 finishes during the 2025 season. Her consistent performances across events secured her the top rookie spot. The announcement comes as Lim competes in the season-ending PWBA Tour Championship. After the first eight games of match play, she is in 15th place with two wins, five losses, and one tie, for a total pinfall of 1,848. Meanwhile, England’s Verity Crawley made history by becoming the first player since the format change in 2021 to start the event 8-0 in matches. Crawley averaged over 244 during her block on the 38-foot oil pattern, scoring 1,957 before bonus pins for a total of 2,197 to lead the 24-player field. Match play continues Monday morning at 10 a.m. Eastern with another eight games,followed by the final eight games starting at 5 p.m. Eastern. After 24 games, the top five players will advance to the stepladder finals on Tuesday night, broadcast live on CBS Sports Network at 7 p.m. Eastern. Both rounds of match play are being livestreamed on BowlTV. BowlTV

Shannon Pluhowsky of Dayton, Ohio, won the PWBA Pepsi Open at ABC Gates Bowl, defeating Liz Johnson of Niagara Falls, New York, 226-175 in the championship match. The victory marked Pluhowsky’s fifth fifth PWBA Tour title. After 12 games of qualification, Pluhowsky qualified as the No. 4 seed with 2,748 total (+348) among 16 advancing players. In the Round of 16, Pluhowsky faced No. 13 seed, Sweden’s Anna Andersson and came from two games to one down to win the best-of-five series with scores of 228 and 235 in the last two games (225-201, 193-232, 214-234, 228-196, 235-225). In the Round of 8, she then swept Singapore’s Shayna Ng with close games of 216-187, 249-230, and 220-210. The semifinal saw Pluhowsky take on Lindsay Boomershine. The intrigue was kept just at the beginning of the game, as Pluhowsky closed with eight consecutive strikes to win 269-189. On the other side of the bracket, No. 10 seed Liz Johnson defeated Breanna Clemmer 3-1 in the Round of 16, then advanced from the top 8 with a narrow one-pin victory in game five against Stephanie Zavala. In the semifinal, Johnson defeated No. 14 seed Nora Johansson of Sweden 235-227 to advance to the title match. In the title match, Johnson led by one pin halfway through the game, but Pluhowsky took control in the second half with a string of strikes. Johnson was unable to match the pace and missed a spare late in the game. Pluhowsky secured the win 226-175, earning the $10,000 top prize. Liz Johnson received $5,000 as runner-up. As the victory marked Pluhowsky’s fifth Professional Women’s Bowling Association title, she is now eligible for the PWBA Hall of Fame. With the victory, Pluhowsky also secured her place in the PWBA Tour Championship field, which features all 2025 title winners and the top 24 in season points. The Tour Championship begins Sunday with practice and continues with match play rounds before the stepladder finals on Tuesday night.

Stefanie Johnson has won her fifth Professional Women’s Bowling Association title after taking the victory at the PWBA Rochester Open, held at ABC Gates Bowl in Rochester, New York. Johnson qualified as the No. 2 seed after match play and went on to defeat New Hui Fen of Singapore in the semifinal and top seed Bailey Delrose of Crest Hill, Illinois, in the championship match. This marks Johnson’s first title since the 2022 PWBA Rockford Open. In the semifinal, Johnson faced New Hui Fen, who had been undefeated in stepladder finals this season. Both players struggled early with open frames, but Johnson gained momentum in the second half of the match. She secured the win 203-196, ending New’s perfect 9–0 record in stepladder finals this season. The final match saw Johnson against Delrose, who was making her first career stepladder appearance. Both started strong, but Delrose left a 3-7 split in the sixth frame, allowing Johnson to take the lead. Johnson maintained control and finished with a 230-204 win. Johnson earned $10,000 and secured a spot in the season-ending Tour Championship. Meanwhile, Delrose took home $5,000 for second place. Earlier in the stepladder, Cherie Tan of Singapore faced Julia Bond. Bond advanced with a 233–214 win, then lost to New Hui Fen 224–213 in the second match. Stepladder Results – PWBA Rochester Open Stepladder Results – PWBA Rochester Open Match 1 – Julia Bond def. Cherie Tan, 233–214 Match 2 – New Hui Fen def. Julia Bond, 224–213 Semifinal – Stefanie Johnson def. New Hui Fen, 203–196 Final – Stefanie Johnson def. Bailey Delrose, 230–204 Match 1 Match 2 Semifinal Final

The European Youth Championships 2026 have reached their loudest and mostchaotic stage - the Team event. Ball returns are working overtime, stacked with Purple Hammers like it’s atwo-floor warehouse for the very last time, as this marks the final eventbefore the new urethane hardness rules come into effect. new urethane hardness rules come into effect After the opening three games, Germany and France have taken early control intheir respective divisions. Girls Division In the Girls division, the host nation Germany leads the standings after theopening block with a total of 2,471 pins. The team of Fiona Lindemann, SaskiaKirschke, Lea Hassforth, and Laura Nisch built their lead through consistentscoring across all three games, highlighted by a strong 867 opening game. Close behind is the Czech Republic with 2,455. Ema Iwazawa led the team effortwith 699, including two games of 259. England sits in third place with 2,430. Ava Andrade was the standout performerwith 701, the highest individual total among the top teams. Sweden currently holds the fourth and final cut position with 2,403. Singles champion Saga Johansson led the team with 676 across three games. Singles champion Saga Johansson RankTeamTeam TotalTeam Avg.1Germany2,471205.92Czech Republic2,455204.63England2,430202.54Sweden2,403200.2CUT TO SEMIFINALS5Finland2,305192.16Ireland2,244187.07Estonia2,205183.88Denmark2,193182.89Norway2,147178.910Iceland2,073172.811Netherlands1,960163.3 RankTeamTeam TotalTeam Avg. Rank Team Team Total Team Avg. 1Germany2,471205.92Czech Republic2,455204.63England2,430202.54Sweden2,403200.2CUT TO SEMIFINALS5Finland2,305192.16Ireland2,244187.07Estonia2,205183.88Denmark2,193182.89Norway2,147178.910Iceland2,073172.811Netherlands1,960163.3 1Germany2,471205.9 1 Germany 2,471 205.9 2Czech Republic2,455204.6 2 Czech Republic 2,455 204.6 3England2,430202.5 3 England 2,430 202.5 4Sweden2,403200.2 4 Sweden 2,403 200.2 CUT TO SEMIFINALS 5Finland2,305192.1 5 Finland 2,305 192.1 6Ireland2,244187.0 6 Ireland 2,244 187.0 7Estonia2,205183.8 7 Estonia 2,205 183.8 8Denmark2,193182.8 8 Denmark 2,193 182.8 9Norway2,147178.9 9 Norway 2,147 178.9 10Iceland2,073172.8 10 Iceland 2,073 172.8 11Netherlands1,960163.3 11 Netherlands 1,960 163.3 Boys Division In the Boys division, France takes the early lead with 2,652. Timéo Dujardinled all players with 719, while Thomas Laymet-Carre added 670. Malta is second with 2,618. Samuel Caruso led the way with 679, supportedclosely by Kayden Lagana’, Tomas Caruso, and Nicolai Mallia. Norway sits in third place with 2,601. Christian Danielsen Otting posted 681,while Mathias Danielsen Otting followed with 670. The Czech Republic holds fourth place with 2,546. David Mojka led the teamwith 710, while Singles champion Jaroslav Zapletal added 643. Three more games will be played tomorrow, followed by the semifinals andfinals. RankTeamTeam TotalTeam Avg.1France2,652221.02Malta2,618218.23Norway2,601216.84Czech Republic2,546212.2CUT TO SEMIFINALS5Finland2,541211.86Romania2,499208.27Sweden2,493207.88Croatia2,476206.39Denmark2,462205.210Iceland2,436203.011Germany2,412201.012Belgium2,371197.613Italy2,361196.814Slovakia2,353196.115Estonia2,330194.216Hungary2,322193.517Greece2,322193.518Netherlands2,276189.719Poland2,274189.520England2,258188.221Scotland2,237186.422Ireland2,235186.223Austria2,220185.024Turkey2,195182.925Switzerland2,083173.6 RankTeamTeam TotalTeam Avg. Rank Team Team Total Team Avg. 1France2,652221.02Malta2,618218.23Norway2,601216.84Czech Republic2,546212.2CUT TO SEMIFINALS5Finland2,541211.86Romania2,499208.27Sweden2,493207.88Croatia2,476206.39Denmark2,462205.210Iceland2,436203.011Germany2,412201.012Belgium2,371197.613Italy2,361196.814Slovakia2,353196.115Estonia2,330194.216Hungary2,322193.517Greece2,322193.518Netherlands2,276189.719Poland2,274189.520England2,258188.221Scotland2,237186.422Ireland2,235186.223Austria2,220185.024Turkey2,195182.925Switzerland2,083173.6 1France2,652221.0 1 France 2,652 221.0 2Malta2,618218.2 2 Malta 2,618 218.2 3Norway2,601216.8 3 Norway 2,601 216.8 4Czech Republic2,546212.2 4 Czech Republic 2,546 212.2 CUT TO SEMIFINALS 5Finland2,541211.8 5 Finland 2,541 211.8 6Romania2,499208.2 6 Romania 2,499 208.2 7Sweden2,493207.8 7 Sweden 2,493 207.8 8Croatia2,476206.3 8 Croatia 2,476 206.3 9Denmark2,462205.2 9 Denmark 2,462 205.2 10Iceland2,436203.0 10 Iceland 2,436 203.0 11Germany2,412201.0 11 Germany 2,412 201.0 12Belgium2,371197.6 12 Belgium 2,371 197.6 13Italy2,361196.8 13 Italy 2,361 196.8 14Slovakia2,353196.1 14 Slovakia 2,353 196.1 15Estonia2,330194.2 15 Estonia 2,330 194.2 16Hungary2,322193.5 16 Hungary 2,322 193.5 17Greece2,322193.5 17 Greece 2,322 193.5 18Netherlands2,276189.7 18 Netherlands 2,276 189.7 19Poland2,274189.5 19 Poland 2,274 189.5 20England2,258188.2 20 England 2,258 188.2 21Scotland2,237186.4 21 Scotland 2,237 186.4 22Ireland2,235186.2 22 Ireland 2,235 186.2 23Austria2,220185.0 23 Austria 2,220 185.0 24Turkey2,195182.9 24 Turkey 2,195 182.9 25Switzerland2,083173.6 25 Switzerland 2,083 173.6

After an intense final day, the Doubles competition at the European YouthChampionships 2026 in Berlin has come to a close. In the girls division, Sweden continued its dominance by placing both of theirteams inside the top four after qualification. Saga Johansson andElissa Mehmet, who won gold and silver in Singles, led the standings with2,579, followed closely by their teammates Lova Nilsson and Elin Bergqvistwith 2,570. who won gold and silver in Singles Julie Racova and Ema Iwazawa of Czech Republic secured third place inqualification with 2,525, while Laura Nisch and Lea Hassforth of Germanyclaimed the final semifinal spot with 2,468. In the first semifinal, Laura Nisch and Lea Hassforth delivered a strongperformance to defeat Johansson and Mehmet, 453–404, securing their place inthe gold medal match. In the second semifinal, Sweden's Nilsson and Bergqvist edged past Racova andIwazawa, 378–368. In the final, Swedish pair defeated Nisch and Hassforth, 438–375, to claim thegold medal. Germany’s duo took silver, while Johansson and Mehmet, alongside Racova andIwazawa, completed the podium with bronze medals. In the boys division, Denmark’s Oscar Emil Porskrog and Tobias KastfeltBrydeled the qualification standings with a total of 2,936, setting the paceacross all six games. With a standout performance, Denmark’s duo set newEuropean records for the highest 1-game total (558), 3-game total (1,486), and6-game total (2,936). Andrii Gadiatskyi and Viktor Miroshnychenko of Ukraine followed in secondplace with 2,756 after their strong performance yesterday, while Austria's Dominic Groß and Fabian Groß took third with2,741. Tristan Mani Ninuson and Asgeir Karl Gustafsson of Iceland secured thefinal semifinal spot with 2,705. after their strong performance yesterday, The semifinals produced two very competitive matches. Porskrog and KastfeltBryde defeated Ninuson and Gustafsson, 449–438, to move into the final, whileGadiatskyi and Miroshnychenko overcame Austria's pair, 458–379, to securetheir spot in the title match. In the final, Denmark’s duo once again delivered under pressure, as Porskrogand Kastfelt Bryde defeated Gadiatskyi and Miroshnychenko, 446–420, to claimthe gold medal. Ukraine took silver, while Austria and Iceland earned bronze. Tomorrow the Team competition will begin with two opening squads scheduledfrom 9 AM local. European Youth Championships 2026 Oil Patterns Girls' Pattern Boys' Pattern Schedule Time (CET)EventFriday, April 3, 2026 – Team Event (Block 1)08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3)Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Team Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:45Team semi-finals18:45 – 20:00Team finals20:00 – 20:30Team medal ceremony20:30 – 21:00All-events medal ceremonySunday, April 5, 2026 – Masters Finals07:00 – 08:00Lane maintenance08:00 – 09:15Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16)09:15 – 10:15Lane maintenance10:15 – 11:30Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16)11:30 – 12:30Lane maintenance12:30 – 13:45Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls)13:45 – 14:30Lane maintenance14:30 – 15:45Masters semi-finals15:45 – 17:00Masters finals17:00 – 17:30Medal ceremony Time (CET)Event Time (CET) Event Friday, April 3, 2026 – Team Event (Block 1)08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3)Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Team Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:45Team semi-finals18:45 – 20:00Team finals20:00 – 20:30Team medal ceremony20:30 – 21:00All-events medal ceremonySunday, April 5, 2026 – Masters Finals07:00 – 08:00Lane maintenance08:00 – 09:15Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16)09:15 – 10:15Lane maintenance10:15 – 11:30Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16)11:30 – 12:30Lane maintenance12:30 – 13:45Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls)13:45 – 14:30Lane maintenance14:30 – 15:45Masters semi-finals15:45 – 17:00Masters finals17:00 – 17:30Medal ceremony Friday, April 3, 2026 – Team Event (Block 1) 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3) 09:00 – 12:15 Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3) 13:15 – 16:30 Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3) Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Team Finals 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6) 09:00 – 12:15 Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6) 13:15 – 16:30 Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6) 16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance 16:30 – 17:30 Lane maintenance 17:30 – 18:45Team semi-finals 17:30 – 18:45 Team semi-finals 18:45 – 20:00Team finals 18:45 – 20:00 Team finals 20:00 – 20:30Team medal ceremony 20:00 – 20:30 Team medal ceremony 20:30 – 21:00All-events medal ceremony 20:30 – 21:00 All-events medal ceremony Sunday, April 5, 2026 – Masters Finals 07:00 – 08:00Lane maintenance 07:00 – 08:00 Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:15Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16) 08:00 – 09:15 Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16) 09:15 – 10:15Lane maintenance 09:15 – 10:15 Lane maintenance 10:15 – 11:30Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16) 10:15 – 11:30 Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16) 11:30 – 12:30Lane maintenance 11:30 – 12:30 Lane maintenance 12:30 – 13:45Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls) 12:30 – 13:45 Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls) 13:45 – 14:30Lane maintenance 13:45 – 14:30 Lane maintenance 14:30 – 15:45Masters semi-finals 14:30 – 15:45 Masters semi-finals 15:45 – 17:00Masters finals 15:45 – 17:00 Masters finals 17:00 – 17:30Medal ceremony 17:00 – 17:30 Medal ceremony

After yesterday's competition in Singles, the Doubles event taken place todayat the European Youth Championships in Berlin, with the first squads completedin both Boys' and Girls' divisions. competition in Singles After one squad in the Girls' division Sweden has taken early control of thestandings. Sweden's duet, Singles champion Saga Johansson and silver medalistElissa Mehmet, leads the field with a total of 2,579 pins. Another Sweden'spair, Lova Nilsson and Elin Bergqvist, sits just behind in second place with2,570. Germany, featuring Laura Nisch and Lea Hassforth, holds third position with2,468, while Finland's Salla Hautala and Neea Pöllänen currently occupies thefinal semifinal spot in fourth with 2,417. England is just outside the top four in fifth place with 2,415, followed byanother Finland's double in sixth with 2,391. Norway shares seventh with CzechRepublic with both at 2,332. Denmark holds ninth place with 2,278, whileEstonia rounds out the top 10 with 2,237. In the Boys' division, Ukraine, represented by Andrii Gadiatskyi and ViktorMiroshnychenko, leads the standings with 2,756. Norway, with Tian Solum Vallestad and Mathias Danielsen Otting, is second with2,699, followed by Germany's Phil Baumeister Valentin Nahodyl in third with2,610. France's Raphael Durivault Timéo Dujardin holds fourth place with2,598, currently securing the final semifinal position. Italy is just outside also with 2,598 total, but in fifth place just becauseof the lower score in the last game. Croatia sits sixth with 2,528. CzechRepublic is seventh with 2,493, followed by Belgium in eighth with 2,457.Greece and Malta complete the top 10, both sitting on 2,435. With only part of the field having completed their games, the standings remainopen in both divisions. Another two squads in both the boys and girls divisions will be bowledtomorrow, after which the Doubles competition will move into the semifinalsand finals to decide the medalists. European Youth Championships 2026 Oil Patterns Girls' Pattern Boys' Pattern Schedule Time (CET)EventThursday, April 2, 2026 – Doubles Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:15Doubles semi-finals18:15 – 19:00Doubles finals19:00 – 19:15Medal ceremonyFriday, April 3, 2026 – Team Event (Block 1)08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3)Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Team Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:45Team semi-finals18:45 – 20:00Team finals20:00 – 20:30Team medal ceremony20:30 – 21:00All-events medal ceremonySunday, April 5, 2026 – Masters Finals07:00 – 08:00Lane maintenance08:00 – 09:15Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16)09:15 – 10:15Lane maintenance10:15 – 11:30Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16)11:30 – 12:30Lane maintenance12:30 – 13:45Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls)13:45 – 14:30Lane maintenance14:30 – 15:45Masters semi-finals15:45 – 17:00Masters finals17:00 – 17:30Medal ceremony Time (CET)Event Time (CET) Event Thursday, April 2, 2026 – Doubles Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:15Doubles semi-finals18:15 – 19:00Doubles finals19:00 – 19:15Medal ceremonyFriday, April 3, 2026 – Team Event (Block 1)08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3)Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Team Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:45Team semi-finals18:45 – 20:00Team finals20:00 – 20:30Team medal ceremony20:30 – 21:00All-events medal ceremonySunday, April 5, 2026 – Masters Finals07:00 – 08:00Lane maintenance08:00 – 09:15Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16)09:15 – 10:15Lane maintenance10:15 – 11:30Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16)11:30 – 12:30Lane maintenance12:30 – 13:45Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls)13:45 – 14:30Lane maintenance14:30 – 15:45Masters semi-finals15:45 – 17:00Masters finals17:00 – 17:30Medal ceremony Thursday, April 2, 2026 – Doubles Finals 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls) 09:00 – 12:15 Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls) 13:15 – 16:30 Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls) 16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance 16:30 – 17:30 Lane maintenance 17:30 – 18:15Doubles semi-finals 17:30 – 18:15 Doubles semi-finals 18:15 – 19:00Doubles finals 18:15 – 19:00 Doubles finals 19:00 – 19:15Medal ceremony 19:00 – 19:15 Medal ceremony Friday, April 3, 2026 – Team Event (Block 1) 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3) 09:00 – 12:15 Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3) 13:15 – 16:30 Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3) Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Team Finals 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6) 09:00 – 12:15 Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6) 13:15 – 16:30 Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6) 16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance 16:30 – 17:30 Lane maintenance 17:30 – 18:45Team semi-finals 17:30 – 18:45 Team semi-finals 18:45 – 20:00Team finals 18:45 – 20:00 Team finals 20:00 – 20:30Team medal ceremony 20:00 – 20:30 Team medal ceremony 20:30 – 21:00All-events medal ceremony 20:30 – 21:00 All-events medal ceremony Sunday, April 5, 2026 – Masters Finals 07:00 – 08:00Lane maintenance 07:00 – 08:00 Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:15Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16) 08:00 – 09:15 Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16) 09:15 – 10:15Lane maintenance 09:15 – 10:15 Lane maintenance 10:15 – 11:30Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16) 10:15 – 11:30 Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16) 11:30 – 12:30Lane maintenance 11:30 – 12:30 Lane maintenance 12:30 – 13:45Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls) 12:30 – 13:45 Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls) 13:45 – 14:30Lane maintenance 13:45 – 14:30 Lane maintenance 14:30 – 15:45Masters semi-finals 14:30 – 15:45 Masters semi-finals 15:45 – 17:00Masters finals 15:45 – 17:00 Masters finals 17:00 – 17:30Medal ceremony 17:00 – 17:30 Medal ceremony {"@context": "https://schema.org","@graph": 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The Singles event at the European Youth Championships 2026 in Berlin hasconcluded, with medals decided after two days of qualification. After the final girls squad and two boys squads were completed, the semifinalmatchups were set in both divisions. Girls' Division Qualifiers In the girls division, Germany’s Fiona Lindemann moved into first place afterher stellar performance in squad 3 with a total of 1,344. Finland’s EmmaPalermaa, who led the qualifiers after the first day, finished second with1,340, followed by two Swedes - Saga Johansson in third with 1,321 and ElissaMehmet in fourth place with 1,310. All four athletes advanced to thesemifinals. who led the qualifiers after the first day France’s Manon Clement finished fifth with 1,299, while Estonia’s Kaisa-Ly Leeplaced sixth with 1,272. Czech Republic’s Ema Iwazawa took seventh place with1,267, followed by Sweden’s Elin Bergqvist in eighth with 1,262. CzechRepublic’s Julie Racova finished ninth with 1,248, and Norway’s MadelenThorsrudhagen Danielsen rounded out the top 10 with 1,231. RankPlayerNationalityTotal PinsAvg.1Fiona LindemannGermany1,344224.002Emma PalermaaFinland1,340223.333Saga JohanssonSweden1,321220.174Elissa MehmetSweden1,310218.33SEMIFINALS CUT LINE5Manon ClementFrance1,299216.506Kaisa-Ly LeeEstonia1,272212.007Ema IwazawaCzech Republic1,267211.178Elin BergqvistSweden1,262210.339Julie RacovaCzech Republic1,248208.0010Madelen Thorsrudhagen DanielsenNorway1,231205.17 RankPlayerNationalityTotal PinsAvg. Rank Player Nationality Total Pins Avg. 1Fiona LindemannGermany1,344224.002Emma PalermaaFinland1,340223.333Saga JohanssonSweden1,321220.174Elissa MehmetSweden1,310218.33SEMIFINALS CUT LINE5Manon ClementFrance1,299216.506Kaisa-Ly LeeEstonia1,272212.007Ema IwazawaCzech Republic1,267211.178Elin BergqvistSweden1,262210.339Julie RacovaCzech Republic1,248208.0010Madelen Thorsrudhagen DanielsenNorway1,231205.17 1Fiona LindemannGermany1,344224.00 1 Fiona Lindemann Germany 1,344 224.00 2Emma PalermaaFinland1,340223.33 2 Emma Palermaa Finland 1,340 223.33 3Saga JohanssonSweden1,321220.17 3 Saga Johansson Sweden 1,321 220.17 4Elissa MehmetSweden1,310218.33 4 Elissa Mehmet Sweden 1,310 218.33 SEMIFINALS CUT LINE 5Manon ClementFrance1,299216.50 5 Manon Clement France 1,299 216.50 6Kaisa-Ly LeeEstonia1,272212.00 6 Kaisa-Ly Lee Estonia 1,272 212.00 7Ema IwazawaCzech Republic1,267211.17 7 Ema Iwazawa Czech Republic 1,267 211.17 8Elin BergqvistSweden1,262210.33 8 Elin Bergqvist Sweden 1,262 210.33 9Julie RacovaCzech Republic1,248208.00 9 Julie Racova Czech Republic 1,248 208.00 10Madelen Thorsrudhagen DanielsenNorway1,231205.17 10 Madelen Thorsrudhagen Danielsen Norway 1,231 205.17 Boys' Division Qualifiers In the boys division, Denmark’s Tobias Kastfelt Bryde led qualification withan impressive 1,470, including a perfect 300 game. Czech Republic’s JaroslavZapletal secured second place with 1,446, while Malta’s Nicolai Malliafinished third with 1,408. France’s Thomas Laymet-Carre took fourth place with1,398 to complete the semifinal field. Sweden’s Erik Larsson finished fifth with 1,389, followed by Slovakia’s MatúšHrušovský in sixth with 1,386. Norway’s Tian Solum Vallestad placed seventhwith 1,360, while Mathias Danielsen Otting, also from Norway, finished eighthwith 1,357. Greece’s Spyridon Lykiardopoulos and France’s Raphael Durivaultshared ninth and tenth positions with 1,336. RankPlayerNationalityTotal Pins (6 Games)Avg.1Tobias Kastfelt BrydeDenmark1,470245.002Jaroslav ZapletalCzech Republic1,446241.003Nicolai MalliaMalta1,408234.674Thomas Laymet-CarreFrance1,398233.00✂️ SEMIFINALS CUT LINE ✂️5Erik LarssonSweden1,389231.506Matúš HrušovskýSlovakia1,386231.007Tian Solum VallestadNorway1,360226.678Mathias Danielsen OttingNorway1,357226.179Spyridon LykiardopoulosGreece1,336222.6710Raphael DurivaultFrance1,336222.67 RankPlayerNationalityTotal Pins (6 Games)Avg. Rank Player Nationality Total Pins (6 Games) Avg. 1Tobias Kastfelt BrydeDenmark1,470245.002Jaroslav ZapletalCzech Republic1,446241.003Nicolai MalliaMalta1,408234.674Thomas Laymet-CarreFrance1,398233.00✂️ SEMIFINALS CUT LINE ✂️5Erik LarssonSweden1,389231.506Matúš HrušovskýSlovakia1,386231.007Tian Solum VallestadNorway1,360226.678Mathias Danielsen OttingNorway1,357226.179Spyridon LykiardopoulosGreece1,336222.6710Raphael DurivaultFrance1,336222.67 1Tobias Kastfelt BrydeDenmark1,470245.00 1 Tobias Kastfelt Bryde Denmark 1,470 245.00 2Jaroslav ZapletalCzech Republic1,446241.00 2 Jaroslav Zapletal Czech Republic 1,446 241.00 3Nicolai MalliaMalta1,408234.67 3 Nicolai Mallia Malta 1,408 234.67 4Thomas Laymet-CarreFrance1,398233.00 4 Thomas Laymet-Carre France 1,398 233.00 ✂️ SEMIFINALS CUT LINE ✂️ 5Erik LarssonSweden1,389231.50 5 Erik Larsson Sweden 1,389 231.50 6Matúš HrušovskýSlovakia1,386231.00 6 Matúš Hrušovský Slovakia 1,386 231.00 7Tian Solum VallestadNorway1,360226.67 7 Tian Solum Vallestad Norway 1,360 226.67 8Mathias Danielsen OttingNorway1,357226.17 8 Mathias Danielsen Otting Norway 1,357 226.17 9Spyridon LykiardopoulosGreece1,336222.67 9 Spyridon Lykiardopoulos Greece 1,336 222.67 10Raphael DurivaultFrance1,336222.67 10 Raphael Durivault France 1,336 222.67 The semifinal stage brought single-game matches to decide the finalists. Inthe girls division, Elissa Mehmet defeated Fiona Lindemann 180–166 in theopening semifinal. Saga Johansson then overcame Emma Palermaa 214–199 tosecure her place in the all-Swedish final. The finals decided the first Singles champions of the European YouthChampionships 2026. In the girls final, Saga Johansson delivered a 211 game todefeat Elissa Mehmet, who finished with 175, securing the gold and silvermedals for Sweden. Girls Singles: Medal Matches Elissa Mehmet (SWE) 180 Fiona Lindemann (GER) 166 Saga Johansson (SWE) 214 Emma Palermaa (FIN) 199 Final Saga Johansson 211 Elissa Mehmet 175 In the boys division, Tobias Kastfelt Bryde and Thomas Laymet-Carre were tiedat 238 in their semifinal, with Bryde advancing by winning the tiebreaker. Inthe second semifinal, Jaroslav Zapletal defeated Nicolai Mallia 227–194. In the boys final, Jaroslav Zapletal claimed the title with a 233–200 victoryover Tobias Kastfelt Bryde, earning gold for the Czech Republic. Boys Singles: Medal Matches Tobias Kastfelt Bryde (DEN) 238* Thomas Laymet-Carre (FRA) 238 Jaroslav Zapletal (CZE) 227 Nicolai Mallia (MLT) 194 Final Jaroslav Zapletal 233 Tobias Kastfelt Bryde 200 With the Singles event completed, the European Youth Championships 2026continue in Berlin with the Doubles competition. European Youth Championships 2026 Oil Patterns Girls' Pattern Boys' Pattern Schedule Time (CET)EventWednesday, April 1, 2026 – Doubles08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 1 (Boys)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls)Thursday, April 2, 2026 – Doubles Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:15Doubles semi-finals18:15 – 19:00Doubles finals19:00 – 19:15Medal ceremonyFriday, April 3, 2026 – Team Event (Block 1)08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3)Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Team Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:45Team semi-finals18:45 – 20:00Team finals20:00 – 20:30Team medal ceremony20:30 – 21:00All-events medal ceremonySunday, April 5, 2026 – Masters Finals07:00 – 08:00Lane maintenance08:00 – 09:15Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16)09:15 – 10:15Lane maintenance10:15 – 11:30Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16)11:30 – 12:30Lane maintenance12:30 – 13:45Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls)13:45 – 14:30Lane maintenance14:30 – 15:45Masters semi-finals15:45 – 17:00Masters finals17:00 – 17:30Medal ceremony Time (CET)Event Time (CET) Event Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – Doubles08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 1 (Boys)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls)Thursday, April 2, 2026 – Doubles Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:15Doubles semi-finals18:15 – 19:00Doubles finals19:00 – 19:15Medal ceremonyFriday, April 3, 2026 – Team Event (Block 1)08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3)Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Team Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:45Team semi-finals18:45 – 20:00Team finals20:00 – 20:30Team medal ceremony20:30 – 21:00All-events medal ceremonySunday, April 5, 2026 – Masters Finals07:00 – 08:00Lane maintenance08:00 – 09:15Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16)09:15 – 10:15Lane maintenance10:15 – 11:30Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16)11:30 – 12:30Lane maintenance12:30 – 13:45Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls)13:45 – 14:30Lane maintenance14:30 – 15:45Masters semi-finals15:45 – 17:00Masters finals17:00 – 17:30Medal ceremony Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – Doubles 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 1 (Boys) 09:00 – 12:15 Doubles Squad 1 (Boys) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls) 13:15 – 16:30 Doubles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls) Thursday, April 2, 2026 – Doubles Finals 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls) 09:00 – 12:15 Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls) 13:15 – 16:30 Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls) 16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance 16:30 – 17:30 Lane maintenance 17:30 – 18:15Doubles semi-finals 17:30 – 18:15 Doubles semi-finals 18:15 – 19:00Doubles finals 18:15 – 19:00 Doubles finals 19:00 – 19:15Medal ceremony 19:00 – 19:15 Medal ceremony Friday, April 3, 2026 – Team Event (Block 1) 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3) 09:00 – 12:15 Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3) 13:15 – 16:30 Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3) Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Team Finals 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6) 09:00 – 12:15 Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6) 13:15 – 16:30 Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6) 16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance 16:30 – 17:30 Lane maintenance 17:30 – 18:45Team semi-finals 17:30 – 18:45 Team semi-finals 18:45 – 20:00Team finals 18:45 – 20:00 Team finals 20:00 – 20:30Team medal ceremony 20:00 – 20:30 Team medal ceremony 20:30 – 21:00All-events medal ceremony 20:30 – 21:00 All-events medal ceremony Sunday, April 5, 2026 – Masters Finals 07:00 – 08:00Lane maintenance 07:00 – 08:00 Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:15Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16) 08:00 – 09:15 Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16) 09:15 – 10:15Lane maintenance 09:15 – 10:15 Lane maintenance 10:15 – 11:30Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16) 10:15 – 11:30 Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16) 11:30 – 12:30Lane maintenance 11:30 – 12:30 Lane maintenance 12:30 – 13:45Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls) 12:30 – 13:45 Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls) 13:45 – 14:30Lane maintenance 13:45 – 14:30 Lane maintenance 14:30 – 15:45Masters semi-finals 14:30 – 15:45 Masters semi-finals 15:45 – 17:00Masters finals 15:45 – 17:00 Masters finals 17:00 – 17:30Medal ceremony 17:00 – 17:30 Medal ceremony {"@context": "https://schema.org","@graph": [{"@type": "NewsArticle","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/eybc-2026-singles-finals-results/#article","headline": "Saga Johansson and Jaroslav Zapletal Win Singles Gold at European Youth Championships 2026","description": "Final results and standings from the Singles event at the European Youth Bowling Championships 2026 in 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Sweden's Saga Johansson and Czech Republic's Jaroslav Zapletal take home the gold medals.","image": ["https://fsn1.your-objectstorage.com/bowlinglife/media/Posts_Uploads/2026-European-Youth-Championships-Girls-1200x1553.png","https://fsn1.your-objectstorage.com/bowlinglife/media/Posts_Uploads/2026-European-Youth-Championships-Boys-1200x1553.png"],"datePublished": "2026-03-31T23:00:00+03:00","dateModified": "2026-03-31T23:00:00+03:00","author": {"@type": "Organization","name": "BowlingLife","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu"},"publisher": {"@type": "Organization","name": "BowlingLife","logo": {"@type": "ImageObject","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu/logo.png"}},"mainEntityOfPage": {"@type": "WebPage","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/eybc-2026-singles-finals-results/"}},{"@type": "SportsEvent","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/eybc-2026-singles-finals-results/#event","name": "European Youth Bowling Championships 2026 - Singles Finals","alternateName": "EYBC 2026 Singles Medal Matches","sport": "Bowling","startDate": "2026-03-31","endDate": "2026-03-31","location": {"@type": "Place","name": "Berlin","address": {"@type": "PostalAddress","addressLocality": "Berlin","addressCountry": "DE"}},"competitor": [{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Saga Johansson" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Elissa Mehmet" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Jaroslav Zapletal" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Tobias Kastfelt Bryde" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Fiona Lindemann" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Emma Palermaa" }],"description": "Final standings and medal match results from the boys and girls singles events at the 2026 European Youth Bowling Championships."},{"@type": "FAQPage","mainEntity": [{"@type": "Question","name": "Who won the girls singles at the European Youth Championships 2026?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Sweden's Saga Johansson won the girls singles gold medal at the EYBC 2026, defeating her teammate Elissa Mehmet 211-175 in an all-Swedish final."}},{"@type": "Question","name": "Who won the boys singles at the European Youth Championships 2026?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Czech Republic's Jaroslav Zapletal won the boys singles gold medal at the EYBC 2026, defeating Denmark's Tobias Kastfelt Bryde 233-200 in the title match."}},{"@type": "Question","name": "Did anyone bowl a 300 at the European Youth Championships 2026?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Yes, Denmark's Tobias Kastfelt Bryde bowled a perfect 300 game during the boys singles qualification round, leading the field with a 1,470 six-game total."}}]}]}

The European Youth Championships 2026 in Berlin, Germany is officially underway. After two opening squads, Finland’s Emma Palermaa and Malta’s Nicolai Malliamoved into the top positions in the girls and boys divisions, setting theearly pace in the race for the first medals of the week. In the girls division, Palermaa leads the standings with a six-game total of1,340. Sweden’s Saga Johansson sits in second place with 1,321, followed byFrance’s Manon Clement in third with 1,299. Estonia’s Kaisa-Ly Lee currentlyholds fourth position with 1,272, which is the cut line for the semifinals atthis stage. Just outside the top four, Sweden’s Elin Bergqvist is fifth with 1,262.Norway’s Madelen Thorsrudhagen Danielsen follows in sixth place with 1,231,while her teammate Emilie Marie Aas is seventh with 1,224. Germany’s SaskiaKirschke stands in eighth with 1,214. England’s Chloe Birch is ninth with1,205, and Czech Republic’s Pavla Zackova rounds out the current top 10 with1,201. RankPlayerNat.TotalAvg.1Emma PalermaaFinland1,340223.332Saga JohanssonSweden1,321220.173Manon ClementFrance1,299216.504Kaisa-Ly LeeEstonia1,272212.00SEMIFINALS CUT LINE5Elin BergqvistSweden1,262210.336Madelen Thorsrudhagen DanielsenNorway1,231205.177Emilie Marie AasNorway1,224204.008Saskia KirschkeGermany1,214202.339Chloe BirchEngland1,205200.8310Pavla ZackovaCzech Republic1,201200.17 RankPlayerNat.TotalAvg. Rank Player Nat. Total Avg. 1Emma PalermaaFinland1,340223.332Saga JohanssonSweden1,321220.173Manon ClementFrance1,299216.504Kaisa-Ly LeeEstonia1,272212.00SEMIFINALS CUT LINE5Elin BergqvistSweden1,262210.336Madelen Thorsrudhagen DanielsenNorway1,231205.177Emilie Marie AasNorway1,224204.008Saskia KirschkeGermany1,214202.339Chloe BirchEngland1,205200.8310Pavla ZackovaCzech Republic1,201200.17 1Emma PalermaaFinland1,340223.33 1 Emma Palermaa Finland 1,340 223.33 2Saga JohanssonSweden1,321220.17 2 Saga Johansson Sweden 1,321 220.17 3Manon ClementFrance1,299216.50 3 Manon Clement France 1,299 216.50 4Kaisa-Ly LeeEstonia1,272212.00 4 Kaisa-Ly Lee Estonia 1,272 212.00 SEMIFINALS CUT LINE 5Elin BergqvistSweden1,262210.33 5 Elin Bergqvist Sweden 1,262 210.33 6Madelen Thorsrudhagen DanielsenNorway1,231205.17 6 Madelen Thorsrudhagen Danielsen Norway 1,231 205.17 7Emilie Marie AasNorway1,224204.00 7 Emilie Marie Aas Norway 1,224 204.00 8Saskia KirschkeGermany1,214202.33 8 Saskia Kirschke Germany 1,214 202.33 9Chloe BirchEngland1,205200.83 9 Chloe Birch England 1,205 200.83 10Pavla ZackovaCzech Republic1,201200.17 10 Pavla Zackova Czech Republic 1,201 200.17 In the boys division, Nicolai Mallia leads the field with a strong 1,408 totalover six games. Slovakia’s Matúš Hrušovský is in second place with 1,386,while Greece’s Spyridon Lykiardopoulos sits third with 1,336. Italy’s GiovanniVisconti currently holds fourth place with 1,332, which would secure asemifinal spot if the standings remain unchanged. Italy’s Marco Rosellini is fifth with 1,319, followed by Sweden’s PhilipStrandgren in sixth with 1,293. England’s Jayden Hartley also has 1,293 andsits seventh. Germany’s Lukas Wolter is eighth with 1,292, just ahead ofCroatia’s Vedran Barunčić in ninth with the same total. Denmark’s Oscar EmilPorskrøg completes the top 10 with 1,285. RankPlayerNationalityTotal Pins (6 Games)Avg.1Nicolai MalliaMalta1,408234.672Matúš HrušovskýSlovakia1,386231.003Spyridon LykiardopoulosGreece1,336222.674Giovanni ViscontiItaly1,332222.00SEMIFINALS CUT LIN5Marco RoselliniItaly1,319219.836Philip StrandgrenSweden1,293215.507Jayden HartleyEngland1,293215.508Lukas WolterGermany1,292215.339Vedran BarunčićCroatia1,292215.3310Oscar Emil PorskrøgDenmark1,285214.17 RankPlayerNationalityTotal Pins (6 Games)Avg. Rank Player Nationality Total Pins (6 Games) Avg. 1Nicolai MalliaMalta1,408234.672Matúš HrušovskýSlovakia1,386231.003Spyridon LykiardopoulosGreece1,336222.674Giovanni ViscontiItaly1,332222.00SEMIFINALS CUT LIN5Marco RoselliniItaly1,319219.836Philip StrandgrenSweden1,293215.507Jayden HartleyEngland1,293215.508Lukas WolterGermany1,292215.339Vedran BarunčićCroatia1,292215.3310Oscar Emil PorskrøgDenmark1,285214.17 1Nicolai MalliaMalta1,408234.67 1 Nicolai Mallia Malta 1,408 234.67 2Matúš HrušovskýSlovakia1,386231.00 2 Matúš Hrušovský Slovakia 1,386 231.00 3Spyridon LykiardopoulosGreece1,336222.67 3 Spyridon Lykiardopoulos Greece 1,336 222.67 4Giovanni ViscontiItaly1,332222.00 4 Giovanni Visconti Italy 1,332 222.00 SEMIFINALS CUT LIN 5Marco RoselliniItaly1,319219.83 5 Marco Rosellini Italy 1,319 219.83 6Philip StrandgrenSweden1,293215.50 6 Philip Strandgren Sweden 1,293 215.50 7Jayden HartleyEngland1,293215.50 7 Jayden Hartley England 1,293 215.50 8Lukas WolterGermany1,292215.33 8 Lukas Wolter Germany 1,292 215.33 9Vedran BarunčićCroatia1,292215.33 9 Vedran Barunčić Croatia 1,292 215.33 10Oscar Emil PorskrøgDenmark1,285214.17 10 Oscar Emil Porskrøg Denmark 1,285 214.17 The top four players in each division will advance to thesemifinals and compete for the first medals at the European YouthChampionships 2026. One more girls squad and two boyssquads are scheduled for tomorrow starting at 9 AM local time. After that, thecompetition will move into the semifinals and finals to decide the championsin both divisions. European Youth Championships 2026 Don't miss a frame from Berlin! Watch the continent's top young talents liveand keep track of the latest standings. 🎥 Watch Livestream 📊 View Results Boys and girls compete on different lane patterns, which have been set afterthe Managers Meeting on early Sunday morning. European Youth Championships 2026 Oil Patterns Girls Pattern Boys Pattern Schedule Time (CET)EventTuesday, March 31, 2026 – Singles Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Singles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Singles Squad 4 (Boys)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:00Singles semi-finals18:00 – 18:30Singles finals18:30 – 18:45Medal ceremonyWednesday, April 1, 2026 – Doubles08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 1 (Boys)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls)Thursday, April 2, 2026 – Doubles Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:15Doubles semi-finals18:15 – 19:00Doubles finals19:00 – 19:15Medal ceremonyFriday, April 3, 2026 – Team Event (Block 1)08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3)Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Team Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:45Team semi-finals18:45 – 20:00Team finals20:00 – 20:30Team medal ceremony20:30 – 21:00All-events medal ceremonySunday, April 5, 2026 – Masters Finals07:00 – 08:00Lane maintenance08:00 – 09:15Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16)09:15 – 10:15Lane maintenance10:15 – 11:30Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16)11:30 – 12:30Lane maintenance12:30 – 13:45Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls)13:45 – 14:30Lane maintenance14:30 – 15:45Masters semi-finals15:45 – 17:00Masters finals17:00 – 17:30Medal ceremony Time (CET)Event Time (CET) Event Tuesday, March 31, 2026 – Singles Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Singles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Singles Squad 4 (Boys)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:00Singles semi-finals18:00 – 18:30Singles finals18:30 – 18:45Medal ceremonyWednesday, April 1, 2026 – Doubles08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 1 (Boys)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls)Thursday, April 2, 2026 – Doubles Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:15Doubles semi-finals18:15 – 19:00Doubles finals19:00 – 19:15Medal ceremonyFriday, April 3, 2026 – Team Event (Block 1)08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3)Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Team Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:45Team semi-finals18:45 – 20:00Team finals20:00 – 20:30Team medal ceremony20:30 – 21:00All-events medal ceremonySunday, April 5, 2026 – Masters Finals07:00 – 08:00Lane maintenance08:00 – 09:15Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16)09:15 – 10:15Lane maintenance10:15 – 11:30Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16)11:30 – 12:30Lane maintenance12:30 – 13:45Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls)13:45 – 14:30Lane maintenance14:30 – 15:45Masters semi-finals15:45 – 17:00Masters finals17:00 – 17:30Medal ceremony Tuesday, March 31, 2026 – Singles Finals 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Singles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls) 09:00 – 12:15 Singles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Singles Squad 4 (Boys) 13:15 – 16:30 Singles Squad 4 (Boys) 16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance 16:30 – 17:30 Lane maintenance 17:30 – 18:00Singles semi-finals 17:30 – 18:00 Singles semi-finals 18:00 – 18:30Singles finals 18:00 – 18:30 Singles finals 18:30 – 18:45Medal ceremony 18:30 – 18:45 Medal ceremony Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – Doubles 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 1 (Boys) 09:00 – 12:15 Doubles Squad 1 (Boys) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls) 13:15 – 16:30 Doubles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls) Thursday, April 2, 2026 – Doubles Finals 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls) 09:00 – 12:15 Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls) 13:15 – 16:30 Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls) 16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance 16:30 – 17:30 Lane maintenance 17:30 – 18:15Doubles semi-finals 17:30 – 18:15 Doubles semi-finals 18:15 – 19:00Doubles finals 18:15 – 19:00 Doubles finals 19:00 – 19:15Medal ceremony 19:00 – 19:15 Medal ceremony Friday, April 3, 2026 – Team Event (Block 1) 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3) 09:00 – 12:15 Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3) 13:15 – 16:30 Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3) Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Team Finals 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6) 09:00 – 12:15 Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6) 13:15 – 16:30 Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6) 16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance 16:30 – 17:30 Lane maintenance 17:30 – 18:45Team semi-finals 17:30 – 18:45 Team semi-finals 18:45 – 20:00Team finals 18:45 – 20:00 Team finals 20:00 – 20:30Team medal ceremony 20:00 – 20:30 Team medal ceremony 20:30 – 21:00All-events medal ceremony 20:30 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When people talk about the strongest bowling countries in Europe, Finland isalways part of that conversation. That is not only because of the top players it has produced - Mika Koivuniemi,Osku Palermaa, and Tomas Käyhkö, to name a few. It is also because Finlandcontinues to host some of the continent’s most important events at one of itsmost famous venues - Tali Bowl in Helsinki. The venue has hosted theBrunswick Ballmaster Openfor decades, will welcome theInternational Hammer Challengeagain in August 2026, and is also set to host the European Men’s Championshipsin 2027. Brunswick Ballmaster Open International Hammer Challenge Tali Bowl Remains One of the Key Centers in European Bowling If one place explains Finland’s bowling status better than any other, it isTali Bowl. It is a venue built for major events, and that becomes clear the moment youwalk in. Once you climb the stairs and enter the arena, the size of the venuecan take your breath away. It feels more like stepping into a basketball arenathan a typical bowling alley. With 36 top-class Brunswick Pro Anvilane lanes, modern equipment, and spacefor both bowlers and spectators, Tali Bowl has all the ingredients needed forworld-class competition. Events at Tali Bowl are usually supported by full live streaming, often withnon-stop commentary from a professional booth where experienced bowling voicesbreak down the action and react to the biggest moments as they happen. Not tomention the finals on national TV of every major event. All of this helps explain why Tali Bowl continues to host some of the mostimportant events in European bowling. No matter whether it is an opentournament or the European Championships, when an event is held there,everyone knows they can expect a top-level experience where even the smallestdetails are carefully handled. International Hammer Challenge adds another major stop in Helsinki The biggest event at Tali Bowl, both in size and historical importance, is ofcourse the true gem of European bowling - the Brunswick Ballmaster Open. In January, almost 490 players from 22 countries took to the lanes for theirshare of a prize fund worth nearly €84,000 (approx. $97,000). In January Despite the strong international fields, the title has remained in Finland forthe past two seasons. Jarno Lahti won the trophy in 2025, and Santtu Tahvanainen followed with another home victory this year. Jarno Lahti won the trophy in 2025 Santtu Tahvanainen followed with another home victory this year. But there is another tournament at Tali Bowl that is quickly gainingrecognition in bowling circles. The International Hammer Challenge returns forits fourth edition this August, adding another major international event tothe calendar. The International Hammer Challenge is also clearly growing. In 2025, itattracted 286 participants, making it one of the biggest tournaments inFinland. Organizers are expecting to reach that number again this year. The 2026 International Hammer Challenge will take place from August 14 toAugust 23 in Helsinki, with a total prize fund of €52,380 (approx. $60,000)and €7,000 (approx. $8,000) going to the winner. 2026 International Hammer Challenge For those thinking about joining, this may be the right time to act, as squadspots for the 2026 edition are filling quickly. 2026 International Hammer Challenge August 14 – August 23, 2026 | Tali Bowl, Helsinki Total Prize Fund €52,380 First Place €7,000 Don't miss out on one of Finland's premier international events. Squad spots are filling up quickly! Register Now! {"@context": "https://schema.org","@graph": [{"@type": "NewsArticle","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/international-hammer-challenge-2026-tali-bowl/#article","headline": "2026 International Hammer Challenge Returns to Tali Bowl in Helsinki","description": "Tali Bowl continues to be the hub of European bowling. 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Senior bowlers heading to Rome this summer will have one more big reason tostay a little longer. The Italy Senior Open 2026 will take place from June 27 to July 5 at MondialBowling Ciampino in Rome, Italy, just one day after the European SeniorBowling Championships come to an end in the same city. Italy Senior Open 2026 That timing gives players a rare and very practical opportunity. Instead oftravelling to another country or rushing home after ESBC, bowlers can stay inRome for another week and take part in one of Europe’s biggest senior bowlingevents. The transition could hardly be easier. There is no extra travel, no change ofvenue city, and no need to reorganize a full new trip. Instead, players can remain in Rome and continue their bowling week in asetting that already promises plenty both on and off the lanes. Italy Senior Open 2026 Tournament Dates: June 27 – July 5, 2026 Compete for a €20,000 prize fund in one of Europe's premier senior events. Spots are filling up! Register Now Prize Fund Grows to €20,000 Tournament organizers have also raised the prize fund for the 2026 edition.Last year, the Italy Senior Open offered a total prize fund of €16,000. In2026, that number increases to €20,000. Of that total, €15,000 will go to the men’s division. The winner of the men’sevent will receive €2,100, and the top 32 men will earn prize money. The remaining €5,000 will be paid out in the women’s division, where thewinner will take home €1,000. €20,000 prize fund Men's Division €15,000 1st Place: €2,100 (Top 32 Earn Prize Money) Women's Division €5,000 1st Place: €1,000 (Top 16 Advance to Finals) Tournament Format The tournament format remains straightforward and easy to follow. Players will bowl six qualifying games, with unlimited re-entries availableduring qualification. After that, 48 players will advance to the final stages- 32 men and 16 women. From there, bowlers will play through four final steps until the top threeplayers remain. The tournament will then conclude with a stepladder final todecide the champions. The format gives players more than one chance to improve during qualification,while still building toward a short and high-pressure finish at the end. Tournament Shirt Available Players who want a special memory from this year’s event can already order the official Italy Senior Open 2026 t-shirt. order the official Italy Senior Open 2026 t-shirt. Created by tournament partner Trident, the shirt can be fully personalizedwith the player’s name. The design includes the Capitoline Wolf, one of Rome’sbest-known symbols, together with a Roman warrior bowling inside the Colosseumsetting. Trident It is available now for €35 and gives players a unique keepsake from the eventbefore the first ball is even thrown. Live Scoring and Streaming Options As in previous editions, players and fans will also have ways to follow theaction closely. The tournament will be streamed live on the YouTube channel ofMondial Bowling Ciampino. Lanetalk will also be available during the event, and Kegel SPECTO will beavailable on lanes 1 to 6. These features help both players and viewers stayconnected to the tournament throughout the week. Italy Senior Open 2026 Tournament Dates: June 27 – July 5, 2026 Compete for a €20,000 prize fund in one of Europe's premier senior events. Spots are filling up! Register Now {"@context": "https://schema.org","@graph": [{"@type": "NewsArticle","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/italy-senior-open-2026/#article","headline": "Italy Senior Open 2026: Registration, €20,000 Prize Fund & Schedule","description": "Stay in Rome after the ESBC and compete in the Italy Senior Open 2026. 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The lanes in City Bowling Hasenheide in Berlin, Germany is set, the playersare ready, and theEuropean Youth Championships 2026are officially underway. European Youth Championships 2026 From March 28 to April 6, Germany is hosting one of Europe’s biggest youthbowling events, bringing together the continent’s top young talents for a weekof competition. According to the Eurpean Bowling Federation, 171 athletes have made the tripto Germany - 58 girls and 113 boys. Many of them had their first chance to get a feel for the lanes duringunofficial practice on Friday, and from the first glampse the conditions atthe bowling center can also demand adjustments, as some federations werereporting muggy conditions at the bowling center. Over the week, these young bowlers will compete for medals in singles, doubles, team, all-events, and masters. On Monday, the European Youth Championships 2026 will begin with the singles competition, as two squads take to the lanes to battle for the first set of medals. The singles competition continues on Tuesday with two more squads, followed by the semifinals and finals. European Youth Championships 2026 Don't miss a frame from Berlin! Watch the continent's top young talents live and keep track of the latest standings. 🎥 Watch Livestream 📊 View Results Boys and girls will compete on different lane patterns, which have been setafter the Managers Meeting on early Sunday morning. European Youth Championships 2026 Oil Patterns Girls Pattern Boys Pattern Schedule Time (CET)EventSunday, March 29, 2026 – Official PracticeAll dayBall registration08:00 – 08:30Team managers meeting09:00 – 10:30Official practice Squad 1 (Boys)10:30 – 11:30Lane maintenance11:30 – 13:00Official practice Squad 2 (Boys)13:00 – 14:00Lane maintenance14:00 – 15:30Official practice Squad 3 (Boys)15:30 – 16:30Lane maintenance16:30 – 18:00Official practice Squad 4 (Girls)18:00 – 18:30Break and line-up18:30 – 19:30Opening ceremonyMonday, March 30, 2026 – Singles08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Singles Squad 1 (Boys and Girls)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Singles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls)Tuesday, March 31, 2026 – Singles Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Singles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Singles Squad 4 (Boys)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:00Singles semi-finals18:00 – 18:30Singles finals18:30 – 18:45Medal ceremonyWednesday, April 1, 2026 – Doubles08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 1 (Boys)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls)Thursday, April 2, 2026 – Doubles Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:15Doubles semi-finals18:15 – 19:00Doubles finals19:00 – 19:15Medal ceremonyFriday, April 3, 2026 – Team Event (Block 1)08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3)Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Team Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:45Team semi-finals18:45 – 20:00Team finals20:00 – 20:30Team medal ceremony20:30 – 21:00All-events medal ceremonySunday, April 5, 2026 – Masters Finals07:00 – 08:00Lane maintenance08:00 – 09:15Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16)09:15 – 10:15Lane maintenance10:15 – 11:30Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16)11:30 – 12:30Lane maintenance12:30 – 13:45Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls)13:45 – 14:30Lane maintenance14:30 – 15:45Masters semi-finals15:45 – 17:00Masters finals17:00 – 17:30Medal ceremony Time (CET)Event Time (CET) Event Sunday, March 29, 2026 – Official PracticeAll dayBall registration08:00 – 08:30Team managers meeting09:00 – 10:30Official practice Squad 1 (Boys)10:30 – 11:30Lane maintenance11:30 – 13:00Official practice Squad 2 (Boys)13:00 – 14:00Lane maintenance14:00 – 15:30Official practice Squad 3 (Boys)15:30 – 16:30Lane maintenance16:30 – 18:00Official practice Squad 4 (Girls)18:00 – 18:30Break and line-up18:30 – 19:30Opening ceremonyMonday, March 30, 2026 – Singles08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Singles Squad 1 (Boys and Girls)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Singles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls)Tuesday, March 31, 2026 – Singles Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Singles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Singles Squad 4 (Boys)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:00Singles semi-finals18:00 – 18:30Singles finals18:30 – 18:45Medal ceremonyWednesday, April 1, 2026 – Doubles08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 1 (Boys)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls)Thursday, April 2, 2026 – Doubles Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:15Doubles semi-finals18:15 – 19:00Doubles finals19:00 – 19:15Medal ceremonyFriday, April 3, 2026 – Team Event (Block 1)08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3)Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Team Finals08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance09:00 – 12:15Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6)12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance13:15 – 16:30Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6)16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance17:30 – 18:45Team semi-finals18:45 – 20:00Team finals20:00 – 20:30Team medal ceremony20:30 – 21:00All-events medal ceremonySunday, April 5, 2026 – Masters Finals07:00 – 08:00Lane maintenance08:00 – 09:15Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16)09:15 – 10:15Lane maintenance10:15 – 11:30Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16)11:30 – 12:30Lane maintenance12:30 – 13:45Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls)13:45 – 14:30Lane maintenance14:30 – 15:45Masters semi-finals15:45 – 17:00Masters finals17:00 – 17:30Medal ceremony Sunday, March 29, 2026 – Official Practice All dayBall registration All day Ball registration 08:00 – 08:30Team managers meeting 08:00 – 08:30 Team managers meeting 09:00 – 10:30Official practice Squad 1 (Boys) 09:00 – 10:30 Official practice Squad 1 (Boys) 10:30 – 11:30Lane maintenance 10:30 – 11:30 Lane maintenance 11:30 – 13:00Official practice Squad 2 (Boys) 11:30 – 13:00 Official practice Squad 2 (Boys) 13:00 – 14:00Lane maintenance 13:00 – 14:00 Lane maintenance 14:00 – 15:30Official practice Squad 3 (Boys) 14:00 – 15:30 Official practice Squad 3 (Boys) 15:30 – 16:30Lane maintenance 15:30 – 16:30 Lane maintenance 16:30 – 18:00Official practice Squad 4 (Girls) 16:30 – 18:00 Official practice Squad 4 (Girls) 18:00 – 18:30Break and line-up 18:00 – 18:30 Break and line-up 18:30 – 19:30Opening ceremony 18:30 – 19:30 Opening ceremony Monday, March 30, 2026 – Singles 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Singles Squad 1 (Boys and Girls) 09:00 – 12:15 Singles Squad 1 (Boys and Girls) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Singles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls) 13:15 – 16:30 Singles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls) Tuesday, March 31, 2026 – Singles Finals 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Singles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls) 09:00 – 12:15 Singles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Singles Squad 4 (Boys) 13:15 – 16:30 Singles Squad 4 (Boys) 16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance 16:30 – 17:30 Lane maintenance 17:30 – 18:00Singles semi-finals 17:30 – 18:00 Singles semi-finals 18:00 – 18:30Singles finals 18:00 – 18:30 Singles finals 18:30 – 18:45Medal ceremony 18:30 – 18:45 Medal ceremony Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – Doubles 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 1 (Boys) 09:00 – 12:15 Doubles Squad 1 (Boys) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls) 13:15 – 16:30 Doubles Squad 2 (Boys and Girls) Thursday, April 2, 2026 – Doubles Finals 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls) 09:00 – 12:15 Doubles Squad 3 (Boys and Girls) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls) 13:15 – 16:30 Doubles Squad 4 (Boys and Girls) 16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance 16:30 – 17:30 Lane maintenance 17:30 – 18:15Doubles semi-finals 17:30 – 18:15 Doubles semi-finals 18:15 – 19:00Doubles finals 18:15 – 19:00 Doubles finals 19:00 – 19:15Medal ceremony 19:00 – 19:15 Medal ceremony Friday, April 3, 2026 – Team Event (Block 1) 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3) 09:00 – 12:15 Team Block 1 (Boys, Games 1–3) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3) 13:15 – 16:30 Team Block 1 (Boys and Girls, Games 1–3) Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Team Finals 08:00 – 09:00Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:00 Lane maintenance 09:00 – 12:15Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6) 09:00 – 12:15 Team Block 2 (Boys and Girls, Games 4–6) 12:15 – 13:15Lane maintenance 12:15 – 13:15 Lane maintenance 13:15 – 16:30Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6) 13:15 – 16:30 Team Block 2 (Boys, Games 4–6) 16:30 – 17:30Lane maintenance 16:30 – 17:30 Lane maintenance 17:30 – 18:45Team semi-finals 17:30 – 18:45 Team semi-finals 18:45 – 20:00Team finals 18:45 – 20:00 Team finals 20:00 – 20:30Team medal ceremony 20:00 – 20:30 Team medal ceremony 20:30 – 21:00All-events medal ceremony 20:30 – 21:00 All-events medal ceremony Sunday, April 5, 2026 – Masters Finals 07:00 – 08:00Lane maintenance 07:00 – 08:00 Lane maintenance 08:00 – 09:15Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16) 08:00 – 09:15 Masters Step 1 (Boys Top 16) 09:15 – 10:15Lane maintenance 09:15 – 10:15 Lane maintenance 10:15 – 11:30Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16) 10:15 – 11:30 Masters Step 1 (Girls Top 16) 11:30 – 12:30Lane maintenance 11:30 – 12:30 Lane maintenance 12:30 – 13:45Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls) 12:30 – 13:45 Masters Step 2 (Top 8 Boys and Girls) 13:45 – 14:30Lane maintenance 13:45 – 14:30 Lane maintenance 14:30 – 15:45Masters semi-finals 14:30 – 15:45 Masters semi-finals 15:45 – 17:00Masters finals 15:45 – 17:00 Masters finals 17:00 – 17:30Medal ceremony 17:00 – 17:30 Medal ceremony {"@context": "https://schema.org","@graph": [{"@type": "NewsArticle","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/berlin-to-host-european-youth-championships-2026/#article","headline": "European Youth Championships 2026 Underway in Berlin: Full Schedule & Oil Patterns","description": "The 2026 European Youth Bowling Championships have kicked off at City Bowling Hasenheide in Berlin, Germany. 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If you had a rough night at your local league last weekend and finished with a150, don’t feel too bad. This past Sunday, a score like that would have madeyou a PBA Tour champion. In a match that opened jaws even for seasoned bowling spectators, Marshall Kent outlasted top seed Boog Krol to win the 2026 PBA Indiana Classic. Marshall Kent outlasted top seed Boog Krol to win the 2026 PBA Indiana Classic. The final score of the title match instantly set three new PBA Tour records -lowest title match in PBA Tour history, lowest combined match score onnational TV, and lowest winning score on national TV. Maybe it is not the record you'd ever want to break, but hey - a record is arecord. Historic PBA Records Broken 2026 PBA Indiana Classic Lowest Winning Score New Record 152 Marshall Kent (2026) Previous Record 157 Dennis Jacques (1983) Lowest Combined Score New Record 288 Kent vs. Krol (2026) Previous Record 296 Jacques vs. Staton (1983) What makes this even crazier is that the whole week was a scoring fest. The Mike Aulby 39-foot oil pattern was producing big scores - according to Lanetalk stats, the field averaged 234 throughout the entire week of qualifying. Even during the stepladder finals, before the title match, players were averaging 219, including Timmy Tan’s 172 against Tackett. big scores Lanetalk But when the lights came on for the trophy match, something changed. Marshall Kent walked off the lanes with his eighth career title, but he wasn'texactly celebrating with a backflip. He looked exhausted. Just half an hour earlier, he was carving up the lanes with a 250 game using a Hammer Zero Mercy Solid in thesemifinal against EJ Tackett. Then, suddenly, it was pins who showed zero mercy for Kent. Hammer Zero Mercy Solid "What really threw me for a loop was the second frame when I 2-8-10’d. Then Ichanged balls and washed out, because to me, it felt like those two shotsshould have come off the pattern down lane a lot harder than they did. Ididn’t think they warranted the results they got, and I think because of that,I got subconsciously scared to throw it to the right again," Marshall Kentsaid to the media after the match. "I overcompensated, hit the living crap out of it at the bottom, and made sureit didn’t get there. Then I ended up missing the headpin left twice in a row.I’m not going to lie - in that moment, I felt really kind of down anddefeated." Field AVG. of different stages at PBA INDIANA CLASSIC Qualifiers 234 Stepladder 219 Title Match 144 Luckily for Kent, his opponent, No. 1 seed Boog Krol, was throwing shots justas bad. Maybe even worse. At least the scoreboard above the lanes said so. No. 1 seed Boog Krol, "I think Boog threw the ball way better than he scored, for sure. It justseemed like every little tiny miss was the absolute worst result you couldthink of. It wasn’t like we were getting away with anything," Kent said. With both bowlers failing to pick up spares, not to mention building anystrikes, Kent realized that doing the "right" thing wasn't working. He decidedto throw a Hail Mary, changing his entire strategy on the fly. Luckily, itpaid off. "When that window opened for me, I said, 'I just have to change balls, changelines, just change everything and hope it works out,' because obviously what Iwas doing wasn't working. I just got fortunate enough that I made the rightguess at the right time. Boog made a great shot in the 10th when he needed to,and - kind of the theme of the game - 4-7-9. I don't think he deserved thatresult on that shot. It was about as good as you could execute in the moment,and he got absolutely penalized for it. It was just a strange match ingeneral, but I’m very fortunate to be coming out on top." One of the biggest elephants in the room was Krol’s decision to stick withurethane. In a five-man field, he was the only one to keep Hammer Black Urethane in his hand duringthe finals, and the community was quick to second-guess the move. It’s hard to argue with the logic, though. Krol rode that same urethanestrategy through Friday’s elimination rounds, averaging a massive 255 tosnatch the top seed. snatch the top seed While most players wouldn't dream of touching urethane,Marshall Kent was quick to defend Krol for sticking to his guns. "I wasn’t really sure because, personally, I wouldn’t. But he also took thelead in the last block of qualifying doing that, so I could see it. He has alittle trick he can do better than most people; even when urethane doesn'twork for a lot of guys, he has his own way to make it work late in the block.Honestly, if I was him, I probably would have made the same call. That’s justthe hard part about bowling on TV - you have to make those calls in the momentand commit to them. Sometimes you just make the wrong guesses, and sometimesyou make the right ones. It’s just the nature of the beast."

Last Sunday, Patrick Dombrowski secured the biggest victory of his career in Indianapolis, defeating Anthony Simonsen by just mere two pins to win the 2026U.S. Open and capture his first PBA Tour title. Patrick Dombrowski secured the biggest victory of his career in Indianapolis, defeating Anthony Simonsen The dramatic championship match came down to the final shot, when Simonsenleft a pocket 7–10 split that sealed the win for the 47-year-old formeraccountant. For Dombrowski, the moment marked the culmination of years of persistence onthe PBA Tour. After years competing mostly on regionals and committing to thenational tour full-time only recently, the breakthrough finally arrived onbowling’s biggest stage. In the title match against Simonsen, Dombrowski did everything he could tokeep the pressure on his opponent. Simonsen needed three strikes in the tenthframe to force a roll-off, but after two strikes, the third never came.Speaking with BowlingLife after the win, Dombrowski reflected on the tensefinal moments of the championship match. “I was shocked. I was thinking about my next shot. I thought he was going tostrike out to tie me.” Instead of preparing for a roll-off against one of the sport’s biggest stars,Dombrowski suddenly realized the title was his. Not just the final match, but the entire week turned into an emotional ride.Dombrowski, a big fan of amusement parks and rollercoasters, admitted the U.S.Open felt just as intense. “It was a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the week and even on the show.I just tried to shake the no strike frames out of my mind and throw the nextshot better," Dombrowski said. "Wish there was a park close by so I cancelebrate the win but I’ll have to save my celebration for a bit and focus onthis weeks tournament in Illinois.” The stepladder finals were also marked by six pocket 7–10 splits in four games- including the final shot by Simonsen that ultimately decided the title. Whenasked why they were appearing so often, Dombrowski said he also experiencedhis share of tough breaks earlier in the tournament, but fortunately they didnot come in the most decisive moments. “I’m not really sure how there was so many 7-10’s on the show. I left my shareof them this past week. I think I left 10. Three in one game on pattern 3. I’mlucky that I didn’t leave any. It was just my day." The PBA Tour now moves to Decatur, Illinois, where the Groupon PBA IllinoisClassic is already taking place at David Small’s Victory Lanes from March 9–15. OnMonday, Johnny Quach led the PTQ as 19 players advanced into the main field.

Each year, many talented bowlers earn spots on collegiate teams in the UnitedStates. Yet many others with similar potential - or even bigger - never makethat move. That’s unfortunate, because often the issue isn’t skill, but a lackof know-how. Many young players, especially international ones, simply don’t realize thatcollege bowling is an option for them as well, or they don’t know how theprocess works or where to begin. Fortunately, there are examples of those who have made that path successfully. Not that long ago, I watched French U21 national champ Yaari Lapid bowling in BowlingGP tournaments in France. Today, he competes for Wichita State University, one of the mostprestigious collegiate bowling programs and a proven pathway for futureprofessional bowlers. BowlingGP tournaments in France In our latest interview, we talked about the challenging path to joining aU.S. college bowling program, how recruitment works, and what bowlers shouldknow before considering the move. From Europe to Wichita State 19-year-old Yaari Lapid, from Paris, France currently studies InternationalBusiness at Wichita State University, one of the most recognized collegiatebowling programs in the United States. For him, the decision to move acrossthe Atlantic was driven by a long-term dream of becoming a professionalbowler. Wichita State has long been known for developing elite players and nationalchampions like Kris Prather, Packy Hanrahan, Ryan Barnes, or recent PBA Players Championship winner Brandon Bonta, so theopportunity to train alongside top athletes played a major role in Lapid’sdecision. recent PBA Players Championship winner Brandon Bonta “I chose Wichita State because the coaches are absolutely amazing and full ofknowledge. And the players are Junior Team and Team USA members, so they haveexperience and practicing with them makes you learn a lot.” Recruitment Process for International Bowlers For the 19-year-old, the road to Wichita State was a long one, demanding notonly desire, but also determination and patience. Unlike many other NCAA sports, collegiate bowling on the men’s side does notalways follow a traditional recruitment system. Instead, international bowlersoften need to take the initiative themselves. “There is not really a recruitment process on the men’s side because we arenot NCAA, so I contacted the coaches of a few schools almost two years priorto my arrival and I also came on a visit to Wichita State University.” According to Lapid, the process itself is manageable, but choosing the rightschool can be the real challenge. “The process is not particularly difficult but the choice of where to go canbe tricky depending on what you are looking for, whether it’s bowling level,academic level, the amount of scholarship money you can get and even whetheror not you get a guaranteed spot on the team roster.” He also strongly recommends visiting schools before committing, to feel theatmosphere, see the city you will live in, and meet the personnel. “I also recommend visiting some schools here. It will give a better idea ofthe area you are in and allow you to get to know the coaches, players and theenvironment better.” Understanding the Collegiate Bowling Season The collegiate bowling season is divided into two main parts: the regularseason and the postseason championships. During the regular season, programs compete in tournaments throughout theacademic year. Which events a team attends often depends on the school’sschedule and competitive strategy. “There is a certain number of tournaments the school has to bowl in order tobe eligible for Nationals. Some schools decide to bowl more tournaments andsome only do the minimum required,” Lapid said. The postseason begins with regional qualification events known as Sectionals,where teams compete for spots at the national championships. “Post-season is basically Sectionals, regional qualification with four regionswhere the top teams advance. Same for singles.” At the end of the season, the best collegiate teams in the country advance tothe USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships, the most prestigious event incollege bowling. The tournament features the top 16 men’s and top 16 women’steams in the nation competing for national titles. Teams reach thechampionships through sectional qualifiers held across four regions of theUnited States. Alongside the team event, USBC also hosts the Intercollegiate SinglesChampionships, which determine the individual national champions. Bowlersqualify through the same sectional events before advancing to the nationalfinals. The competition format itself is also unique compared to most internationaltournaments. “The format for almost all events is 5–6 traditional games of 5-man onSaturday. Then Sunday it’s 16 Baker games, four blocks of four games, on fourdifferent pairs. Then it’s the top 8 that advance to a match play eliminatorbracket, usually best 2 out of 3 or best 3 out of 5, to determine thechampions.” Advice for International Bowlers Considering the Move For young bowlers thinking about pursuing collegiate bowling, Lapid emphasizespreparation and early communication with coaches. “If any young European bowler wants to bowl collegiately in the US, theyshould start contacting coaches a year or two prior to their arrival so thatthey have enough time to discuss everything, mainly because coaches are busyduring the season.” Lapid also recommends researching programs carefully and making sure theenvironment fits both academically and athletically. “They should scout schools where either the bowling team is strong or theacademic program they want is well structured. They should start preparing atleast a year before they come so they can understand the practicing rhythm.” When asked what mistakes future collegiate bowlers should avoid, Lapid pointedout that collegiate athletics in the United States demands a high level ofcommitment. “A mistake to avoid is thinking Americans do not take it seriously. They arevery serious about collegiate sports. Although college can be a funexperience, college sports are very demanding.” At the same time, he encourages future players to consider the lifestyleaspect as well. “Second, not checking whether the place you are moving to has things to offer,like places to go out or spend time with friends. If there is nothing to do,you might get bored unless you truly don’t care about that.”

Just hours after announcing that he will step away from competitive bowling,Pontus Andersson spoke with Erikas Jansonas from BowlingLife about the decision, the timing, andwhy the next chapter felt right. The 30-year-old Swede has competed internationally for nearly 13 years,represented Sweden at both youth and men’s championships, and earned more than20 medals for the national team. But despite still performing at a high level,he felt this was the moment to move on. Time for the Next Chapter Asked what made this the right moment to end his competitive career, Anderssonexplained that the feeling had been building for some time. “Been bowling for such a long time and I feel I’ve been doing that part of mylife. Almost 13 years international competition and seeing a lot of parts ofthe world. It’s time for the next chapter!” The Thrill of Developing Others Even though Andersson is still performing well on the lanes, he shared thatcoaching has slowly become just as meaningful as competing. “I definitely feel I can compete, however the thrill of making other bowlersbetter and seeing how they develop is just as of a big thrill. It’s alwaysbeen in my mind to help out people through bowling and at this time it feltlike a great moment.” That mindset ultimately led him to accept a long-term coaching position withthe Qatar Youth Team, beginning in June. Full Focus Some players manage to coach and compete at the same time, even at theirprime. Many PBA and PWBA stars run clinics and offer coaching, but Anderssonfelt that splitting his attention would not allow him to give young bowlerswhat they expect - or what he wants to deliver. “With the move to Doha I’d like to put all my dedication towards the playersin Qatar. Focus will be 100% on them.” He added that the team’s potential is a major motivation. “I know how much potential they have at a young age. If I can help them becomeeven better and compete at the highest level, I would be so excited.” Goodbyes and Undone Business Andersson will be leaving not only the international stage, but also his teamin the Swedish Elitserien. Last season, he helped lead Team Clan to the trophy, and this year they sit in second place with two games in reserveagainst leaders BK Full House. Last season, he helped lead Team Clan to the trophy When asked about leaving the team without one of its key players, Anderssondidn’t hesitate. “They will be more than fine without me for sure!” With Team Clan, Andersson experienced some of the best moments of his professional career, lifting the league trophy twice - the first one nearly a decade ago, in 2016. One Last Ride Although Andersson will retire in June, he still has goals he wants to chasein his final months on the lanes. His first priority is to defend the titlewith Team Clan. The other is more individual. As the winner of the inaugural PBA Sweden regional event, he holds a covered-entry invitation to the World Series ofBowling in Minnesota at the end of April - an opportunity he intends to use. winner of the inaugural PBA Sweden regional event “Still a few things I wanna bowl and try to do my best in before I’m done!Like winning Swedish league one more time and bowl the WSOB!”

ThePBA USA vs. The World Captains Matchdelivered more than just a Sunday exhibition - it offered a rare early-seasonlook at two of the sport’s biggest living legends. Inside theInternational Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, on a pair of real wood lanesinstalled without markings or arrows, and human pinsetting machines,EJ Tackett struck 11 of 12 shots to defeat Australian Jason Belmonte266–227. PBA USA vs. The World Captains Match EJ Tackett struck 11 of 12 shots to defeat Australian Jason Belmonte266–227 Even though the match’s main purpose was to raise donations for theInternational Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, Team USA still gained astrategic advantage heading into the April 4 televised finals: lane choice andlineup control.Tackett selected Andrew Anderson and Ethan Fiore tojoin him, while Belmonte chose Jesper Svensson and Dominic Barrett for TeamWorld. The final roster spot for each team will be awarded based on competitionpoints after the PBA Indiana Classic in March. The rivalry between Tackett and Belmonte remains one of the definingnarratives of PBA - and Sunday’s match added another chapter. But for fans - and for Belmonte himself - now entering his 19th season with 15majors, a Super Slam, and a stated goal of reaching 20 major titles, thebigger story is what the year ahead represents. At 42, the Australian icon has openly acknowledged that the last two yearshave been among the most difficult of his career. Yet heading into 2026, something feels different. And Belmonte knows it. BowlingLife spoke with him in an interview following the CaptainsMatch to talk rivalry, tgood lads, and what he describes as a long-awaitedreturn to feeling like the old self again. It Was More About a Preview Asked whether the Captains Match carried extra weight, especially given therivalry narrative between him and Tackett, Belmonte brushed off the idea. “I don’t think this match was about making a statement. The environment wasunique and the atmosphere was cool, but I doubt very much either EJ or myselfused this match as a statement match. It was more about a preview and teamselections.” The Winning Trio Team World, led by Jason Belmonte, won the last two editions of PBA USA vs.The World - sweeping Team USA in 2023 and winning again in 2019. Belmonte didn't think that Sunday’s result carries any weightheading into the April 4 event, especially since he’ll once again rely on thesame winning trio. His selections for Team World mirror the winning 2023 lineup: Dom Barrett and JesperSvensson. And according to Belmonte, the reasons go far beyond their résumés. A Rebuilt Mindset In the last two seasons, Belmo was always somewhere in the contest for thetitles, cashing in neary every PBA Tour event. But despite finishing 3rd inpoints last season and 5th in 2024, Belmonte has only two titles across hislast three campaigns - a stark contrast to the five titles he collected in2022 alone. Belmonte acknowledged how difficult the last few yearshave been and shared, how much sweat he put in to change that. “I’ve worked really hard on having a strong 2026. I’ve worked out more than Iever have. 4–5 times a week for 5 months. I’ve redefined my physical gameslightly. Re-engineered parts of it. However the biggest change has beenmentally. It has been a very difficult couple years for me mentally and Isuffered through it. I feel much healthier and happier now which has releasedthe version of old of me. I’m excited to be me again on the lanes.” If Belmo truly feels like himself again, the PBA may be heading toward one ofits most 'BOOM' seasons in years - and perhaps the beginning of another pushtoward the 20 majors Belmonte been chasing for the last decade. It won't take long for the fans to see if Belmo's hard work payed off, as thenew PBA Tour season starts today in Arlington, Texas, with the first majortitle on the line - PBA Players Championship. The qualification will take place from Tuesday, February 17, until Friday,February 20, with the first broadcast on Sunday, February 22 at 4 p.m. EasternonThe CW. The CW

The PBA entered a new era last week with the announcement of Peter Murray as its new CEO. In addition, Murray will also serve as Head of Media for the PBAowners, Lucky Strike Entertainment.Taking on either of these roles would be a significant responsibility. Takingon both at the same time... well, a much bigger challenge. announcement of Peter Murray as its new CEO The positive takeaway is that this responsibility is being placed in the handsof someone who, at first impression, appears well equipped to handle it. Coming from a background that includes major sports and media organizationssuch as Professional Fighters League (PFL), Under Armour, and Insignia Sports,Murray's resume signals a strong candidate not only to manage both roles, butalso to lead the PBA - and potentially the whole sport - into a new phase.Shortly after the announcement, BowlingLife’s Erikas Jansonas spoke with Mr. Murray, asking about his early impressions, vision forthe PBA, potential new events, and changes in PBA Tour telecasts. A Great Team With Rich History Stepping into the leadership of the PBA would intimidate many, but Murrayappeared calm and confident. He expressed excitement about taking on bothroles and spoke positively about the people he is surrounded by. “Very excited to join Lucky Strike Entertainment, obviously PBA. It's a great teamwith such rich history and tradition related to the PBA and the sport, and tohave the opportunity to really develop this next phase of growth and grow thesport and grow PBA.” A Deeper Appreciation For the Sport Before taking on the role, Murray’s connection to bowling was similar to thatof millions around the world - a social activity and a way to spend timetogether. Stepping into the PBA structure, however, has given him a new level of respectfor the sport, its athletes, and the competitive landscape. Everyone has a favorite bowling memory, and it often reveals how a persontruly views the sport and approaches it. When asked about his most meaningfulbowling memory, Murray shared that it isn’t tied to high scores. Instead,those moments come from time spent bowling with his daughters. “Bowling with my two daughters was definitely a big part of their childhood, along with playing other sports. It was a great family activity," the new PBA CEO said."I live in Westchester County, New York, and there's a Bowlero in White Plains.Been there for many, many years. So it really has a tie that runs in myfamily.” Immediate Priorities Murray is joining the PBA at one of the busiest and most demanding times ofthe year - the launch of a new season.Format changes, new events, and a new broadcast partner all add to thechallenge, especially following the PBA’s announcement that it would movefrom FOX to The CW Network. This transition is Murray’s key focus now. The CW Network will air tenconsecutive Sunday telecasts. The goal is not simply to broadcast professionalbowling on a new platform, but to sell it to a new audience the broadcastercan offer. “We are very excited about the launch, having ten consecutive Sundays on CWfor the first time. A consistent day, Sunday afternoons, from 4 to 6 EST.It's a great time slot and I'm super excited about what CW is going to bringto the sport, the PBA, and the partnership as promotional plans start to rollout. Along with that, launching on CBS broadcast or expanding that relationship.We're spending our time not only on the product and getting ready for thelaunches, but also on how we focus on appealing not just to avid bowling fansand PBA fans, but casual fans. And introducing them to the sport, introducingthem to the PBA. That's what we're going to have some fun with.” Providing Access to the Athletes Coming from the PFL, Murray knows the value of athlete storytelling. In PFL, strong storytelling helped turn athletes into relatable figures -heroes, rivals, and sometimes even villains - making it easier for fans,especially younger audiences, to connect with them. That connection didn’t just grow interest in the athletes themselves, but alsodrove engagement around the sport through social media. These personal storiesof rivalry, struggle, and success create deep emotional bonds with audiences,elevating a sport beyond pure competition. The stories add something thatbowling, for a long time, has often been missing. “We're going to do more storytelling, not just tied to live events and liveproduct, but year-round. We're bringing more resources on the storytellingfront and production front to provide access to the athletes, which is key,and humanize them even further. So fans get access to them not just whenthey're in competitive mode on telecasts, but get to know them.” More Changes in Telecast? Over the past two weeks, much of the attention has focused on changes withinthe PBA broadcast team.Kimberly Pressler announced that she will no longer be part of PBA Tour telecasts after 15 years, while Jeff Richgels of 11thframe.com reported that The CW Network is targeting Kyle Sherman as a potential color analyst for upcoming PBA Tour broadcasts. If Sherman joins the booth, that could impactthe long-standing role of Randy Pedersen. Kimberly Pressler announced that she will no longer be part of PBA Tour telecasts Jeff Richgels of 11thframe.com reported that The CW Network is targeting Kyle Sherman as a potential color analyst for upcoming PBA Tour broadcasts When asked about the possibility of further changes in the broadcast booth,Murray indicated that additional updates are very likely. “The production team has spent a lot of time and will be rolling outannouncements tied to expanding the broadcast team. In addition to bringingnew voices into the sport and into the PBA, there will be other broadcastenhancements designed to further engage the audience. We're excited aboutthese enhancements and will be announcing them in partnership with CW in thenext two weeks,” Murray said. Global Expansion: One of the Top Priorities As an international bowling media representative, I could not help but askhow the global growth of the PBA stands for the newly appointed CEO. Accordingto Murray, the PBA is ready to evolve further into a truly global property. “We have a massive opportunity to grow internationally. As we look at regionsand countries within Europe, Asia, and other markets, there are great players,and we already have some competing in the PBA today. There is other talent that would like the opportunity to have a pathway intothe PBA, and there is demand among media companies and fan bases in thosemarkets. You'll see us begin to open up our distribution starting this year inkey markets. So fans have more access to the PBA, live competition, original content,highlights, and their favorite athletes from those countries.” Schedule Expansion and New Events This year, the PBA Tour will feature 21 different events, ranging from singlescompetitions to doubles, team formats, and international stops. According to Peter Murray, the PBA is also exploring opportunities to expandthe season calendar in the coming years, with fans likely to see additionalPBA Tour stops next season. “More broadly, we're looking forward to expanding the format and creating aworld tournament, and more to come on those details for spending time on further developing new formats to consider and roll out as early as 2027." When asked if the fans can expect more PBA Tour stops in 2027, Mr. Murray responded with a clear “Absolutely.” The PBA Tour season kicks off with the PBA Players Championship on January 16,with the televised finals set for February 22 on theCW Network. CW Network

The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC)announced a major equipment rule change yesterday, confirming that slow oil-absorbing high-performance urethane bowling ballsare now disallowed in all MTBC-sanctioned tournaments. announced a major equipment rule change yesterday "My initial reaction was surprise, but also understanding," Malaysian National Team member and PBA Tour title winner Tun Hakim told BowlingLife as he reflected on what the decision means for the sport going forward. PBA Tour title winner Tun Hakim Tun Hakim According to MTBC, the goal is to protect competitive integrity, keep laneconditions fair, and address equipment-governance issues that have becomeharder to monitor. While the ban introduces a major shift, Hakim acknowledges that MTBC is tryingto balance between fairness and long-term athlete development. “Urethane has becomea big part of modern lane play, and any restriction will naturally createdebate. At the same time, I believe MTBC’s intention is to protect laneintegrity and ensure fair competition, so I respect the effort to manage thesport responsibly,” said Hakim. A Shift Toward Versatility For many bowlers worldwide, urethane has been an essential part of theirarsenal. A new generation of players has grown up with urethane as afoundational tool on all sorts of patterns. Naturally, removing it will force adjustments - something Hakim sees as bothchallenging and beneficial. “I think it will encourage bowlers to rely more on versatility and technicalskills rather than a single equipment option. Adjustments will be challengingat first, especially for players who frequently use urethane, but in the longrun it could lead to more diverse ball choices and strategic play during MTBCevents.” A Disadvantage Internationally? Since urethane is still allowed at big international tournaments like the IBFWorld Championships, some people wonder if Malaysia might fall behind by notusing it locally. At the world level, urethane has been everywhere on the ballracks in recent years. Hakim doesn’t dismiss the concern. “It could be a concern if players do not have enough opportunities to competewith urethane locally. However, I don’t see it as a major disadvantage ifMalaysian bowlers continue to train internationally and prepare specificallyfor IBF events. Adaptability has always been an important part of high-levelbowling, and that remains true here.” MTBC said the decision followed a detailed review with technical experts,coaches, and elite athletes, along with an evaluation of global trends, locallane conditions, and USBC research. In September 2025, the USBC announced that beginning January 1, 2026, slowoil-absorbing high-performance balls will face strict new limits in nationaltournaments, with some events banning them entirely and others allowing onlymodels made at 78D hardness or higher.

The 56th Brunswick Ballmaster Open finished on Sunday in front of a packed Tali Bowling Hall crowd - the legendary 36-lane bowling center in Helsinki, whereFinland’s own Santtu Tahvanainen lifted the trophy after a composed 204–170victory over Rami Mukkula in the championship match. Santtu Tahvanainen lifted the trophy The victory secured him the €10,000 first prize and placed his name on thewall at Tali Bowling Hall, alongside respected world-class bowlers such asMika Koivuniemi and Parker Bohn III – champions of the tournament he grew upwatching. After the final, BowlingLife caught up with the new champion to talk aboutnerves, childhood memories inside Tali Bowling Hall, and what this win meansheading into the upcoming PBA Tour season. “Stressful… and then way less stressful.” The TV finals did not start the way Tahvanainen had hoped. In the semifinal,the defending champion Jarno Lahti started with a four-bagger, whileTahvanainen was struggling to find the rhythm. But as the framesprogressed, Tahvanainen found his footing. defending champion Jarno Lahti The turning point came mid-match. The moment he reset mentally, the gameshifted. “Stressful and then way less stressful," Santtu said with a smile when askedabout his performance in the TV finals. "I was actually stressing it and whenJarno left the split in the fifth frame, it was like kind of a relief. I struggled on my first two shots, I even changed to the four steps. But when hesplit, I thought I have a chance. And I collected my head, and it was way,way better bowling after that.” In the title match, the29-year-old met fellow Finn, 22-year-old rising star Rami Mukkula, who had been leading the tournament since the Top 32 and reached the final by edgingLinus Boström 216–211 in the semifinal. who had been leading the tournament since the Top 32 Moreover, Mukkula already knew what it takes to win at Tali Bowling Hall,having taken the International Hammer Challenge title there in 2024. International Hammer Challenge title there in 2024 Hands Were Not Shaking Even though Tahvanainen began the title match striking only once in hisfirst five frames, he was dealing with the pressure better, picking upspares with confidence, until finally found the rhythm again with three straight strikes in frames six through eight to seal the victory 204-170. Even though Tahvanainen began the title match striking only once in hisfirst five frames, he was dealing with the pressure better, picking upspares with confidence, until finally found the rhythm again Santtu agreed that his PBA experience gave him an advantage under pressure as it kepthis hands steady. "I definitely felt it that I haven't bowl so much of tournaments because Iinjured my hand during the Hammer Challenge, so I haven't been able to bowlalmost at all. I wasn't completely confident on my bowling, but my hands werenot trembling or anything like that anymore, like they used to on the TV. Soit definitely helped to have that experience on me.” Why the Ballmaster Hits Differently For many bowlers winning Ballmaster is a career highlight. For SanttuTahvanainen, it is something else entirely - a childhood dream come fullcircle. “I grew up here, I bowled my first Ballmaster when I was like 13 or 14, and Isaw all kind of big names like a Dino Castillo and Sean Rash and Tommy Jones,and I met Parker when I was young, and we always chatted for years andyears." For Finnish bowlers, the Ballmaster Open carries a special weight. Winning at Tali Bowling Center means more than a title – it means becoming part of the history many grow up dreaming about. "It has it's own meaning over here, like because it's an environment. Andeveryone always talked about it when I was a kid, how cool it is to win." On Sunday, he had a chance to taste that win. For a kid who once watched the greats roll strikes on these lanes, lifting the Ballmaster trophy of his own means everything. Momentum for the PBA Tour season The new PBA season begins soon, and this victory couldn’t have come at abetter time. After battling injury last year, Santtu finally feels the rhythmreturning. “The fact that I'm able to put some practice in before I go there is huge,because last year I came off the injury, so I didn't like get to practice atall.” The PBA Tour season kicks off with the PBA Players Championship on January 16,with the televised finals set for February 22 on the CW Network. CW Network

Over the past few years, European bowling has seen plenty of tournaments come and go. Many are well-intended, some are memorable, but only a few manage to build a real identity. BowlingGP is one of those rare cases – a tournament brand that doesn’t just organize events, but consistently raises expectations of what a bowling tournament in Europe can be. BowlingGP Hosted in France and open to players from across the continent, BowlingGP has quietly become a reference point for quality, professionalism, and international appeal. When BowlingLife first attended BowlingGP back in 2024, the first thing that stood out was how well structured the event was. Formats were clear, communication was solid, and schedules were built to work for players, not against them. From qualification squads to finals, everything felt smooth rather thanimprovised, which is often the case at bowling tournaments. Not to mentionthat finals usually finish by Sunday lunchtime, leaving enough time forplayers to safely return home. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BowlingGP Tournaments (@bowling.gp_tournaments) View this post on Instagram A post shared by BowlingGP Tournaments (@bowling.gp_tournaments) Main Focus Is Players First of all, although BowlingGP takes place in France, it never feels like alocal-only event. International players are genuinely welcomed, which isclearly reflected in the entry lists that regularly include bowlers frommultiple countries. Moreover, BowlingGP also deserves credit for how it treats different playergroups. The organization now focuses primarily on two categories – youth andseniors. For youth bowlers, BowlingGP offers several tournament formats,ranging from individual to team events. On the senior side, BowlingGP hostsone of the best-attended stops on the International Senior Bowling Tour,further underlining its strong international appeal. Youth tournaments are clearly designed to be genuinely meaningful, not justrandom weekend bowling events. They give young players a proper internationalexperience, focused on development rather than being just another competitionwith little long-term value. Meanwhile, senior events remain competitive and professionally presented,avoiding the common trap of turning into purely social gatherings. Details That Shape the Experience BowlingGP also understands that the quality of an event is often defined bysmall details. Branding is consistent, visuals are modern, and updates are shared clearlythroughout the tournament. Players and fans are never left guessing where tofind information. That attention to detail extends beyond the lanes. One moment that stood outto us was seeing a live band performing during the BowlingGP party dinner. Itis a small touch, but a telling one. It shows that BowlingGP views thetournament as a full experience, not just a competition. The social side is treated with the same care as the sporting side, whichstrengthens the sense of community around the event. Respect for Culture BowlingGP also benefits from embracing French hospitality. The food inNormandy plays an important role, with players welcomed to tables filled withlocal cuisine. For international visitors – and for locals as well – this addsanother layer to the experience, turning meals into shared moments rather thansimple breaks between squads with a frozen pizza slice. It all comes down to thoughtfulness. These touches help players feel like theyare investing in a complete experience, not just purchasing squad entries –something many tournaments still tend to overlook. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BowlingGP Tournaments (@bowling.gp_tournaments) View this post on Instagram A post shared by BowlingGP Tournaments (@bowling.gp_tournaments) Raise the Bar What is most fascinating is that BowlingGP does not try to reinvent thebowling wheel. Instead, it focuses on doing the essentials exceptionally wellwhile adding just enough personality to make the events memorable. From BowlingLife’s perspective, BowlingGP stands out because it respects thesport and the people around it. It just feels complete. In a European bowling landscape where consistency is often missing, BowlingGPshows what is possible when events are built with care, planning, and a clearvision. That is why BowlingGP is no longer just a strong tournament series in France.It is setting a new high standard for bowling events in Europe. Upcoming Events In December, BowlingGP France Youth 2025 showcased two days of high-levelyouth competition. Two additional youth events are scheduled forthe spring, beginning with the BowlingGP Series Youth Grand Quevilly 2026 onApril 11–12. Registration is already open. For seniors, BowlingGP France Senior 2026 returns to the lanes inGrand-Quevilly from September 30 to October 4. More details will be announcedlater, so make sure to follow BowlingGP on social media and atbowlinggp.com. bowlinggp.com

BowlingLife has officially launched the BowlingLife Fantasy League, andplayers can already submit their picks for the PBA Players Championship usingthe BowlingLife Fantasy League form. BowlingLife Fantasy League form BowlingLife Fantasy League is a new way for fans to follow the PBA Tour andplay along throughout the season. a new way for fans to follow the PBA Tour The idea behind the Fantasy League is simple. Instead of just watching events,fans can build their own fantasy teams using real PBA Tour players and scorepoints based on how those players perform on the lanes. BowlingLife Fantasy League is built around the PBA Tour calendar, but not alltour stops are included. For a full breakdown of which events are part of thegame, check the BowlingLife Fantasy rules. rules Before each event, fantasy managers submit a new team made up of sixprofessional bowlers. Five players are selected from ranked tiers based on theTop 50, while the sixth pick is a Wildcard player chosen from outside the Top50. One of the six players is selected as Captain and earns 1.5x fantasypoints for that event. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bowling News • Reviews • Tips (@bowlinglife.eu) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bowling News • Reviews • Tips (@bowlinglife.eu) Fantasy points are awarded based on tournament results, meaning every block,cut, and title run matters. Teams are ranked on a global leaderboard thatupdates after each event, with the season also split into multiple rounds togive players more chances to compete and, of course, more prizes to win. The BowlingLife Fantasy League is free to play. There is no app to downloadand no payment required. To join, players simply submit their team through theofficial Fantasy League form before each event. The BowlingLife Fantasy League form for the PBA Players Championship is liveand can be submitted here. here Most BowlingLife Fantasy League managers gather in the BowlingLife Discord community, where deadlines, updates, rankings, and discussions are sharedthroughout the season. While Discord is not required to play, it is the mainplace where fantasy managers stay updated and interact with each other.Members also get exclusive BowlingLife content that cannot be found anywhereelse. Here is your invitation to the BowlingLife Discord. BowlingLife Discord community Here is your invitation to the BowlingLife Discord Team submissions for the BowlingLife Fantasy League will remain open until thestart of Qualification Round 1 at the PBA Players Championship, scheduled for11:00 AM CET on February 16.

Watching the PBA Tour has always been fun. Watching it while arguing withfriends about who will choke, who will peak, and who you should’ve picked?Even better. Just a few weeks before the new PBA Tour season, BowlingLife's team wasalready deep into predictions, power rankings, and “this is his year” takes.At some point, the question came up naturally - why not turn all of this intoa fantasy game and play along together? No big plans or bold promises - just a simple bowling fantasy built to makewatching bowling more enjoyable.And that is how BowlingLife Fantasy League came to life. Right now, BowlingLife Fantasy League runs on simple tools, forms, standings,and regular updates. It might feel a bit clumsy at times - and that is okay.The goal was never perfection. The goal was to launch it before the season starts and create something fun,something social, and something that makes waiting for the next PBA Tour eventmore exciting. Because now, you are not just watching - you are part of it. Most importantly, this fantasy league is being built together with thecommunity. We are paying attention to how people play, talk, and react. Ifthis turns into something people truly enjoy and want to keep, we can alwaysmake it smoother and more user-friendly in future seasons. How the Bowling Fantasy Game Works BowlingLife Fantasy League is a bowling fantasy game built entirely around thereal PBA Tour season. For every PBA Tour event in the fantasy schedule, you submit a new team madeup of six real professional bowlers. Five players are selected from rankedtiers based on the Top 50, which keeps teams balanced. The sixth player is aWildcard pick, letting you take a chance on someone outside the Top 50. From those six players, you choose one Captain. Your Captain scores 1.5xfantasy points for that event. Your fantasy results depend completely on how your players actually perform onthe lanes. Higher finishes earn more points, and consistency across events iswhat separates the best fantasy teams from the rest. It is easy to start, but it gets competitive quickly. Why Play Bowling Fantasy? Because it changes how you watch bowling. BowlingLife Fantasy League gives youa reason to follow more storylines, track form changes, and stay engaged fromthe first frame to the final title match. It adds tension, debate, andexcitement to every PBA Tour stop. If you already watch bowling, fantasy simply makes it better. How Do I Join the BowlingLife Fantasy League? Getting started is simple. You register your fantasy team using a Googleaccount, which is used to track your team and points. There is no app todownload and no payment required - the BowlingLife Fantasy League is free toplay. Everything follows the PBA Tour calendar. Before each event, you submit yourteam through the official BowlingLife Fantasy form. Miss a submission and youscore zero points for that event, so staying updated matters. That is why theBowlingLife Discord is the best place to keep track of everything. Standings, Rounds, and Prizes In BowlingLife Fantasy League, fantasy managers are ranked on a globalleaderboard based on the total fantasy points they earn across the PBA Tourseason. Alongside the overall standings, the season is divided into three rounds, eachcovering a group of PBA Tour events. These rounds act as mini competitionsinside the season, giving everyone more chances to compete, reset the fight,and stay involved. Standings are updated after every PBA Tour event. Players are not justfighting for bragging rights, but also for prizes. Top performers in both theoverall standings and individual rounds will be rewarded with BowlingLifemerchandise, bowling equipment, or other prizes. Details are announced ahead of time through BowlingLife Discord and officialBowlingLife channels. Bowling Fantasy Community Lives on BowlingLife Discord While the fantasy league runs alongside the PBA Tour, the community lives ontheBowlingLife Discord. BowlingLife Discord That is where most of the action happens. Updated tiers are posted therefirst. Fantasy deadlines, reminders, news, and reactions are shared beforeevery event. It is also where fantasy managers talk picks, argue about captainchoices, celebrate wins, and complain about bad breaks. If you enjoy bowlingconversations, that is where you will feel at home. You do not have to join Discord to play, but if you want the full BowlingLifeFantasy experience, that is where it comes alive.Join BowlingLife Discord and be part of the community! Join BowlingLife Discord and be part of the community! Ready to Play Along? If you already follow the PBA Tour, this fantasy league is built for you. Sametour, same bowlers. Just one more reason to care when the next event starts.Join the BowlingLife Discordto get live updates and stay in the loop when the BowlingLife Fantasy Leaguegoes live. Join the BowlingLife Discord

Over the decades, the PBA Tour has seen many of the sport’s biggest names riseto the top. Some players captured the Player of the Year awardonce, while others returned year after year and built long runs of dominance.No matter how often they won it, every Player of the Year left a clear mark onbowling history. With a new PBA Tour season approaching, BowlingLife has put together acomplete list of every PBA Tour Player of the Year winner since the award wasofficially recognized in 1963. The list starts with BillyHardwick, the first honoree and still the youngest ever to win it at age of23, and runs through to EJ Tackett, who has claimed the award for threestraight seasons now. Below is the full list of PBA Tour Player of the Year winners, beginning withthe most recent and going back to the very start. PBA Tour Player of the Year Award Winners List 2025 – EJ Tackett2024 – EJ Tackett2023 – EJ Tackett2022 – Jason Belmonte2021 – Kyle Troup2020 – Jason Belmonte2019 – Jason Belmonte2018 – Andrew Anderson2017 – Jason Belmonte2016 – EJ Tackett2015 – Jason Belmonte2014 – Jason Belmonte2013 – Jason Belmonte2012 – Sean Rash2011 – Mika Koivuniemi2010 – Walter Ray Williams Jr.2009 – Wes Malott2008 – Chris Barnes2007 – Doug Kent2006 – Tommy Jones2005 – Patrick Allen2004 – Mika Koivuniemi2003 – Walter Ray Williams Jr.2002 – Parker Bohn III2001 – Norm Duke2000 – Norm Duke1999 – Parker Bohn III1998 – Walter Ray Williams Jr.1997 – Walter Ray Williams Jr.1996 – Walter Ray Williams Jr.1995 – Mike Aulby1994 – Norm Duke1993 – Walter Ray Williams Jr.1992 – David Ferraro1991 – David Ozio1990 – Amleto Monacelli1989 – Amleto Monacelli1988 – Brian Voss1987 – Marshall Holman1986 – Walter Ray Williams Jr.1985 – Mike Aulby1984 – Mark Roth1983 – Earl Anthony1982 – Earl Anthony1981 – Earl Anthony1980 – Wayne Webb1979 – Mark Roth1978 – Mark Roth1977 – Mark Roth1976 – Earl Anthony1975 – Earl Anthony1974 – Earl Anthony1973 – Don McCune1972 – Don Johnson1971 – Don Johnson1970 – Nelson Burton Jr.1969 – Billy Hardwick1968 – Billy Hardwick1967 – Jim Stefanich1966 – Dave Davis1965 – Wayne Zahn1964 – Dick Weber1963 – Billy Hardwick

Bowling has come a long way. From rolling stones thousands of years ago towooden balls and today’s high-tech gear with advanced cores and coverstocks,the game has constantly evolved. This time, we’re hopping in thetime machine to explore theHistory of bowling ballsand see how each era shaped the sport we know today. History of bowling balls Stone era: Ancient Egypt (~3200 BC) The earliest bowling balls were carved from stone in Ancient Egypt. Theseheavy spheres had no holes, no cores, or polish - just raw shape and weight. They were used in ritual games and early forms of pin play, proving that theidea of rolling a ball toward targets has been around for thousands of years. Wood era: Before the 1900s By the 1800s, balls were being made from lignum vitae, a dense tropical wood.Many were crafted in two halves, pegged together, and often cracked with use. While they lacked consistency, these wooden balls marked the beginning ofmodern equipment design and represented a huge step forward in the history ofbowling balls. Rubber era: 1905–1960s The introduction of rubber balls changed the sport forever. In 1905, the Evertrue became the first of its kind, followed in 1914 byBrunswick’s Mineralite, which used a secret rubber formula. Rubber balls weresmoother, more durable, and consistent compared to wood. For decades, rubber was the competitive standard, often built with cork cores. Polyester era: 1960s–1980s The 1960s broughtplastic (polyester) bowlingballs. Columbia’s Crown Jewel and other models became popular for their motionand durability. But pros soon complained about the lack of hook. Some bowlerstried chemical soaks to soften covers until safety rules banned such tries. plastic (polyester) Even though stronger hooking balls eventually took over, most bowlers stillkeep a plastic ball in their bag today. Urethane era: 1980s The early 1980s marked another leap forward with urethane. Models like the AMF Angle created more friction and stronger hook potential,especially on shorter or drier lane conditions. Urethane sparked a shift in ball performance expectations and still has aloyal following for its smooth, controllable motion. Reactive resin era: 1990s In the early 1990s, reactive resin covers took over. Balls like the Nu-LineX-Calibur introduced microscopic pores that absorbed oil, creating explosivebackend hook and higher pin carry. This innovation fueled a scoring boom and forever changed how bowlers attackedlane conditions. Reactive resin remains the dominant material in performancebowling today. Modern design: technology meets performance Today’s bowling balls combine engineered coverstocks and advanced cores.Manufacturers fine-tune specs like RG, differential, and surface finish togive bowlers specific options for heavy oil, medium conditions, or dry lanes.Most bowlers now carry 6–12 balls to tournaments, each with a specializedpurpose. Final thoughts From stone to wood, rubber to polyester, urethane to reactive resin, thehistory of bowling balls is the story of constant innovation. Every new material changed the way the game was played and opened newpossibilities for scoring and strategy. Understanding this history makes today’s equipment even more fascinating - andshows just how far the sport has come.

This article is based on historical information shared by Gary Beck on Facebook, who provided valuable insight into one of the most debated moments in bowling equipment history. This article is based on historical information shared by Gary Beck on Facebook Facebook Facebook , who provided valuable insight into one of the most debated moments in bowling equipment history. This week, the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) released an official statement confirming that it is in advanced talks to ban urethane bowling balls from certified competition. in advanced talks to ban urethane bowling balls in advanced talks to ban urethane bowling balls According to USBC, urethane affects lane pattern integrity, creates possible imbalances in competitive fairness, may limit player development, and presents enforcement challenges due to its softness over time. USBC’s Equipment Specifications Committee is currently reviewing survey feedback and manufacturer input, with a decision expected later in 2025. But this is not the first time the sport faced such a crossroads with urethane bowling balls. Back in 1981, the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) came very close to banning urethane bowling balls entirely. This wasn’t due to long-term softness or lane integrity concerns, but because of how dramatically the new ball changed performance during competition. By 1974, AMF, a major bowling brand, was struggling with market share. It had shut down its ball factories and outsourced ball production to competitors. Not satisfied with the results, AMF hired Edmond Leary, MIT engineer, to design a new kind of ball that would dominate the lanes. Leary began testing his designs at the 1979 Bowling Proprietors' Association (BPAA) U.S. Open and returned a year later with 36 prototypes, tested by six PBA players. Ten months later, 125 newly built bowling balls were delivered to the 1981 PBA National Championship in Toledo, Ohio. The ball, later named the AMF Angle, was black with a pancake weight block - just like most of the balls on the market. But on the lanes, it was anything but ordinary. It hooked more and hit harder than anything bowlers had used before. Within a month, AMF gave away over 2,000 Angles to players on tour. For free, as a marketing campaign. After that, even bowlers known for throwing straight suddenly were hooking like crazy. The change was hard to ignore. Concerned about how much the ball was impacting scoring, the PBA Tournament Committee had to make a move. In early April 1981, just a yar after AMF Angle was released,all eleven committee members voted unanimously to ban urethane bowling balls. But when the PBA Executive Committee met later that month in Las Vegas, the plan was rejected. The reason was financial. The PBA depended on support from bowling ball manufacturers, and banning urethane would hurt those relationships. So, despite the serious concern, the ban on urethane never became official. The ball stayed on tour. Over time, it changed how equipment was developed and how the game was played. More than 40 years later, the debate continues wether should urethane be banned or not. This article is based on information originally provided by Gary Beck on Facebook. This article is based on information originally provided by Gary Beck on Facebook Gary Beck on Facebook Gary Beck on Facebook .

The 2025 PWBA Anniversary Open was a massive occasion for bowling. Everyone was talking about it. With so many photos and videos flooding social media, even those who weren’t at the Resch Center on Sunday night could feel like they were part of it. It was a breath of fresh air - just what bowling needed. 2025 PWBA Anniversary Open 2025 PWBA Anniversary Open After WBA, USBC, and BPAA did the math, 6,559 spectators packed the Resch Center - a venue that holds up to 10,200 fans in its standard configuration for basketball, hockey, or indoor football events. That’s over 64% of the seats filled - not too shabby for an event where sitting on the other side of the pin deck (meaning one sector remains unseated) isn’t an option. Of course, the organizers were intentionally aiming for a big crowd: it was an anniversary event, entry was free, several tournaments were merged into one, and thousands of youth bowlers (plus their families) were already in town. It worked. I do wonder what attendance would’ve looked like if it had been a regular PWBA title event. But this piece isn’t about that. This time, let’s take a look back through history - looking at the most attendance-wise successful events, the ones that failed, and reflect on what bowling in arena can mean for the sport. Bowling’s All-Time Attendance Record 6,559 spectators is a lot for bowling - no doubt about that. But it’s not the record. The current attendance record belongs to the other women's bowling event - 2011 U.S. Women’s Open, where 8,017 fans watched the finals inside AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. Built in 2009, the stadium was a perfect fit for bowling. With seating for 80,000, cutting-edge tech, and that “stadium feel,” it gave bowling something it rarely gets - true center-stage energy. Traditional bowling venues typically only fit a few hundred spectators around the lanes and don’t surround players with big-time atmosphere - AT&T Stadium was completely different. The 2011 U.S. Women's Open was a huge success. It smashed the previous record of 7,212 fans, set at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit in 1995 during the BPAA U.S. Open - the most-attended PBA Tour event to this day. So, if I’ve done my math right, the 2025 PWBA Anniversary Open ranks as the third most-attended bowling event in history. Well, at least in modern bowling. It’s followed by the 2004 USBC Masters at Miller Park, which had 4,303 spectators. The BPAA All-Star Tournaments of the 1950s and 60s may have drawn similar numbers - venues like the National Guard Armory in Minneapolis had capacities over 8,000, but without verified public attendance records, those numbers are just speculation. Not Every Bowling In Arena Attempt Worked Stadium-sized bowling events come with big risks. And sometimes, they don’t pay off. After the success of the 2004 Masters at Miller Park, expectations were high. But due to financial limitations and poor turnout in later years, the Masters quickly returned to smaller venues. But in 2007, the organizers took one last shot - bringing the event back to Miller Park. On paper, the timing looked great. The local footbal team played the day after, meaning no sports competition that Sunday. Two lanes were built, four finalists were ready, and 12,000 seats were opened for fans. Everything was in place. Except the crowd. Only 2,712 people showed up, despite tickets ranging from $10 to $75, to watch 25-year-old future Hall-of-Famer Sean Rash win the title and $50,000 top prize. That disappointment left a lasting mark. Since then, no PBA Tour event has returned to a stadium venue - and with Bowlero not focused on arena-style events, there’s little indication that will change soon. But maybe the success in Green Bay will spark some discussions, hope, and courage to change that. Bowling may be a small sport compared to football, basketball, or hockey - sports that fill stadiums every weekend - but it’s big enough to say that the vast majority of people have tried knocking down pins at least once. Big events like the PWBA Anniversary Open are important - not just for fan excitement, but for the sport’s image, growth, and the players themselves. They show what bowling could look like if we all put in just a little more effort. After all, who really wants to sit in a poorly ventilated, rusty bowling alley under a shopping mall for three hours watching bowling without proper seating for fans? We may be small, but we have big hearts. Big enough to fill stadiums. We just need a little more courage to open the big doors - and let the fans walk in.

Is bowling a sport or just a fun activity with family or friends? This question keeps coming up on socials and in private talks. Some say it's clearly a sport. Others think it’s more of a hobby or a leisure activity. In this article, we’ll explore both views and share facts that help answer the question: is bowling a sport? Why People Say Bowling Is a Sport Let’s look at the most common reasons people believe bowling is a real sport. Bowling Has Official Recognition One of the strongest arguments that helps answer the question “is bowling a sport” is its official recognition by major sports bodies. The International Olympic Committee has recognized the International Bowling Federation (IBF) since 1979. The IBF governs the sport worldwide and sets rules and rankings. Professional leagues also exist. The most popular one - The PBA Tour - includes athletes from around the world. Players on PBA Tour follow strict rules, train hard, and earn prize money. FOX Sports, CBS, and ESPN have aired major bowling events to large audiences. That supports the idea that bowling is a sport. Bowling Requires Skill and Effort Bowling may seem simple, but it requires strength, accuracy, and control. The ball can weigh up to 16 pounds and some players throw it faster than 20 mph. A spare ball - up to 35 mph! Bowlers who hook the bowling ball generate strong rotation. Studies show the motion puts stress on the wrists and shoulders. Also, releasing the bowling ball puts strong force on the knees and leg muscles. hook the bowling ball hook the bowling ball Even though bowling is not as physical as contact sports, it also puts stress on the heart. A typical bowler’s heart rate during a session can range from the low 100s to the high 170s. This level of physical and mental effort is exactly why so many agree the answer to is bowling a sport is yes. Bowling Has Real Competition To answer the question "is bowling a sport," we must also look at its competitive structure. Unlike many games, bowling includes leagues, tournaments, and both continental and world championships. It has coaches, training camps, and organized event schedules. Players compete for titles and prize money, just like in other recognized sports. The sport includes junior events, championships, and national team events. This level of structure supports the view that bowling is a sport. Millions Compete Worldwide Over 100 million people bowl in more than 80 countries every year. It’s one of the most played indoor sports on Earth. Also, one of the oldest ones. Archaeologists discovered miniature pins and balls in an Egyptian tomb dated to 3200 BC, proving bowling's ancient origins. By the 14th century, bowling grew so popular in England that King Edward III banned it to keep archers practicing. The modern version of bowling took shape in 1895, when the American Bowling Congress formed in the United States. For decades, bowling has been part of the World Games, Pan-American Games, and African Games. Many national teams take it seriously, with trials and selection criteria in place. Being a sport in these kinds of events often unlocks athlete support and funding from national governments. With funding and millions of people involved, it’s only fair to ask again - is bowling a sport or a pastime? Bowling Has Its Own Industry and Lane Challenges Another angle to explore when asking is bowling a sport is the depth of its equipment and playing conditions. Bowlers face different alleys and oil patterns that can change the strategy entirely. Each pattern changes how the ball moves, which adds strategy and skill to every shot. Bowlers must prepare for varying conditions, which is why the industry offers gear tailored for different patterns. There are many different balls for different conditions, performance shoes, bags, jerseys, lane machines. Everything is built for performance, just like in any other serious sport. oil patterns oil patterns different balls different balls performance shoes performance shoes bags bags This proves that bowling is a sport with its own gear, science, and playing environment. Why Some Say Bowling Is Not a Sport Despite strong evidence, some still believe bowling does not qualify as a sport. Here’s why. Low Physical Intensity Some argue sports must involve hard physical activity. Bowling does not require much running, jumping or canging direction fast. You don’t often sweat or get out of breath. This leads critics to say bowling is not a sport, but rather a skilled game. It Feels Like a Game People often associate bowling with birthday parties or casual nights out. Many people first try it for fun, not for competition. That light setting shapes how the public sees it. If bowling alleys featured more sports visuals, trophies, or televised events, the perception might be different. But because of this casual image, people often ask: is bowling a sport or just a game? Bowling Is Not in the Olympics Another point critics raise is bowling’s Olympic status - and this one hits hard, especially in recent years. Bowling was a demo sport in 1988 but never became part of the official Olympic program. In 2023, organizers unexpectedly removed bowling from the 2025 World Games competition program. Then in 2025, officials excluded bowling from the 2027 Pan American Games. unexpectedly removed bowling from the 2025 World Games competition program. unexpectedly removed bowling from the 2025 World Games competition program. excluded bowling from the 2027 Pan American Games. excluded bowling from the 2027 Pan American Games. A lack of action from decision-makers and limited global youth programs may be part of the problem. However, the Olympic Games still leave out many widely played sports, not just bowling. Still, many wonder: if it’s missing from the Olympics, is bowling a sport or just a competitive game? So, Is Bowling a Sport? Bowling has every trait a sport should have. It has rules, training, rankings, and physical demands. It meets the same standards as many accepted sports. Thus, is bowling a sport? All signs point to yes. Still, public views are mixed. Much depends on how someone first experiences the game. But after learning more, most would agree that bowling is a sport. Conclusion So, is bowling a sport? Yes. It fits the key elements: competition, skill, effort, and official structure. While not everyone agrees, the facts support bowling’s place among real sports. Whether you bowl for fun or compete at a high level, you’re still part of a true sport.