Malaysia has named its eight-player squad for the 2026 IBF World Cup. Theevent runs October 12-21 at Max Munich Bowling in Brunnthal, near Munich,Germany. The men's lineup is the same four players who won team gold at the 2025 IBFWorld Cup in Hong Kong: Rafiq Ismail, Tun Hakim Tun Haznul Azam, Timmy Tan andAhmad Muaz Mohd Fishol. The women's team is led by 2025 World Cupsingles champion Natasha Roslan and also includes Sin Li Jane, Adelia NurIrwan Syazalee and Nur Hazirah Ramli. Team Malaysia for the 2026 IBF World Cup Team Roster Official Lineup Men Women Strong results from the last World Cup Malaysia goes to Munich after a very good previous World Cup. In Hong Kong inJanuary 2025, the men's team beat Denmark, Germany and Kuwait in the knockoutrounds. They then defeated Puerto Rico 3-2 in the final. Natasha Roslan won the women's singles title at the same event. She beatGermany's Birgit Noreiks 217-166 and 226-169 in the final and became the firstMalaysian woman to win the World Cup. The Malaysian women were the top seed after theteam round robin in Hong Kongand reached the final, where they lost to the United States. Roslan and Sin LiJane return from that team. Adelia Nur Irwan Syazalee and Nur Hazirah Ramliare the new names in the women's lineup. team round robin in Hong Kong How the IBF World Cup works The 2026 edition has singles and team events, with 44 federations entered inthe men's division and 26 in the women's division. All players start in singles qualifying, where they bowl round-robin matchesin pools. Those results also count toward their country's team standing. Thetop 32 men and top 32 women go on to singles match play, with each matchplayed as best of three games. The singles event comes first, followed by the team event. Teams playround-robin matches in groups, using the baker format. The top four teams ineach group reach the last 16. The final rounds are best of five games, and theteam finals are scheduled for October 21. The tournament uses QubicaAMF EDGE string pinsetters on 30 lanes. Other teams heading to Munich Several other federations have also named their teams. BowlingLife has coveredthe lineups fromSweden,DenmarkandAustralia. USA Bowling hasnamed its eight players, including Shannon Pluhowsky, Jordan Snodgrass, Chris Via and AndrewAnderson. Sweden Denmark Australia named its eight players Your Weekly Bowling Digest The latest bowling news, tips, and gear reviews—all wrapped up in a quick3-minute read delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Now

The United States will send four men and four women to the 2026 IBF World Cup,which runs from October 12 to 21 at Max Munich Bowling in Brunnthal, justoutside Munich, Germany, on string pins. In the World Cup, each country can enter up to four men and four women, whocompete for world titles in singles and team play. This year 44 federationsare entered in the men's division and 26 in the women's. Between them, the eight Americans have won nearly 140 international medals, 73of them gold, with Team USA and Junior Team USA. The men's team Andrew Anderson (Chesterfield, Michigan) is the mostdecorated PBA player on the roster. The 31-year-old has six PBA Tour titles,including the 2018 USBC Masters and the 2025 PBA Tour Finals. He also wontrios gold for the United States at the 2018 World Championships in Hong Kong. Andrew Anderson Chris Via (Blacklick, Ohio) is on Team USA for the eighthtime. The 34-year-old two-hander won the 2021 U.S. Open and was part of theAmerican team that took gold at the 2017 World Men's Championships. Chris Via Packy Hanrahan (Wichita, Kansas) arrives in form. The31-year-old won his third PBA Tour title earlier this year at the WSOB XVIICheetah Championship. Packy Hanrahan Ryan Barnes (Denton, Texas) is the youngest of the men at 24.The two-hander was the 2025 PBA Rookie of the Year and won singles bronze atthe 2025 IBF World Championships in Hong Kong. He won the 2025 Team USA Trialsand finished second at the 2026 edition. Ryan Barnes The women's team Two of the four women were part of theUS team that won team gold at the 2025 IBF World Championships in HongKong. US team that won team gold at the 2025 IBF World Championships in HongKong Shannon Pluhowsky (Dayton, Ohio) has been on Team USA everyyear since 2001. The 44-year-old left-hander added all-events silver to herteam gold in Hong Kong. She has three PWBA major titles, the latest at the2025 PWBA Tour Championship. This PWBA Tour season Pluhowsky won PWBA BowlTV Open in Rochester. Shannon Pluhowsky his PWBA Tour season Pluhowsky won PWBA BowlTV Open in Rochester. Jillian Martin (Stow, Ohio) is 22 and already has a long listof wins. She became the youngest player to win a PWBA Tour title at 17, wonthe USBC Queens in 2024 and the U.S. Women's Open in 2026. In Hong Kong shetook team gold and doubles bronze. Jillian Martin Jordan Snodgrass (Adrian, Michigan) is back on Team USA forthe first time since 2023. The 30-year-old has seven PWBA titles, was the 2023PWBA Player of the Year and had the tour's highest average in 2025. She alsowon doubles gold at the 2023 Pan American Games and PWBA Barbara Chrisman Classic in 2026. Jordan Snodgrass PWBA Barbara Chrisman Classic in 2026. Gianna Brandolino (Channahon, Illinois) is the youngestplayer on the roster at 19. She was the 2026 NTCA Division I Player and Rookieof the Year at Jacksonville State. Earlier this year she won team gold andsingles silver at the IBF World Youth Championships. Gianna Brandolino How the World Cup works Teams arrive from October 10 to 12, with official practice and the openingceremony on October 13. Singles qualifying is on October 14 and 15. The top men advance to a round of32 and the top women to a round of 16 on October 16. Singles medals aredecided on October 17, with every match played as best of three games. Team competition follows from October 18 to 21. Teams play round-robin matchesin baker format, best of three games, before the knockout rounds and thefinals on October 21. The event is played on 30 lanes with string pins. Bowlers will face a 44-footpattern with 29.2 mL of oil.Read our breakdown of the World Cup oil pattern. Read our breakdown of the World Cup oil pattern Other teams heading to Munich The Americans join a field that includes several teams we have alreadyprofiled: Sweden's team for the 2026 IBF World CupDenmark's team for the 2026 IBF World CupAustralia's team for the 2026 IBF World Cup Sweden's team for the 2026 IBF World Cup Denmark's team for the 2026 IBF World Cup Australia's team for the 2026 IBF World Cup Your Weekly Bowling Digest The latest bowling news, tips, and gear reviews, all wrapped up in a quick3-minute read delivered straight to your inbox. 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Adam Haxa became the first champion inPBA Francehistory after winning the inaugural PBA France Starbowl Open. PBA France The Czech bowler won all three of his final matches, defeating Germany’sDaniel Friesch and France’s Ethan Boillot and Valentin Saulnier on his way tothe title. Haxa entered the final stage as the No. 3 qualifier after averaging 213.72over 18 games. Valentin Saulnier led the standings with a 225.32 average,while Ethan Boillot was second with 219.28. Players competed on two different oil patterns during the tournament, the PBA Wolf and the PBA Bear, while the roll-off was played on a dual pattern. Haxa opened the finals with a 230-224 win over Friesch. In the nextround, he defeated Boillot 233-188 to reach the championship match. The final was played against Saulnier, who had led the tournament standingsbefore the finals. Haxa won the title match 183-181. PBA France Starbowl Open Adam Haxa’s Final Run Match 1 230-224 Match 2 233-188 Championship Match 183-181 The second PBA France tournament is scheduled for November 24-30. The event will include the Masters Finals and will continue the first seasonof PBA France competition. Your Weekly Bowling Digest The latest bowling news, tips, and gear reviews—all wrapped up in a quick3-minute read delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Now {"@context": "https://schema.org","@graph": [{"@type": "NewsArticle","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/adam-haxa-first-pba-france-champion/#article","headline": "Adam Haxa Becomes First PBA France Champion","description": "Adam Haxa wins the first PBA France title after a 3-0 roll-off run, defeating Daniel Friesch, Ethan Boillot and Valentin Saulnier.","datePublished": "2026-10-06T20:55:00+03:00","dateModified": "2026-10-06T20:55:00+03:00","author": {"@type": "Organization","name": "BowlingLife","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu"},"publisher": {"@type": "Organization","name": "BowlingLife","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu","logo": {"@type": "ImageObject","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu/logo.png"}},"mainEntityOfPage": {"@type": "WebPage","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/adam-haxa-first-pba-france-champion"},"articleSection": ["PBA","European Bowling","Tournament Results"],"keywords": ["Adam Haxa","PBA France","PBA France Starbowl Open","PBA bowling","European bowling","Valentin Saulnier","Ethan Boillot","Daniel Friesch"],"about": [{"@type": "Person","name": "Adam Haxa"},{"@type": "SportsEvent","name": "PBA France Starbowl Open"},{"@type": "Thing","name": "Bowling"}],"isAccessibleForFree": true,"inLanguage": "en"},{"@type": "SportsEvent","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/adam-haxa-first-pba-france-champion/#event","name": "PBA France Starbowl Open","sport": "Bowling","eventStatus": "https://schema.org/EventCompleted","competitor": [{"@type": "Person","name": "Adam Haxa"},{"@type": "Person","name": "Valentin Saulnier"},{"@type": "Person","name": "Ethan Boillot"},{"@type": "Person","name": "Daniel Friesch"}],"winner": {"@type": "Person","name": "Adam Haxa"}}]}

Lucky Strike Entertainment and Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), theworld’s premier organization dedicated to the sport of bowling and eliteprofessional competition, today announced the expansion of its leadership withthe appointment of Jeff Lesser as VP of Global Brand Partnerships and EricTodoroff as Senior Brand Marketing Manager. Lesser will lead global sponsorship, media sales, and licensing for both thePBA and Lucky Strike Entertainment’s OnLocation platform, while Todoroff willdrive fan engagement across the PBA's digital channels and expand its onlinepresence. Both will report directly to CEO Peter Murray. “Both Jeff and Eric bring unique experiences in their respective fields. Jeffhas a strong track record of growing properties, monetizing sports IP, andbuilding commercial partnerships, while Eric arrives with a stellarcombination of creativity and data-driven strategy within sports,” saidMurray. “As we enter a new chapter of innovation within the PBA and LuckyStrike, their results-driven acumen and leadership will be pivotal forelevating our brand experience and driving sustainable long-term growth.” Jeff Lesser | Credit: DKC Sports Lesser previously worked at Macerich as VP of Business Development, overseeingmedia and sponsorship monetization strategy for the country’s third-largestmall owner, spanning 40+ Class A retail destinations and reaching 275 millionannual visitors. He also launched WeWork’s first Brand Partnerships division, leveraging media,activations, content, and experiences across 200+ locations in the US andCanada. Lesser has also worked with Travelzoo, the Miami Dolphins, HudsonYards, and AVP Beach Volleyball. He began his career in professional sports with organizations including the St.Louis Blues, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Brooklyn Nets & Barclays Center. Heis a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis. “It’s an incredible honor to join Peter’s vision for the PBA and Lucky Strikeas we look to reimagine the sport of bowling and create new cultural momentsfor our partners and fans,” said Lesser. “We have our sights set clearly onsomething tens of millions of people already do into something millions morepeople want to watch, follow, and participate.” Todoroff, a Miami native with a career in sports and higher‑educationmarketing, has previously worked with the Miami Dolphins, Miami Marlins,University of Miami, and Florida State University Football. He’s been hands-onacross social, content, and performance marketing, moving between creativework and data-driven strategy. He earned his undergraduate degree from FloridaState University and a master's degree in Sport Administration from theUniversity of Miami. “I am focused on taking the PBA brand to the next level and developing newaudiences with engaging content that tells our story worldwide,” saidTodoroff. “Our team is energized for what’s ahead as we transform theperception of bowling into a new generation of innovation.” The PBA ranks higher than Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League,WNBA, National Women’s Soccer League, and Major League Soccer for live eventaudiences. About the Professional Bowlers Association The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) is the leading pro bowlers leaguein the world featuring the best players in the sport globally. ThePBA has thousands of members from over 30 countries, competing in tournamentsand events across the PBA Tour, PBA ELITE Regional Tour, and the PBA SeniorTour. The PBA also serves casual and league bowlers, from youth (PBA Junior)to adults, through its membership and grassroot programs. Bowlingremains the #1 participatory sport in the US among adults 18+, with 70 millionbowlers annually. Each season, the PBA Tour is watched by millionsof viewers live across leading linear and streaming platforms including theCW Network, the ESPN App, CBS broadcast, Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, andBowling TV. CW Network Bowling TV About Lucky Strike Entertainment Lucky Strike Entertainment is one of the world's premier location-basedentertainment platforms. With over 360 locations across NorthAmerica, Lucky Strike Entertainment provides experiential offerings inbowling, amusements, water parks, and family entertainment centers.The company also owns the Professional Bowlers Association, themajor league of bowling and a growing media property that boasts millions offans around the globe. For more information on Lucky StrikeEntertainment, please visit LuckyStrikeEnt.com. Your Weekly Bowling Digest The latest bowling news, tips, and gear reviews—all wrapped up in a quick3-minute read delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Now Lucky Strike Entertainment and Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), theworld’s premier organization dedicated to the sport of bowling and eliteprofessional competition, today announced the expansion of its leadership withthe appointment of Jeff Lesser as VP of Global Brand Partnerships and EricTodoroff as Senior Brand Marketing Manager. Lesser will lead global sponsorship, media sales, and licensing for both thePBA and Lucky Strike Entertainment’s OnLocation platform, while Todoroff willdrive fan engagement across the PBA's digital channels and expand its onlinepresence. Both will report directly to CEO Peter Murray. “Both Jeff and Eric bring unique experiences in their respective fields. Jeffhas a strong track record of growing properties, monetizing sports IP, andbuilding commercial partnerships, while Eric arrives with a stellarcombination of creativity and data-driven strategy within sports,” saidMurray. “As we enter a new chapter of innovation within the PBA and LuckyStrike, their results-driven acumen and leadership will be pivotal forelevating our brand experience and driving sustainable long-term growth.” Jeff Lesser | Credit: DKC Sports Lesser previously worked at Macerich as VP of Business Development, overseeingmedia and sponsorship monetization strategy for the country’s third-largestmall owner, spanning 40+ Class A retail destinations and reaching 275 millionannual visitors. He also launched WeWork’s first Brand Partnerships division, leveraging media,activations, content, and experiences across 200+ locations in the US andCanada. Lesser has also worked with Travelzoo, the Miami Dolphins, HudsonYards, and AVP Beach Volleyball. He began his career in professional sports with organizations including the St.Louis Blues, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Brooklyn Nets & Barclays Center. Heis a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis. “It’s an incredible honor to join Peter’s vision for the PBA and Lucky Strikeas we look to reimagine the sport of bowling and create new cultural momentsfor our partners and fans,” said Lesser. “We have our sights set clearly onsomething tens of millions of people already do into something millions morepeople want to watch, follow, and participate.” Todoroff, a Miami native with a career in sports and higher‑educationmarketing, has previously worked with the Miami Dolphins, Miami Marlins,University of Miami, and Florida State University Football. He’s been hands-onacross social, content, and performance marketing, moving between creativework and data-driven strategy. He earned his undergraduate degree from FloridaState University and a master's degree in Sport Administration from theUniversity of Miami. “I am focused on taking the PBA brand to the next level and developing newaudiences with engaging content that tells our story worldwide,” saidTodoroff. “Our team is energized for what’s ahead as we transform theperception of bowling into a new generation of innovation.” The PBA ranks higher than Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League,WNBA, National Women’s Soccer League, and Major League Soccer for live eventaudiences. About the Professional Bowlers Association The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) is the leading pro bowlers leaguein the world featuring the best players in the sport globally. ThePBA has thousands of members from over 30 countries, competing in tournamentsand events across the PBA Tour, PBA ELITE Regional Tour, and the PBA SeniorTour. The PBA also serves casual and league bowlers, from youth (PBA Junior)to adults, through its membership and grassroot programs. Bowlingremains the #1 participatory sport in the US among adults 18+, with 70 millionbowlers annually. Each season, the PBA Tour is watched by millionsof viewers live across leading linear and streaming platforms including theCW Network, the ESPN App, CBS broadcast, Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, andBowling TV. CW Network Bowling TV About Lucky Strike Entertainment Lucky Strike Entertainment is one of the world's premier location-basedentertainment platforms. With over 360 locations across NorthAmerica, Lucky Strike Entertainment provides experiential offerings inbowling, amusements, water parks, and family entertainment centers.The company also owns the Professional Bowlers Association, themajor league of bowling and a growing media property that boasts millions offans around the globe. For more information on Lucky StrikeEntertainment, please visit LuckyStrikeEnt.com. Your Weekly Bowling Digest The latest bowling news, tips, and gear reviews—all wrapped up in a quick3-minute read delivered straight to your inbox. 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Jord van Weeren left Ankara with two gold medals and a reason to look forwardto his own bed. Yet after a week in which he and Nicole Sanders won everytitle available at the European Championship of Champions, going home stillfelt a little sad. “Leaving a fun event always feels sad,” he told BowlingLife's Erikas Jansonas."It was a tough week, conditions were not easy and it has been a true grindthroughout the entire week. In that part I am happy to sleep in my own bedagain. But the feeling I have now is mostly proud." Indeed, the Netherlands had plenty be proud of. Van Weeren and Sanders won mixeddoubles gold together before taking the men's and women's individual titles onSaturday. Three Dutch titles might suggest a comfortable week in Turkey. But both of them had to work their way through 24 qualifying games, the top-12 stage, the semifinals and the finals before claiming gold. Van Weeren reached the semifinals in fourth place, just 32 pins ahead ofIreland's Christopher Sloan. Against qualifying leader Raymond Teece, he lostthe opening game before winning the next two to reach the final. Then he had to do it again. Norway's Mathias Danielsen Otting took the firstgame of the title match, 236–205. Van Weeren answered with 194–166 and 217–177to become champion. Sanders beat Greece's Alexandra Giannadaki in the women's final to completetheDutch sweep of the ECC titles. Dutch sweep of the ECC titles “Offcourse it was a tough week, conditions were not easy and it has been atrue grind throughout the entire week,” Van Weeren said. "I am proud of what we accomplished as a team. Nicole, along with our coach Elco Gorter and our supporters, made a huge contribution to our results this week." Strong Team Earlier in the championship, van Weeren and Nicole Sanders won the mixed doubles title for the Netherlands. Their success was not just about scoring. It also showed how naturally the partnership worked.“I think that Nicole and I have a lot of faith in each other. We know what we are both capable of on the lanes. This trust, especially when we were bowling together during the Mixed Doubles event, gave each other some room to breathe during tougher moments on the lanes. We were really capable of stepping up when the other was struggling and we did that back and fourth. With our experience and shot making it all just worked out," Van Weeren said. "But it wasn’t just Nicole and me, Elco Gorter also played a crucial role in achieving this result. His extensive knowledge and vision of the game have been of immense value to our team," he added. Asked what the party looked like after winning all gold, Van Weeren said the celebration matched the scale of the achievement - maybe even a little too well. “The Dutch Party? Haha, we had a great time during a great bankuette, lets saythe next morning I would not have been able to perform on the same level onthe lanes as the mornings before,” he laughed. Your Weekly Bowling Digest The latest bowling news, tips, and gear reviews—all wrapped up in a quick3-minute read delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Now {"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "NewsArticle","headline": "Three Titles, Two Comebacks and One Dutch Party: Jord van Weeren on ECC Gold","description": "Jord van Weeren reflects on the Netherlands’ three ECC 2026 titles, his partnership with Nicole Sanders, coach Elco Gorter and the celebrations in Ankara.","inLanguage": "en","articleSection": "Interviews","author": {"@type": "Organization","name": "BowlingLife","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu"},"publisher": {"@type": "Organization","name": "BowlingLife","url": "https://bowlinglife.eu"},"about": [{"@type": "Person","name": "Jord van Weeren"},{"@type": "Person","name": "Nicole Sanders"}]}

A young tennis talent was climbing her way towards Greece’s elite, earning aplace among the country’s top 12 under-16 players. Her future in tennis seemedas bright as the summer sun in Athens. Few would have imagined, least of all Alexandra Giannadaki herself, that shewould soon be making her name in a completely different sport: bowling. Earlier this year, Alexandra won the Greek national title, and on Saturday,October 3, the 19-year-old took silver in the women’s competition at theEuropean Championship of Champions in Ankara. “Bowling unexpectedly came into my life and completely swept me away,”Alexandra Giannadaki told BowlingLife’s Erikas Jansonas. “I was never supposedto become a bowler — I was ‘born’ a tennis player.” The Week That Changed Her Game During her first year, Alexandra bowled one-handed and began discovering howmuch happened behind a single shot: the oil on the lane, the movement of theball, the equipment and the decisions that connected them. There was somethingfamiliar in all that detail. It reminded her of tennis. “The more I learned, the more I wanted to understand.” One summer, Giannadaki decided to see what bowling with two hands felt like.She gave herself a week to try it. It turned out to be what she describes asthe best decision she has ever made. Her progress afterwards came faster than she had imagined. Now, looking backon a journey that has brought her a national title and a place in a Europeanfinal, she still finds it difficult to take in. “Looking back, it is still quite unreal to think that I started bowling almostunexpectedly and that it eventually led me to representing Greece andcompeting for a European title.” Reaching the ECC already meant something to her. Standing on the podium madethe experience even more rewarding. “Right now, it feels almost unreal. When I think about the countless hours Ihave spent practising, the dedication I have given to the sport, and thesacrifices I have had to make along the way, it is incredibly rewarding to seeall of that effort come back to me in such a meaningful way.” Finding Answers on the Lanes In Ankara, the details that had first drawn her into bowling became central toher success. “By Saturday, I felt much more confident and composed, and I was able tocommit to every shot with a clear mind and trust in the decisions I wasmaking.” She also credited the connection she has with her coach. “I also cannot overlook the importance of communication and understandingbetween a player and their coach. In our case, my coach, Aris Vlachakis, and Iwere very much on the same page throughout the championship, and that trustand communication definitely contributed to the result,” she said. Walks Away As A Winner Alexandra led the women’s standings into the semifinals with 6,546 pins over32 games, 219 pins clear of Ireland’s Hannah Masterson. Giannadaki then beatSweden’s Hanna Engberg in two games, 201–179 and 222–208, to reach the finalagainst Nicole Sanders of the Netherlands. The title was within reach. Sanders, however, won 204–176 and 223–192 to takegold for the Netherlands. Giannadaki did not feel that her confidence had deserted her in the final. Sheexplained that the difference came down to execution and finding the rightball reaction at the right moments. The adjustments she and her coach made didnot quite produce what they needed. “I was very close to putting everything together, but I did not quite manageto take that final step when it mattered most.” While there was disappointment in coming so close, it did not undo the rest ofthe week. She believes she leaves Ankara a better player than the one whoarrived. “Even though I lost the final, I am still walking away feeling like I won.” Your Weekly Bowling Digest The latest bowling news, tips, and gear reviews—all wrapped up in a quick3-minute read delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Now {"@context": "https://schema.org","@graph": [{"@type": "NewsArticle","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/alexandra-giannadaki-tennis-to-ecc-silver/#article","headline": "From Tennis Prospect to European Silver: The Unreal Journey of Alexandra Giannadaki","description": "Former top-12 Greek U16 tennis player Alexandra Giannadaki shares her story of switching to two-handed bowling, capturing a national title, and winning silver at the 2026 European Championship of Champions.","image": ["https://fsn1.your-objectstorage.com/bowlinglife/media/Posts_Uploads/WhatsApp_Image_2026-10-05_at_19.20.26.jpeg"],"datePublished": "2026-10-06T11:00:00+03:00","dateModified": "2026-10-06T11:00:00+03:00","author": {"@type": "Person","name": "Erikas Jansonas","worksFor": {"@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/alexandra-giannadaki-tennis-to-ecc-silver"},"about": [{"@type": "Person","name": "Alexandra Giannadaki","jobTitle": "Professional Bowler"}]},{"@type": "SportsEvent","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/alexandra-giannadaki-tennis-to-ecc-silver/#event","name": "2026 European Championship of Champions - Women's Competition","sport": "Bowling","startDate": "2026-10-03","endDate": "2026-10-03","location": {"@type": "Place","name": "Rollhouse Bilkent","address": {"@type": "PostalAddress","addressLocality": "Ankara","addressCountry": "TR"}},"competitor": [{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Alexandra Giannadaki" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Nicole Sanders" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Hanna Engberg" },{ "@type": "Person", "name": "Hannah Masterson" }],"description": "Women's final stages at the 2026 European Championship of Champions in Ankara, Turkey."},{"@type": "FAQPage","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/alexandra-giannadaki-tennis-to-ecc-silver/#faq","mainEntity": [{"@type": "Question","name": "What sport did Alexandra Giannadaki play before taking up bowling?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Alexandra Giannadaki was a top junior tennis player in Greece, ranking among the country's top 12 players in the under-16 category before transitioning to competitive bowling."}},{"@type": "Question","name": "How did Alexandra Giannadaki perform at the 2026 European Championship of Champions?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "The 19-year-old captured the silver medal in Ankara. She led the 32-game qualifying stage with 6,546 pins, defeated Sweden's Hanna Engberg in the semifinals, and finished as runner-up to the Netherlands' Nicole Sanders."}},{"@type": "Question","name": "When did Alexandra Giannadaki switch to two-handed bowling?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "After bowling one-handed during her first year in the sport, Giannadaki experimented with two-handed bowling during a one-week summer trial, which she considers the best decision of her bowling career."}},{"@type": "Question","name": "Who is Alexandra Giannadaki's bowling coach?","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Giannadaki works with coach Aris Vlachakis, whom she credits for establishing strong communication, trust, and strategic decisions throughout the European Championship of Champions."}}]}]}

Michael Davidson came from more than 70 pins behind in the final game to winthe standard division of the PBA ELITE Central Regional 1 at EZ Bowl inBluffton, Indiana. Mika Koivuniemi of Finland won the senior division afterleading for almost the entire weekend. The PBA ELITE Regional Tour is the PBA's new top tier of regional events,launched this fall with 21 tournaments across seven regions. The Blufftonstop was held at EZ Bowl, the centre owned by four-time PBA Player of theYear EJ Tackett and Zac Tackett, and it was bowled on string pins. Davidson pulls off the comeback After seven games of qualifying on Saturday and a four-game advancers roundon Sunday, the top eight in each division bowled round-robin match play. Thetitle went to the highest pinfall total, with no stepladder final. Each match play win was worth 30 bonus pins, and Davidson collected 210 ofthem with a 7-1 record. He still went into the last game more than 70 pinsoff the lead, then turned it around to finish on 4,531, a 227 average over19 games. Even the broadcast team admitted they were in a little bit ofshock. The host finished right behind him. Tackett had the highest average in thefield, 230, but went 4-4 in match play and ended second with 4,492, 39 pinsback. Graham Fach was third with 4,336, ahead of Zach Weidman (4,310) andSean Rash (4,264). "That was a good shot, and then I was like, all right, just stay focused,keep doing what you've been doing all day," Davidson said on thebroadcast. "Fortunately, they fell my way." The 30-year-old from Versailles, Ohio, led qualifying at the U.S. Open inMarch and is still chasing his first PBA Tour title. The win at EZ Bowl ishis first regional title since 2019. PBA ELITE Central Regional 1 Standard Division Final standings after 19 games, including match play bonus pins: 1 Michael Davidson 7-1 in match play 4,531 227 avg 2 EJ Tackett 4-4 4,492 230 avg 3 Graham Fach 4-4 4,336 221 avg 4 Zach Weidman 5-3 4,310 218 avg 5 Sean Rash 5-3 4,264 216 avg 6 AJ Johnson 3-5 4,190 215 avg 7 Austin Grammar 4-4 4,115 210 avg 8 Brett Lloyd 0-8 4,031 212 avg Koivuniemi keeps it simple On the senior side, Koivuniemi controlled the event from start to finish.He averaged 219 over 19 games, went 5-3 in match play and won with 4,325,282 pins ahead of Jason Lundquist (4,043). Dan Higgins Jr. edged Dave Wodkaby one pin for third, 3,940 to 3,939. The 59-year-old Hall of Famer said his plan was built around the conditionson the long, 48-foot oil pattern. "I try to keep my game pretty simple, control the pocket, and try to stayclean," Koivuniemi said. "I knew the scoring pace wouldn't be that high, so[I wanted to] keep my ball close to the pocket most of the time and make myspares. That was my plan." He also adjusted his loft and release to play a straighter line. "I did myown tweaks with my loft and release to be able to play more of a straightline and not try to open up my angles too much," he said. Koivuniemi has 14 PBA Tour titles, including three majors: the 2000 ABCMasters, the 2001 U.S. Open and the 2011 Tournament of Champions. He was thefirst European inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame and has won two PBA50titles since returning to competition in 2018. PBA ELITE Central Regional 1 Senior Division Final standings after 19 games, including match play bonus pins: 1 Mika Koivuniemi 5-3 in match play 4,325 219 avg 2 Jason Lundquist 5-3 4,043 204 avg 3 Dan Higgins Jr. 3-5 3,940 202 avg 4 Dave Wodka 4-4 3,939 201 avg 5 Ron Hurt 3-5 3,822 196 avg 6 Carleton Chambers 3-4-1 3,778 193 avg 7 Bill Watson 6-2 3,736 187 avg 8 Tom Howard 2-5-1 3,713 191 avg Next stop: Jackson The PBA ELITE Central Regional Tour continues next weekend in Jackson, andKoivuniemi confirmed he plans to bowl, giving him a chance to win back toback. The top five finishers without PBA Tour priority status at each ELITE eventearn a spot in the Regional Players Invitational in December, where threepriority status places for the 2027 PBA Tour are awarded. Your Weekly Bowling Digest The latest bowling news, tips, and gear reviews—all wrapped up in a quick 3-minute read delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Now

Belgium's Gery Verbruggen and France's Laurence Fievet won the men's and women's titles at BowlingGP Legends 2026 on Sunday, October 4, at Bowling Plaza Grand-Quevilly. Verbruggen finished ahead of France's Serge Frouvelle in the men's Final4, while Fievet took the women's title ahead of Belgium's Vanessa Vissenberg. Both champions earned €2,000. Verbruggen Wins the Men's Title Verbruggen turned second place in qualifying into the tournament victory. Qualifying leader Frouvelle finished runner-up, with fellow Frenchmen Guy Virlogeux third and Alain Missiou fourth. The men's title changes hands after Germany's Peter Knopp won last year's edition. last year's edition Fievet Takes the Women's Crown Fievet completed her run to the title after reaching Sunday's finals through the Scratch classification. Vissenberg took second place, while defending champion Véronique Perniaux finished third. France's Marilyn Planchard completed the Final4 in fourth. Goron and Fouquet Win Local Categories Frédéric Goron won the local men's title ahead of Jean-Luc Ramaugé. Franck Duprey finished third and Johann Lacroix fourth. Aida Fouquet took the local women's title, followed by Nadia Goron in second, Annette Leroy in third and Estelle Mazur in fourth. The results bring five days of senior bowling in Normandy to a close. Full standings and scores from every stage are available on the official BowlingGP Legends results page. official BowlingGP Legends results page Your Weekly Bowling Digest The latest bowling news, tips, and gear reviews—all wrapped up in a quick 3-minute read delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Now {"@context": "https://schema.org","@graph": [{"@type": "NewsArticle","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/bowlinggp-legends-2026-verbruggen-fievet-winners/#article","headline": "Gery Verbruggen and Laurence Fievet Win BowlingGP Legends 2026","description": "Gery Verbruggen and Laurence Fievet win BowlingGP Legends 2026 in Grand-Quevilly. See the men's, women's and local category results.","datePublished": "2026-10-04T19:59:48+03:00","dateModified": "2026-10-04T19:59:48+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/bowlinggp-legends-2026-verbruggen-fievet-winners"},"about": [{"@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/bowlinggp-legends-2026-verbruggen-fievet-winners/#event"}]},{"@type": "SportsEvent","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/bowlinggp-legends-2026-verbruggen-fievet-winners/#event","name": "BowlingGP Legends 2026","sport": "Bowling","startDate": "2026-09-30","endDate": "2026-10-04","eventStatus": "https://schema.org/EventCompleted","location": {"@type": "Place","name": "Bowling Plaza Grand-Quevilly","address": {"@type": "PostalAddress","addressLocality": "Le Grand-Quevilly","addressCountry": "FR"}}}]}

Serge Frouvelle and Sue Abela finished on top of qualifying at BowlingGP Legends 2026 in Grand-Quevilly, France. With the final squads and Desperado complete, 42 men and 14 women have earned places in Sunday's finals. Frouvelle and Gery Verbruggen take the two men's places directly into the semifinals. Abela and Vanessa Vissenberg earn the same advantage in the women's division, with both titles to be decided on Sunday. Qualifying positions are based on each bowler's two best six-game series. The totals include bonuses. Frouvelle Finishes Above 3,000 France's Serge Frouvelle led the men's field with 3,021, combining series of 1,497 and 1,524. He finished 50 pins ahead of Belgium's Gery Verbruggen, who secured second place with 2,971. England's Steve Thornton took third with 2,914. His 12 games produced 2,878 scratch (239.83 average). France's Didier Thomas finished fourth on 2,887, followed by Sweden's Crister Danielsson with 2,881. Johan Åberg was sixth with 2,876, while overnight leader Wim van der Veen finished seventh on 2,862. Defending champion Peter Knopp qualified in 13th with 2,750 and will begin Sunday in the quarterfinals. The race for the last place through the main standings came down to one pin. Germany's Oliver Fischer finished 30th with 2,648, just ahead of Christophe Hournon on 2,647. Abela Edges Vissenberg by Ten Pins Malta's Sue Abela climbed to the top of the women's standings with 2,608, finishing ten pins ahead of Belgium's Vanessa Vissenberg on 2,598. France's Valérie Murat took third with 2,560, five pins ahead of compatriot Marilyn Planchard. Germany's Martina Beckel completed the top five with 2,502. Jan Hodge finished sixth on 2,482, Cathy Roux seventh with 2,471 and Angie Brown eighth with 2,455. Brown claimed the last place through the main standings by two pins over Marie-Noëlle Morand. Defending champion Véronique Perniaux finished tenth overall with 2,452 but qualified through the Early Birds classification. Both winners from last year's BowlingGP senior tournament therefore remain in contention. last year's BowlingGP senior tournament Desperado Decides the Last Places England's Alan Meades and Belgium's Renaud Honhon took the final two men's places in the one-game Desperado, scoring 247 and 234 respectively. Germany's Manuela Hollenbach claimed the women's place with 219. Other bowlers advanced through the Early Birds, Scratch and Turbo classifications. These additional routes completed the field alongside the top 30 men and top eight women from the overall standings. What Happens on Sunday? The men begin at 09:00 with the 1/8 finals. Eight bowlers advance to join qualifiers ranked third to 18th in the quarterfinals. From there, ten progress to meet Frouvelle and Verbruggen in the semifinals. The women's quarterfinals begin at 12:00. Twelve bowlers compete for four places alongside Abela and Vissenberg in the semifinals. These rounds use scratch round-robin match play in six-player pools, with three points for a win, one for a tie and none for a loss. Qualification totals do not carry over. The top four in each division then reach the Final4. All four play one game, with the lowest scorer eliminated. The remaining three play again, leaving two bowlers to contest the title over one final game. Each men's and women's champion will receive €2,000. Sunday, October 4: Finals Schedule All times are local to Grand-Quevilly, France. TimeRound09:00–10:15Men's eighth finals10:30–11:45Men's quarterfinals12:00–13:15Women's and local men's quarterfinals13:15300 Strike Shootout and ceremony14:30–15:45Men's, women's and local men's semifinals16:00–17:00Final4 in all categories17:00Awards ceremony after the finals TimeRound Time Round 09:00–10:15Men's eighth finals10:30–11:45Men's quarterfinals12:00–13:15Women's and local men's quarterfinals13:15300 Strike Shootout and ceremony14:30–15:45Men's, women's and local men's semifinals16:00–17:00Final4 in all categories17:00Awards ceremony after the finals 09:00–10:15Men's eighth finals 09:00–10:15 Men's eighth finals 10:30–11:45Men's quarterfinals 10:30–11:45 Men's quarterfinals 12:00–13:15Women's and local men's quarterfinals 12:00–13:15 Women's and local men's quarterfinals 13:15300 Strike Shootout and ceremony 13:15 300 Strike Shootout and ceremony 14:30–15:45Men's, women's and local men's semifinals 14:30–15:45 Men's, women's and local men's semifinals 16:00–17:00Final4 in all categories 16:00–17:00 Final4 in all categories 17:00Awards ceremony after the finals 17:00 Awards ceremony after the finals Follow the official results and all qualifying classifications throughout finals day. More background is available in BowlingLife's tournament preview, and we will continue covering the action through Sunday's title matches. official results and all qualifying classifications BowlingLife's tournament preview Your Weekly Bowling Digest The latest bowling news, tips, and gear reviews—all wrapped up in a quick 3-minute read delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Now {"@context": "https://schema.org","@graph": [{"@type": "NewsArticle","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/bowlinggp-legends-2026-qualifying-results-finals/#article","headline": "Frouvelle and Abela Top BowlingGP Legends 2026 Qualifying","description": "Serge Frouvelle and Sue Abela lead BowlingGP Legends 2026 into Sunday's finals. 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Colombia won team gold on home lanes on the final day of the VI Pan AmericanWomen's Championship in Bogota, and Maggie Thoma of the United States won theall-events title in her first international tournament. The championship, organised by PANAM Bowling, brings together national teamsof women bowlers from across North, Central and South America and theCaribbean. This year, 12 nations competed at the Bowling Industry centre inBogota from September 29 to October 3. Medals were awarded in five events: singles, doubles, trios, the five-playerteam event and all-events, which combines every game a player bowls acrossthe week, 24 in total. Pan American Women's Championship 2026 Champions Gold medal winners in Bogota: Singles Breanna Clemmer United States 1,341 223.5 avg Doubles Annalise O'Bryant, Katelyn Abigania United States 2,615 217.9 avg Trios Annalise O'Bryant, Maggie Thoma, Katelyn Abigania United States 4,015 223.1 avg Team Colombia Botero, Duque, Franco, Giraldo, Plazas, Rodriguez 6,328 210.9 avg All-Events Maggie Thoma United States 5,371 223.8 avg Team: Colombia win on home lanes The team event closed the championship on Friday. The United States ledafter three games, 3,152 to Colombia's 3,077. The hosts then bowled 1,128 ingame four, the best team game of the event, and never gave the lead back. Colombia finished with 6,328, a 210.9 average, and won by 175 pins. JulianaFranco (1,319), Sara Duque (1,312) and Maria Jose Rodriguez (1,309) led theway. Duque shot 267 in the decisive fourth game, and Rodriguez closed with257. The United States took silver with 6,153, and Thoma bowled the high game ofthe event, a 277. Canada won bronze with 5,793, led by Jade Cote (1,255) andMarissa Naylor (1,254). It was Canada's first medal of the week. Team Event Final Standings Top 5 of 10 teams after six games: 1 Colombia Botero, Duque, Franco, Giraldo, Plazas, Rodriguez 6,328 210.9 avg 2 United States Abigania, Bond, Clemmer, O'Bryant, Teuber, Thoma 6,153 205.1 avg 3 Canada Cote, Griffith, Johnston, Naylor, Wong, Yen-Lachapelle 5,793 193.1 avg 4 Venezuela de Faria, Figuera, G. Gonzalez, J. Gonzalez, A. Marcano, K. Marcano 5,544 184.8 avg 5 Guatemala Barrios, Bolaños, Leon, Morales, Salazar 5,421 180.7 avg All-events: Thoma finishes on top Thoma won all-events with 5,371, a 223.8 average over 24 games, and finished219 pins clear of her teammate Katelyn Abigania (5,152). She bowled over1,270 in every event and leaves Bogota with five medals. "I don't think anything will ever compare to what I did this week," ThomatoldUSBC. USBC Rodriguez took bronze with 5,116, her fourth medal of the week after doublessilver, trios bronze and team gold. Colombia had three players in the topeight, with Franco fifth and Laura Plazas eighth. Canada's Cote and Naylortied for sixth on 4,938. Abigania won four medals in her adult Team USA debut: gold in doubles andtrios, and silver in team and all-events. In June, she won the girls' singlestitle at theIBF World Youth Championships. IBF World Youth Championships "This was my Adult Team USA Debut and it was a week full of learning, grit,and dedication," she wrote on Facebook after the championship. "I had anamazing time with these amazing ladies and to say we're bonded for life isan understatement." All-Events Final Standings Top 8 after 24 games: 1 Maggie Thoma United States 5,371 223.8 avg 2 Katelyn Abigania United States 5,152 214.7 avg 3 Maria Jose Rodriguez Colombia 5,116 213.2 avg 4 Annalise O'Bryant United States 5,091 212.1 avg 5 Juliana Franco Colombia 5,031 209.6 avg 6 Jade Cote Canada 4,938 205.8 avg 7 Marissa Naylor Canada 4,938 205.8 avg 8 Laura Plazas Colombia 4,936 205.7 avg How the week unfolded Breanna Clemmer opened the championship with singles gold on Tuesday, herfirst international singles title. Thoma took silver, and Colombia's JulianaBotero gave the hosts their first medal with bronze. Doubles went down to the last game on Wednesday. Annalise O'Bryant andAbigania were tied with Colombia's Rodriguez and Franco after five games andwon by seven pins. The United States finished first and second in trios on Thursday, withO'Bryant, Thoma and Abigania winning gold. Colombia's Rodriguez, Franco andBotero took bronze. Full results are published on ScoreBowl. ScoreBowl Medal Table Medals by Nation All five events: 1 United States 4 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze 9 medals 2 Colombia 1 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze 5 medals 3 Canada 1 bronze 1 medal Your Weekly Bowling Digest The latest bowling news, tips, and gear reviews—all wrapped up in a quick 3-minute read delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Now

Nicole Sanders and Jord van Weeren won both titles for theNetherlands at the European Championship of Champions in Ankara on Saturday,two days after winning mixed doubles gold together. two days after winning mixed doubles gold together Sanders beat Greece's Alexandra Giannadaki 2-0 in the women's final. Meanwhile VanWeeren came back from a game down to beat Norway's Mathias Danielsen Otting2-1 in the men's final. Sanders: from 17th to champion Sanders was 17th after the first block of qualifying on Wednesday. She movedinto the top eight with the best women's set in mixed doubles, finishedqualifying third, and held that position through Saturday's eight-game FinalStep 1 with 6,203. Giannadaki led the field into the semifinals. She added 1,693 in Final Step1, the best women's block of the round, and finished 32 games with 6,546,219 pins ahead of Ireland's Hannah Masterson. Sweden's Hanna Engberg took the last semifinal spot with 6,123. She moved upfrom eighth with 1,535 and finished 11 pins ahead of Finland's Ani Juntunen. Giannadaki beat Engberg 2-0 (201-179, 222-208) in the first semifinal.Sanders beat Masterson 2-0 (203-199, 226-212) in the second, after edgingthe first game by four pins. In the final, Sanders opened with 204 to Giannadaki's 176 and closed out thetitle with 223 to 192. Giannadaki took silver. Masterson and Engberg each received bronze as thelosing semifinalists. ECC 2026 Finals Women's Finals Best-of-three matches: Semifinal 1 Alexandra Giannadaki Greece Greece def. Hanna Engberg (Sweden) 2-0 201-179, 222-208 Semifinal 2 Nicole Sanders Netherlands Netherlands def. Hannah Masterson (Ireland) 2-0 203-199, 226-212 Final Nicole Sanders Netherlands Netherlands def. Alexandra Giannadaki (Greece) 2-0 204-176, 223-192 Final Step 1 Standings After 32 Games Top 4 advanced to the semifinals: 1 Alexandra Giannadaki Greece 6,546 204.6 avg 2 Hannah Masterson Ireland 6,327 197.7 avg 3 Nicole Sanders Netherlands 6,203 193.8 avg 4 Hanna Engberg Sweden 6,123 191.3 avg 5 Ani Juntunen Finland 6,112 191.0 avg 6 Nadine Meier Germany 6,097 190.5 avg 7 Verity Crawley England 6,092 190.4 avg 8 Emma Palermaa Finland 5,995 187.3 avg Van Weeren comes back in the final Raymond Teece, who took the qualifying lead with a 300 game on Friday, stayedon top through Final Step 1 with 7,057, 33 pins ahead of Lukas Jelinek.Otting was third with 6,942. who took the qualifying lead with a 300 game on Friday Van Weeren took the fourth spot with 6,826, 32 pins ahead of Ireland'sChristopher Sloan. Slovakia's Simon Hrusovsky bowled the best block of theround, 1,729, but finished sixth. The top two qualifiers both lost in the semifinals. Teece won the first game against vanWeeren 237-227, but the Dutchman took the next two, 233-217 and 222-160.Jelinek, last year's champion, opened with 256 against Otting, who answered with 235 and 259 towin 2-1. The final followed the same pattern. Otting won the first game 236-205.Van Weeren took the second 194-166 and won the deciding game 217-177. Otting took silver, and Teece and Jelinek each received bronze. ECC 2026 Finals Men's Finals Best-of-three matches: Semifinal 1 Jord van Weeren Netherlands Netherlands def. Raymond Teece (England) 2-1 227-237, 233-217, 222-160 Semifinal 2 Mathias Danielsen Otting Norway Norway def. Lukas Jelinek (Czech Republic) 2-1 243-256, 235-212, 259-227 Final Jord van Weeren Netherlands Netherlands def. Mathias Danielsen Otting (Norway) 2-1 205-236, 194-166, 217-177 Final Step 1 Standings After 32 Games Top 4 advanced to the semifinals: 1 Raymond Teece England 7,057 220.5 avg 2 Lukas Jelinek Czech Republic 7,024 219.5 avg 3 Mathias Danielsen Otting Norway 6,942 216.9 avg 4 Jord van Weeren Netherlands 6,826 213.3 avg 5 Christopher Sloan Ireland 6,794 212.3 avg 6 Simon Hrusovsky Slovakia 6,757 211.2 avg 7 Aleks Szczepaniak Poland 6,703 209.5 avg 8 Robin Ilhammar Sweden 6,668 208.4 avg A Dutch week in Ankara The Netherlands leave Ankara with three titles: mixed doubles gold forSanders and van Weeren, and both singles championships. Full results are available on theECC 2026 standings page. ECC 2026 standings page Your Weekly Bowling Digest The latest bowling news, tips, and gear reviews—all wrapped up in a quick 3-minute read delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Now

Seven squads are complete, the BowlingGP Party is over, and attention turns back to the lanes in Grand-Quevilly. Wim van der Veen and Vanessa Vissenberg lead BowlingGP Legends 2026 heading into Saturday's final day of qualifying. Three regular squads and the one-game Desperado remain before the field is settled for Sunday's finals. The standings below reflect the results after Squad 7, with qualifying totals based on each player's two best six-game series, including age bonuses. Van der Veen Leads the Men The Netherlands' Wim van der Veen holds first place with 2,862, giving him a 51-pin lead over Sweden's Johan Åberg on 2,811. Van der Veen's total includes 2,742 scratch, a 228.50 average across his two counting series. Crister Danielsson is just two pins behind Åberg in third with 2,809. The Swede also has the highest six-game series of the tournament so far: 1,552 including his age bonus. France's Serge Frouvelle sits fourth on 2,787 after a 1,497 series in Friday's final squad. Fellow Frenchman Guy Virlogeux completes the top five with 2,785. At the other end of the main qualifying places, Alain Missiou holds 30th with 2,550. Didier Thomas is next on 2,535, just 15 pins behind. Vissenberg Holds a Clear Women's Lead Belgium's Vanessa Vissenberg leads the women's standings with 2,598, putting her 138 pins ahead of France's Valérie Murat on 2,460. Vissenberg has bowled 2,514 scratch across her two counting series, averaging 209.50. Behind her, the places are much closer. Germany's Martina Beckel is third with 2,456, followed by France's Marie-Noëlle Morand on 2,453 and Belgium's Véronique Perniaux on 2,452. Perniaux is the defending champion, having won the women's title alongside Peter Knopp in last year's tournament. last year's tournament England's Angie Brown currently holds eighth place with 2,407. Malta's Sue Abela is only three pins behind on 2,404, while the Netherlands' Debbie Zwart is tenth with 2,398. Saturday's Last Chances Saturday's regular squads start at 09:00, 13:00 and 17:00 local time. The Desperado provides one final chance to qualify, with the top two men and top woman advancing. Overall, 42 men and 14 women will reach Sunday's finals through the main standings and the Early Birds, Scratch, Turbo and Desperado routes. The top two in each overall division will advance directly to the semifinals, giving the leaders another reason to protect their positions. Read our BowlingGP Legends 2026 preview for more background, and follow the official live results as the final qualifying day unfolds. BowlingLife will continue covering the tournament through Sunday's finals. our BowlingGP Legends 2026 preview official live results Your Weekly Bowling Digest The latest bowling news, tips, and gear reviews—all wrapped up in a quick 3-minute read delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Now {"@context": "https://schema.org","@graph": [{"@type": "NewsArticle","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/bowlinggp-legends-2026-results-seven-squads/#article","headline": "Van der Veen and Vissenberg Lead BowlingGP Legends 2026 After Seven Squads","description": "Wim van der Veen and Vanessa Vissenberg lead BowlingGP Legends 2026 as bowlers return for the final qualifying day and the race for Sunday's finals.","datePublished": "2026-10-03T09:33:47+03:00","dateModified": "2026-10-03T09:33:47+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/bowlinggp-legends-2026-results-seven-squads"},"about": [{"@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/bowlinggp-legends-2026-results-seven-squads/#event"}]},{"@type": "SportsEvent","@id": "https://bowlinglife.eu/bowlinggp-legends-2026-results-seven-squads/#event","name": "BowlingGP Legends 2026","sport": "Bowling","startDate": "2026-09-30","endDate": "2026-10-04","location": {"@type": "Place","name": "Bowling Plaza Grand-Quevilly","address": {"@type": "PostalAddress","addressLocality": "Le Grand-Quevilly","addressCountry": "FR"}}}]}