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, and why 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 than 20 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, Andersson explained 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 my life. Almost 13 years international competition and seeing a lot of parts of the 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 that coaching has slowly become just as meaningful as competing.
“I definitely feel I can compete, however the thrill of making other bowlers better and seeing how they develop is just as of a big thrill. It’s always been in my mind to help out people through bowling and at this time it felt like a great moment.”
That mindset ultimately led him to accept a long-term coaching position with the Qatar Youth Team, beginning in June.
Full Focus
Some players manage to coach and compete at the same time, even at their prime. Many PBA and PWBA stars run clinics and offer coaching, but Andersson felt that splitting his attention would not allow him to give young bowlers what they expect - or what he wants to deliver.
“With the move to Doha I’d like to put all my dedication towards the players in 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 become even 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 team in 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 reserve against leaders BK Full House.
When asked about leaving the team without one of its key players, Andersson didn’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 chase in his final months on the lanes. His first priority is to defend the title with 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 of Bowling in Minnesota at the end of April - an opportunity he intends to use.
“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!”
