The 3rd edition of the Storm Junior Dutch Open wrapped up on Sunday at Bison Bowling Haarlem, Netherlands, bringing together over 70 talented youth bowlers. The tournament, part of the European Youth Bowling Tour, featured competitors divided into three age categories: Under 15, Under 19, and Under 26.
To determine the champions in each division, bowlers first played six qualification games, followed by four additional games in the semifinals. The top six players in each category then advanced to the finals, where they bowled four more games. The overall champion in each division was determined based on the total pinfall across 14 games.
U15 Division: Classon Dominates from Start to Finish
Sweden’s Charlie Classon set the pace early, leading the qualification round and maintaining his dominance throughout the tournament. With an impressive total pinfall of 2,861 over 14 games, he secured the title convincingly. Scotland’s Isla Claxton claimed silver with 2,774, while Ireland’s Alex Luk took home the bronze with 2,628.
U19 Division: Mňačko Clinches Victory by Four Pins
In the U19 division, Matyáš Mňačko of the Czech Republic finished second in qualification with 1,325 total pins, just behind England’s Ben Marston, who led with 1,363. However, Mňačko took control in the semifinals with a stellar 909-pin performance over four games, securing the top spot heading into the finals. While he couldn’t maintain the same pace in the final round, his 826-pin total in the last four games was just enough to win the title by four pins. Sweden’s Lukas Martinsson took silver, while France’s Yaari Lapid earned bronze.
U26 Division: Kvasničková’s Steady Climb to Gold
The U26 division saw Zuzana Kvasničková of the Czech Republic rise to the top. After finishing second in qualification with 1,306 pins, she took the lead in the semifinals and never looked back, securing the gold medal. France’s Lucas Fresnel earned silver, while Simon Kits of the Netherlands claimed bronze.
Masters Final: History Made by Kvasničková
The three division champions—Charlie Classon, Matyáš Mňačko, and Zuzana Kvasničková—then advanced to the Masters Final, where a single game determined the ultimate champion. Kvasničková delivered a stellar 239, outscoring Mňačko (232) and Classon (173) to claim the Masters title.
Her victory was historic: Kvasničková became not only the first female bowler to win the Masters event but also the first female player to ever qualify for the Junior Dutch Open Masters Final. [Update: Organizers noticed that Ireland's Hannah Masterson made it to the Masters finals but finished second].
