Bowling will officially be part of the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. The news follows a wave of concern from athletes, federations, and national committees after the sport was initially excluded from the Pan American Games earlier this year. excluded from the Pan American Games earlier this year The decision to reinstate bowling was confirmed during the Panam Sports General Assembly held in Asuncion, Paraguay. Bowling will join racquetball as the two final additions to the competition program, bringing the total number of sports at Lima 2027 to 38. This is a reversal of the original decision announced in June, when Panam Sports named only 36 sports for the upcoming Games, leaving out bowling for the first time since its official debut at Havana 1991. In response to the exclusion, Canadian national team member François Lavoie released an open letter on June 22, urging the bowling community to act. He emphasized the impact of the removal, particularly the loss of recognition from National Olympic Committees (NOCs), which could affect funding, athlete development, and international participation across the Americas. released an open letter Lavoie’s statement highlighted how bowling’s presence in events like the Pan American Games secures government support in many countries. Without that platform, he warned, bowling risked losing vital resources that fuel national teams and youth pipelines. The campaign gained traction. According to the Panam Sports President Neven Ilic, many NOCs reached out to Panam Sports, which ultimately reconsidered its stance. The organization acknowledged the value that bowling brings to the continent and approved its inclusion in the Lima 2027 sports program. Lima previously hosted bowling during the 2019 Games, using a modern facility at the Villa Deportiva Nacional (VIDENA). That venue is expected to return in 2027, requiring no major updates.

The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) has released results from its public survey on urethane bowling balls, revealing that a majority of respondents support some form of change to how urethane is used in certified competition. The one-question survey, distributed via email andsocial media, collected 20,943 responses. USBC used multiple channels to segment responses by audience group, including tournament participants, league bowlers, and the general bowling public. social media social media , According to USBC urethane survey, 57.32% of respondents supported some kind of change regarding urethane governance. Among them, 36.61% favored a full ban on urethane balls in all USBC-certified competitions. 17.63% preferred tighter specifications such as a minimum hardness of 78D, while 3.08% supported restricting urethane only in national tournaments. 57.32% By contrast, 38.67% of respondents preferred to keep current rules, and 4% said the issue did not concern them. While no final decision has been made, USBC stated that the results point toward the need for new governance. The Equipment Specifications Committee will now review all feedback and determine a recommendation, that may include changes to national tournament rules - such as removing certain high-performance urethane balls from national events - or increasing the manufacturing hardness standard for urethane balls going forward. In the USBC urethane survey results, USBC made it clear that no changes are currently being considered for local leagues or tournaments that choose to allow urethane. USBC is also not considering any changes that would justify a return or refund for any bowling ball. For clarification, USBC referenced existing definitions in the Equipment Specifications Manual. Only high-performance urethane bowling balls would be considered for removal from national tournaments. Non-high-performance balls are not expected to be affected by any changes under discussion. Examples of potentially impacted high-performance urethane balls include: Storm Pitch BlackStorm IQ Tour 78/UHammer Purple PearlHammer Black Hammer 78D Storm Pitch Black Storm IQ Tour 78/U Hammer Purple Pearl Hammer Black Hammer 78D Examples of high-performance balls not under consideration: NU Blue HammerStorm LevelMotiv Tank Yellowjacket NU Blue Hammer Storm Level Motiv Tank Yellowjacket Non-high-performance balls not affected: Storm MixHammer AxeMotiv Sniper Storm Mix Hammer Axe Motiv Sniper USBC emphasized that this list is not exhaustive but meant to illustrate the types of urethane equipment currently under review. Full USBC Urethane Survey Results Full USBC Urethane Survey Results The Equipment Specifications Committee is expected to meet in late August or early September 2025. As a reminder, on July 23, USBC released an official statement expressing increasing concerns about the ongoing use of urethane bowling balls in certified competition. As a reminder, on July 23, USBC released an official statement expressing increasing concerns about the ongoing use of urethane bowling balls in certified competition. As a reminder, on July 23, USBC released an official statement expressing increasing concerns about the ongoing use of urethane bowling balls in certified competition.

Is USBC banning urethane bowling balls? In this episode, we break down the facts, rumors, and hidden reasons behind the potential ban. From lane integrity to player development, and from manufacturer pressure to community backlash - this could change the game as we know it. We cover the official USBC statement, explore what’s being said behind the scenes, and ask: is this really about fairness... or something bigger? Tune in the latest episode!

Following USBC’s recent announcement that it is in advanced talks about a potential ban on urethane bowling balls, 32-time PBA Tour title winner, including 15 majors, Jason Belmonte stepped forward to share his views on social media. USBC’s recent announcement USBC’s recent announcement advanced talks about a potential ban on urethane bowling balls advanced talks about a potential ban on urethane bowling balls In a public post on Facebook, Belmonte urged the bowling community and governing bodies to look beyond urethane as the core issue. Instead, he pointed to the environment as the real driver behind the ball's widespread use. post on Facebook post on Facebook “Urethane isn’t our biggest problem - it’s the environments we create that reward its dominant use,” Belmonte wrote. “Bowlers should always use the ball that gives them the best motion for the pattern they’re on. That’s the name of the game. If urethane is dominantly used, it’s because the environment rewards it.” In Belmo's view, the sport should focus on education and lane pattern design that encourages variety - not restrictions. We already accept that different oil patterns challenge different styles and equipment use - short oil, long oil, flat, blended. We don’t ban the implementation of some patterns because they’re hard for some or because certain type balls don’t roll so well on those patterns. We expect bowlers to adjust, learn, and improve," Belmonte added. "Why can’t we take the same approach with urethane? Rather than banning a ball type, let’s use pattern design and education to promote variety. There should be nothing wrong with ‘some of the time’ a urethane ball be effective. He also addressed concerns about competitive fairness and legality. Some critics of urethane worry that certain models soften below legal limits over time. Belmonte acknowledged those concerns and encouraged stronger enforcement, production oversight, and possible updates to urethane specifications. "I believe this is where our governing body needs to step up and create better ways to enforce the legality and work with manufacturers to ensure these issues are no longer happening at production," Belmonte said. "Perhaps further spec changes can be addressed?" Belmonte emphasized that banning entire categories of equipment could set a dangerous precedent. "If we design environments that naturally limit the effectiveness of urethane - some of the time - we will encourage players to explore other options when the environment isn’t fit for it. Because once we start banning whole genres of equipment, where does it stop? If plastic becomes too effective, is that next? What about a new reactive formula? Or a style someone doesn’t like?" Finally, Belmonte pushed back against the claim that legal urethane stunts youth development. Instead, he argued that learning how to use urethane effectively is a skill in itself - and that bowlers should be encouraged to master all tools available. "We should be developing the sport, not shrinking it. Fairness doesn’t mean limiting choice. It means creating a playing field where all tools and styles can exist - and succeed - depending on how well they’re used. This is nearly completely based on the environment we create!"

For a while, rumours about regarding a potential urethane ban was all across internet. Now, it is finally taking shape. The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) has issued a formal statement outlining growing concerns over the continued use of urethane bowling balls in certified competition. The announcement, released via social media last night, confirms that the national governing body is actively considering steps that could result in a USBC ban urethane bowling balls in the near future. via social media via social media Over the past several months, USBC has conducted in-depth research on urethane equipment. This process included gathering input from a third-party working group, technical experts, and key stakeholders across the sport. In addition, manufacturers were invited to submit comments during an official feedback period. According to USBC, the current concerns on urethane bowling balls focus on four key areas. First, there are issues with lane pattern integrity. According to USBC, urethane bowling balls tend to break down oil patterns faster than reactive balls. This creates lane conditions that may not match the intended design and can favor certain playing styles over others. lane pattern integrity Second, USBC points to competitive fairness. The use of both urethane and reactive resin balls in the same competitive setting may cause imbalances between different bowler styles. According to USBC, certain athletes gain an unfair advantage out of this. However, it remains unclear how this is defined as an unfair advantage, since each player chooses their own style, lane strategy, and equipment. competitive fairness Third, there are player development concerns, especially for younger athletes. The statement explains that an overdependance on urethane bowling balls may limit skill growth, reduce versatility, and affect how bowlers learn to adjust to different lane conditions. player development concerns Finally, USBC notes challenges with governance and enforcement. Urethane balls often measure softer over time, making it difficult to distinguish between natural wear and possible tampering. This has led to increased integrity issues, confusion at events, and overall discontent within the bowling community. challenges with governance and enforcement In response to these issues, USBC says it will continue to review the matter closely. Along with the official announcement on social media, USBC released a public survey asking on what should USBC do about urethane bowling balls in certified competitions. The survey offers several response options: USBC released a public survey USBC released a public survey Allow urethane with tighter specifications (such as a minimum hardness of 78); USBC ban urethane from all USBC-certified competition at the national, state, and local levels;USBC ban urethane only from USBC National Tournaments;Continue allowing urethane with no changes;This doesn't affect me, I'm not concerned about the topic. Allow urethane with tighter specifications (such as a minimum hardness of 78); USBC ban urethane from all USBC-certified competition at the national, state, and local levels; USBC ban urethane only from USBC National Tournaments; Continue allowing urethane with no changes; This doesn't affect me, I'm not concerned about the topic. All feedback collected to date, along with any new input, will be presented to the Equipment Specifications Committee during their next meeting, scheduled for late August or early September 2025. After that meeting, we should have a clearer picture wether USBC ban urethane bowling ball or not. Although, some sources suggest that the decission might be pretty much settled already. Though not officially confirmed in the USBC statement, sources suggest that bowling ball manufacturers had already been notified that a redefinition and ban of urethane bowling balls is expected. The exact scope and timeline are still under discussion. In the past year, most major brands have already moved away from producing new urethane bowling balls. For example, Storm released its last urethane model, the IQ Tour 78-U, in late 2023, while Hammer launched the Black Pearl Urethane in March 2024. Since then, no other performance-level urethane bowling balls have been released among major brands. IQ Tour 78-U IQ Tour 78-U The ban on urethane bowling balls is already taking place in Europe. In May, we reported that the Norwegian Bowling Federation (NBF) introduced a new rule banning the use of certain urethane bowling balls in major national competitions. This includes the Norwegian National Championships and the National League. we reported that the Norwegian Bowling Federation (NBF) introduced a new rule banning the use of certain urethane bowling balls in major national competitions. we reported that the Norwegian Bowling Federation (NBF) introduced a new rule banning the use of certain urethane bowling balls in major national competitions. Some bowlers were quick to react to the potential ban on urethane bowling balls. For example, four-time PBA Tour title winner Tom Daugherty jokingly suggested banning all spare bowling balls, since they make shooting spares too easy.

The 49th MWA-Thailand International Open Bowling Championship came to an end on July 24 at Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl in Bangkok. The event brought together top bowlers from across Asia and beyond, with 178 men and 64 women bowlers competing this year. Men’s Division: Malaysia’s Izz Naqiuddin Takes the Title Malaysia’s Izz Naqiuddin Putera Islahuddin won the Men’s Open Masters title after a strong showing in both the earlier rounds and the final stepladder. Izz, who topped the third round with 1,383 total, entered the stepladder finals as the top seed. In the title match, he faced No. 6 seed Singapore’s Mike Ong, who had worked his way up from the quarterfinals. The final used the 1+1 format, and Ong struck first by winning the opening game 202–183. That forced a sudden-death decider. Izz responded with a clean game, including a three-strike finish from the eighth frame, to win 223–183 and secure the title. This marks Izz’s second title in the past month, following his recent victory at the KL Open. He also becomes the latest Malaysian to win the Thailand Open, following in the footsteps of his idol Rafiq Ismail, who won in 2015 and 2023. Mike Ong had earlier defeated Jaris Goh of Singapore and Aldric Bathan of the Philippines. He then advanced from the semifinal by beating Malaysia’s Syazirol Shamsuddin and Hong Kong’s Tony Wong. For his win, Izz earned 350,000 Thai baht (approx. €4,300). Women’s Division: Charmaine Chang Wins for Singapore In the Women’s Open Masters, Singapore’s Charmaine Chang claimed the title after entering the stepladder finals as the top seed. Chang faced Malaysia’s Siti Safiyah Amirah in the final and won 242–224 to seal the championship. Siti Safiyah had advanced by defeating two teammates, Nur Syazwani Sahar and Nora Lyana Nastasia. Chang had led the third round with a total of 1,362. Nur Syazwani and Siti Safiyah followed in second and third positions, while Singapore’s Shayna Ng and Ning Tay, along with Malaysia’s Nora Lyana, completed the top six for the stepladder finals. Chang took home 130,000 Thai baht (approx. €1,600).

The Finnish Bowling Association has officially announced the national teams that will represent Finland at the upcoming IBF World Championships 2025, set to take place in Hong Kong from November 24 to December 5. IBF World Championships 2025 The decision was made by the association’s board, following the recommendation of the national team coaches. Women’s National Team The women’s team selected to represent Finland includes: Eliisa HiltunenAni JuntunenPeppi KonsteriTiiamari LaukkanenEssi PakarinenEmma Palermaa Eliisa Hiltunen Eliisa Hiltunen Ani Juntunen Ani Juntunen Peppi Konsteri Peppi Konsteri Tiiamari Laukkanen Tiiamari Laukkanen Essi Pakarinen Essi Pakarinen Emma Palermaa Emma Palermaa Substitute (not traveling): Substitute (not traveling): Jenni Heino Jenni Heino Jenni Heino Men’s National Team Finland’s men’s squad will feature six bowlers: Joonas JähiTomas KäyhköJarno LahtiNiko OksanenJuhani TonteriLuukas Väänänen Joonas Jähi Joonas Jähi Tomas Käyhkö Tomas Käyhkö Jarno Lahti Jarno Lahti Niko Oksanen Niko Oksanen Juhani Tonteri Juhani Tonteri Luukas Väänänen Luukas Väänänen Substitute (not traveling): Substitute (not traveling): Juho Rissanen Juho Rissanen Juho Rissanen The World Championships are one of the most prestigious events in international bowling, bringing together top teams from across the globe. 32 nations qualified for the IBF World Championships 2025.

Colombia’s Clara Guerrero and the United States’ AJ Johnson were the most recent athletes to win gold in bowling at the Pan American Games in 2023. It now appears they may be the last. Bowling has officially been left off the list of sports for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. The news came on Thursday following an announcement from Panam Sports, confirming the 36 disciplines approved for the upcoming edition of the Games. In the most recent edition of the Games in Santiago, Chile in 2023, bowling was still part of the official program, making up one of the 39 included sports. Bowling had been part of the Pan American Games since 1991. The exclusion comes despite Peru having a strong bowling infrastructure. The country hosted bowling at the 2019 Pan American Games with great success, using its well-equipped facility at the Villa Deportiva Nacional (VIDENA) sports complex. With proven venues already in place, it is unlikely that shortage of bowling venues in the area played a role in this decision. Instead, the move seems to reflect a broader trend away from inclusion of bowling in major multi-sport events. Just two years ago, tenpin bowling was also excluded from the program of the 2025 World Games. Combined with the recent Pan American news, the message is clear: hopes for bowling's Olympic inclusion are fading. excluded from the program of the 2025 World Games excluded from the program of the 2025 World Games The effects of this decision will likely ripple across bowling federations in the Americas. The Pan American Games is one of the few events where only the top athletes from each country are selected, often leading to significant government support and performance-based funding, as in many countries, medaling at the Pan Am Games means athlete stipends. Without this platform, national bowling teams across the American continent face potential cuts to funding, reduced athlete support, and a weakened development pipeline. This also raises concerns that bowling could be excluded from other multi-sport events in the region, such as the Central American Games, South American Games, or and Caribbean Games. The Lima 2027 Pan American Games will feature 36 sports, including new additions like cricket. The event is scheduled to take place from July 16 to August 1, 2027, and will host over 7,000 athletes from 41 countries. But for the bowling community, there will be no lanes, no pins, and no medals to chase.

Chris Via and Bryanna Coté claimed the title at the 25th anniversary edition of the Storm PBA/PWBA Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles, held at Copperfield Bowl in Houston. After finishing qualifying in 22nd place, the pair surged during match play and secured the top spot heading into the final game. With a total pinfall of 10,416 (+1,216) over 46 combined games, they held a comfortable lead of 260 pins over Kyle Troup and Liz Johnson, who finished in second with +1,042. Latest win marked Coté’s sixth PWBA title and Via’s second PBA title. For the win they were awarded with $25,000. Via also rolled the only two 300 games of the tournament and donated both $300 bonuses to the Striking Against Breast Cancer foundation. Last year's champions Anthony Simonsen and Danielle McEwan finished in 22nd. Last year's champions Last year's champions The final PBA title event of the season will be the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in Helsingborg, Sweden, while the PWBA season wraps in August with Championship Week in Rochester, New York. Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in Helsingborg, Sweden Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in Helsingborg, Sweden Championship Week in Rochester, New York Championship Week in Rochester, New York Top 5 Final Standings: Top 5 Final Standings: Chris Via / Bryanna Coté – 10,416 (+1,216)Kyle Troup / Liz Johnson – 10,242 (+1,042)Darren Tang / Sin Li Jane – 10,039 (+839)Andrew Anderson / Erin McCarthy – 9,952 (+752)Tommy Jones / Shannon Pluhowsky – 9,918 (+718) Chris Via / Bryanna Coté – 10,416 (+1,216) Kyle Troup / Liz Johnson – 10,242 (+1,042) Darren Tang / Sin Li Jane – 10,039 (+839) Andrew Anderson / Erin McCarthy – 9,952 (+752) Tommy Jones / Shannon Pluhowsky – 9,918 (+718)

The 2025 PBA50 Petraglia Championship concluded on Tuesday in Jackson, Michigan, with Finland’s Mika Koivuniemi winning his first PBA50 title since 2018. In the title match, Koivuniemi, the No. 2 seed, started strong with a strike and spare, then built momentum with seven consecutive strikes from the fourth to the tenth frame - a pace his opponent just couldn't hande, securing the win 258-224. Previously, in the semifinal, Koivuniemi defeated No. 5 seed Liz Johnson, who had advanced through two earlier matches by defeating Brian LeClair in the opening match, 215-199 and then defeating Tom Daugherty 225-197. Johnson and Koivuniemi were even early in the game, but a split in the fourth frame gave Koivuniemi the lead. He remained clean through the match and finished strong to win 227-202. Koivuniemi earned $5,000 for the win. This win was crucial for Major Mika as he moves closer to qualifying for the PBA50 World Championship match play. All qualifying scores from this tournament, along with those from the Ballard, Monacelli, and Holman Championships, will determine the top 18 players advancing to the World Championship. Koivuniemi currently stands in 19th place and will need strong results in the upcoming Holman Championship to move up. All matches of the PBA50 are available to watch live on BowlTV. PBA50 Petraglia Championship Stepladder Finals – Match Results PBA50 Petraglia Championship Stepladder Finals – Match Results Match 1: Liz Johnson def. Brian LeClair, 215 – 199 Match 1: Match 2: Liz Johnson def. Tom Daugherty, 225 – 197 Match 2: Semifinal: Mika Koivuniemi def. Liz Johnson, 227 – 202 Semifinal: Final: Mika Koivuniemi def. Bo Goergen, 258 – 224 Final:

Andrew Anderson defeated EJ Tackett in two straight games during Sunday’s finale at Steel City Bowl & Brews in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to become the fifth bowler to claim the title since the lounch of the event. The final match began with Tackett taking an early lead with four straight strikes, but open frames in the later stages allowed Anderson to steal Game 1, 212–200. In Game 2, early errors from Tackett gave Anderson a comfortable advantage. Despite an open frame in the sixth, Anderson held on to win 212–189 and sweep the Race-to-Two final. This win marks Anderson’s second title of the season—both earned in finals matches against Tackett—and the sixth PBA Tour title of his career. Earlier in the year, Tackett topped Anderson in the U.S. Open, but Anderson bounced back to defeat him at the PBA Mike Aulby Nevada Classic. Tackett topped Anderson in the U.S. Open Tackett topped Anderson in the U.S. Open PBA Mike Aulby Nevada Classic PBA Mike Aulby Nevada Classic With this win, he also pockets the $35,000 top prize. The Tour Finals featured the top eight points leaders from the 2024 and 2025 seasons, split into two groups. Anderson and Tackett each earned the top seed in their respective groups during Saturday’s positioning rounds and fought their way through stepladder matches to reach the final. In Group 1, Tackett advanced after narrowly escaping a roll-off win against Graham Fach. In Group 2, Anderson survived a high-scoring bracket that saw Jason Belmonte shoot 269 and 278 in his first two matches. Anderson lost the first game of their head-to-head but forced a roll-off and doubled in the tenth to move on to the championship. The PBA Tour Finals closes out the 2025 season. The post-season begins with the Storm PBA/PWBA Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles in July, followed by a return to international play in August at the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in Sweden. Group 1 Stepladder Results: Group 1 Stepladder Results: Match 1: Kyle Troup (No. 4) defeated Bill O’Neill (No. 3), 227–214Match 2: Graham Fach (No. 2) defeated Kyle Troup, 226–197Match 3: EJ Tackett (No. 1) defeated Graham Fach, 2–1 Match 1: Kyle Troup (No. 4) defeated Bill O’Neill (No. 3), 227–214 Match 1: Match 2: Graham Fach (No. 2) defeated Kyle Troup, 226–197 Match 2: Match 3: EJ Tackett (No. 1) defeated Graham Fach, 2–1 Match 3: Group 2 Stepladder Results: Group 2 Stepladder Results: Match 1: Jason Belmonte (No. 3) defeated Anthony Simonsen (No. 4), 269–259Match 2: Jason Belmonte defeated Marshall Kent (No. 2), 278–221Match 3: Andrew Anderson (No. 1) defeated Jason Belmonte, 2–1 Match 1: Jason Belmonte (No. 3) defeated Anthony Simonsen (No. 4), 269–259 Match 1: Match 2: Jason Belmonte defeated Marshall Kent (No. 2), 278–221 Match 2: Match 3: Andrew Anderson (No. 1) defeated Jason Belmonte, 2–1 Match 3:

The final PBA Tour title of the 2025 season is on the line this weekend in Pennsylvania, where the top eight point leaders from the 2024 and 2025 seasons are competing in the PBA Tour Finals. On Saturday, the players were split into two groups based on their points standings. Group 1 included EJ Tackett, Bill O’Neill, Kyle Troup, and Graham Fach. Group 2 featured Anthony Simonsen, Jason Belmonte, Andrew Anderson, and Marshall Kent. Each group bowled two games on dual oil patterns—46-foot Petraglia on the left lane and 40-foot Monacelli on the right. The two lowest scorers were placed as the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds for Sunday’s stepladder. The top two advanced to a one-game match to determine seeding for the final. In Group 1, Tackett led the pack with 266 in his first game and stayed consistent to finish with a total of 488. Fach followed closely with 460 to join him in the seeding match, where Tackett rolled 258 to Fach’s 211 to claim the top seed. O’Neill and Troup will open Sunday’s Group 1 stepladder at 5 p.m. ET. The winner will face Fach, and then meet Tackett in a Race-to-Two match. Group 2 saw a standout performance from Andrew Anderson, who started with a 279 and followed it with 206 for a 485 series. Marshall Kent secured second with 452, while Belmonte and Simonsen struggled to keep pace. Anderson edged out Kent in the seeding match, 193–191, and now waits for the winner of the Group 2 stepladder starting at 7 p.m. ET. Belmonte and Simonsen will face off in the opener, with the winner moving on to face Kent. The two stepladder winners will meet in the championship match at 9 p.m. ET. All matches will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, which recently signed a new two-year agreement with the PBA beginning in 2026. new two-year agreement with the PBA beginning in 2026 new two-year agreement with the PBA beginning in 2026

Jesper Svensson is the 2025 PBA Playoffs Champion after defeating EJ Tackett in a high-energy, four-game final at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park, Michigan. The Swedish left-hander came out firing, taking the first two games with scores of 217–208 and 225–220. Tackett responded with a strong comeback in Game 3, making a ball change that helped him win 246–216 and stay in the match. Game 4 turned into a strike fest, with both players nearly perfect through eight frames. But late mistakes from Tackett opened the door, and Svensson needed just a mark in the final frame to seal the 246-win. He made the spare and secured his back-to-back title in just over a month—having already won the PBA Tournament of Champions in April. PBA Tournament of Champions in April PBA Tournament of Champions in April This victory marks Svensson’s 15th career PBA Tour title. After finishing as runner-up in last year’s PBA Playoffs, he returned stronger than ever to take the crown in 2025. After finishing as runner-up in last year’s PBA Playoffs After finishing as runner-up in last year’s PBA Playoffs With 14 PBA Tour titles, Jesper Svensson is now tied with Finland’s Mika Koivuniemi as the most decorated European player in PBA Tour history.

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) has announced a new media partnership with CBS Sports in a two-year deal starting with the 2026 season. CBS Sports will broadcast a total of 31 hours of PBA content in 2026—more than triple the coverage provided in 2025. Matches will air on the CBS Television Network and stream live on Paramount+, with additional programming featured on CBS Sports Network. The partnership will highlight two major events: the PBA World Series of Bowling (WSOB) and the newly updated PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The World Series of Bowling is considered one of the most prestigious global events in the sport. Since its debut 16 years ago, it has featured bowlers from over 30 countries, with 14 international players claiming titles. In 2026, CBS Sports Network will cover both the preliminary rounds and finals of the four animal pattern championships, leading up to the PBA World Championship finals, which will air live on CBS and Paramount+. In addition, the PBA Commissioner’s Cup will return with a refreshed format. Previously known as the PBA Tour Finals, the event traditionally featured the top eight players based on competition points. Beginning in 2026, all PBA members will have the chance to qualify. A separate qualifying round will determine the final eight competitors who will advance to the televised finals, which will span nine hours of coverage on CBS Sports Network. This is not the only recent media move for the PBA. On April 30, the PBA announced it will be leaving FOX. Starting in 2026, fans of professional bowling will have a new home to watch their favorite players compete, as the PBA signed a multi-year agreement with The CW Network to broadcast ten live events each year. PBA announced it will be leaving FOX PBA announced it will be leaving FOX

The 2025 PBA Playoffs Championship marked the end of an era for professional bowling broadcasts on FOX. Jesper Svensson’s four-game victory over EJ Tackett was the final PBA Tour event to air on FOX. Jesper Svensson’s four-game victory over EJ Tackett Jesper Svensson’s four-game victory over EJ Tackett After years of delivering high-stakes bowling action to fans, PBA has closed its chapter with the FOX. For the rest of the 2025 season, the PBA Tour will move to CBS Sports Network. CBS will cover the upcoming PBA Tour Finals over the weekend of June 7–8. The schedule includes positioning rounds, stepladder finals for both groups, and the championship match. "It is always so exciting to make a show, but so much more when we knew we were on BIG Fox," Jason Belmonte wrote on his social media. But as one chapter closes, another begins. This transition is part of a larger shift in PBA broadcasting. Beginning in 2026, the Professional Bowlers Association will partner with The CW Network under a new multi-year deal. will partner with The CW Network under a new multi-year deal will partner with The CW Network under a new multi-year deal This agreement will bring ten live events each year to national television in dedicated Sunday afternoon slots. The CW’s goal is to offer fans a consistent way to follow the sport and attract new viewers to the game. The CW Network already airs other major sports like the NASCAR Xfinity Series and college football, and it plans to make bowling a core part of its growing live sports lineup. The move also reflects the PBA’s push to expand its audience and give bowlers a bigger spotlight.

Sweden’s Jesper Svensson is once again the PBA Tournament of Champions winner, lifting the trophy for a second time after a convincing victory in Sunday’s stepladder finals at AMF Riviera Lanes in Fairlawn, Ohio. PBA Tournament of Champions The 'Ice Man' defeated Jakob Butturff 221–197 in the championship match, capping off a dominant week where he led after match play and entered the finals as the No. 1 seed. With this win, Svensson now owns 14 PBA Tour titles, tying him with Finland’s Mika Koivuniemi for the most by a European bowler, and two major championships. led after match play led after match play 14 PBA Tour titles Mika Koivuniemi two major championships Championship Match: Svensson Shuts Down Butturff to Reclaim TOC Title In the title match, Svensson started strong with four strikes in a row using the Storm IQ Tour 78-U. Butturff, coming off five straight wins between the prelims and stepladder, struggled to find the right reaction on the lanes. An open frame in the third and scattered spares made it difficult for the lefty to build momentum. Storm IQ Tour 78-U Storm IQ Tour 78-U While Butturff finally struck in the fifth, he couldn’t string them together. Svensson remained clean, calmly picking up spares and never letting go of the lead. He sealed the win 221–197, returning to the top of the TOC podium for the first time since 2016. Match 3: Butturff Blazes Past Fach to Reach Championship Match Before facing Svensson, Jakob Butturff rolled through Canada’s Graham Fach in the semifinal. Butturff started with four strikes and built a massive lead while Fach struggled early with an reactive resin ball choice, leaving an open in the fourth. Graham Fach Even after switching from Hammer Black Widow Mania to a Brunswick Mesmerize and finding a late triple, Fach couldn’t close the gap. Butturff stayed clean and finished with a 234–182 win — his fifth consecutive match victory, including two from Saturday’s prelims. Hammer Black Widow Mania Hammer Black Widow Mania Brunswick Mesmerize Brunswick Mesmerize fifth consecutive match victory Match 2: Butturff Survives Late Drama to Eliminate Tackett In the second match, EJ Tackett — who was chasing the Triple Crown in a single season — fell just short against Butturff in a game filled with ups and downs. EJ Tackett Tackett started slowly but built a late charge with a string of strikes before a 4-pin in the eighth stopped the run. Butturff missed a 2-4-7 spare but bounced back in the ninth with a strike. Tackett left splits in both the ninth and tenth frames, converting one but ultimately handing Butturff the chance to close it out. Butturff picked up the same 2-4-7 spare he had missed earlier and secured a tight 196–190 victory. 196–190 Match 1: Butturff Outlasts McCune in Tight Opener The stepladder finals opened with Jakob Butturff taking on Kevin McCune, who had made his second consecutive major finals appearance after finishing fifth in last week’s PBA Players Championship. Jakob Butturff Kevin McCune Both players started with urethane equipment and exchanged early blows, with McCune holding a slim three-pin lead at the commercial break. Butturff returned with back-to-back strikes, while McCune fell short in the ninth and tenth. Butturff needed a mark and three pins — he struck in the 10th and finished at 231, advancing with a win over McCune’s 215. Recapping the Road to the Finals The 2025 PBA Tournament of Champions, powered by 1800 Tequila, was held at the iconic AMF Riviera Lanes — a venue rich with PBA history. 2025 PBA Tournament of Champions Through 42 games of qualifying and match play, nine players advanced to the two-part stepladder finals. Jakob Butturff earned his spot by winning Saturday’s prelims, defeating Matt Sanders, AJ Johnson, and Keven Williams. On Sunday, he defeated McCune, Tackett, and Fach before falling to Svensson. Jesper Svensson’s victory gave him a long-awaited return to the winner’s circle on the U.S., where his last title win was back in 2022 at the Storm Cup. The 'Ice Man' won his 13th PBA Tour title last year at the 2024 Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in Helsingborg, Sweden. Final Championship Round Results Match 1: Butturff def. McCune, 231–215Match 2: Butturff def. Tackett, 196–190Match 3: Butturff def. Fach, 234–182Championship Match: Svensson def. Butturff, 221–197 Match 1: Butturff def. McCune, 231–215 Match 1: Match 2: Butturff def. Tackett, 196–190 Match 2: Match 3: Butturff def. Fach, 234–182 Match 3: Championship Match: Svensson def. Butturff, 221–197 Championship Match: Stay with BowlingLife.eu for more coverage, interviews, and highlights from the 2025 PBA Tournament of Champions and all major bowling events across the globe. BowlingLife.eu BowlingLife.eu PBA Tournament of Champions

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

Josie Barnes of Hermitage, Tennessee, claimed the 2025 PWBA Anniversary Open title after winning two matches during Sunday night’s stepladder finals at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The finals took place as part of the Junior Gold Championships Opening Ceremony, drawing over 6,500 spectators into the arena. It marked one of the most attended and visually striking finals in recent PWBA history. Barnes, seeded second, first faced Verity Crawley of England in the semifinals. Crawley had advanced with a 212–193 win over Colombia’s Rocio Restrepo in Match 2. Barnes kept a clean game and used Crawley’s mid-game opens to take control, winning 214–194 to earn a spot in the title match. In the championship match, Barnes met Kayla Smith of Rockford, Illinois. Smith had secured the No. 1 seed after a strong final qualifying round but struggled with carry in the final. Barnes built momentum early with five consecutive strikes and held the lead to close out the match 236–191. The win marks her second title of the 2025 season and sixth overall on the PWBA Tour. second title of the 2025 season second title of the 2025 season The stepladder finals opened with Sweden’s Nora Johansson making her PWBA finals debut. Johansson, the first two-handed player to reach a PWBA stepladder final, led early against Restrepo but closed with back-to-back splits, losing 209–215. All matches were contested at the Resch Center on a specially built lane installation. The event was aired live on CBS Sports Network. PWBA Anniversary Open Stepladder Finals - Match Results Match 1: Rocio Restrepo def. Nora Johansson, 215 - 209Match 2: Verity Crawley def. Rocio Restrepo, 212 - 193Semifinal: Josie Barnes def. Verity Crawley, 214 - 194Final: Josie Barnes def. Kayla Smith, 236 - 191 Match 1: Rocio Restrepo def. Nora Johansson, 215 - 209 Match 1: Match 2: Verity Crawley def. Rocio Restrepo, 212 - 193 Match 2: Semifinal: Josie Barnes def. Verity Crawley, 214 - 194 Semifinal: Final: Josie Barnes def. Kayla Smith, 236 - 191 Final:

After four rounds of qualifying at The Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley, the field at the 2025 PWBA Anniversary Open has been cut to the top five players who will advance to Sunday’s televised stepladder finals at the Resch Center. Kayla Smith of Rockford, Illinois, will make her first stepladder finals appearance as she claimed the No. 1 seed after an outstanding final round, averaging over 265 across six games. Her block of 1,593 was the second-highest six-game series on the PWBA Tour since its relaunch in 2015, just two pins shy of Breanna Clemmer’s 1,595 at the 2022 St. Petersburg-Clearwater Open. Josie Barnes of Hermitage, Tennessee, who led the standings through all previous rounds, will enter as the No. 2 seed. She’s seeking her second title of the year after winning the 2025 USBC Queens. who led the standings through all previous rounds who led the standings through all previous rounds Verity Crawley of England took the No. 3 position, returning to the PWBA stepladder finals for the first time since 2023. Nora Johansson impressed with a massive climb from 27th to 2nd in Round 3 and held her ground on Friday to lock in the No. 4 seed for the televised finals. This marks her first career appearance in a PWBA televised final. Rocio Restrepo of Colombia rounds out the top five. Full results Full results Live CBS Sports Network broadcast of the PWBA Anniversary Open begins Sunday, July 13, at 7 p.m. Eastern.

The 2025 PBA Sweden Badger Stockholm Open at the New Bowl Center ended with IS Göta’s Karl Wahlgren taking the title after a close final against his clubmate Anton Andersson. Wahlgren entered the final stage as the top seed after scoring a total of 2,783 over eight games in the Cashers Round, which included his 906 total from qualifiers. The long Badger oil pattern worked well for Wahlgren, who finished second in the qualifiers and then led the 24-player field in the Cashers Round to claim the No. 1 seed for the stepladder finals. In te title match, Wahlgren started the title match strong, building a lead. A mid-game strike run from Andersson closed the gap, but Wahlgren sealed the win 215–195 to claim the trophy. Prior the title match, No. 4 seed Andersson defeated No. 3 seed Sweden’s Carl Eklund 208-205 and No. 2 seed Denmark’s Tim Stampe 224-195. With the victory, Wahlgren earned an international invitation to the 2026 PBA World Series of Bowling, including entry fee, and a spot in the final of the 2025 Storm Lucky Larsen Masters. Full Results Full Results The Badger Open is one of four PBA events held in Sweden. These events lead up to the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters, a PBA National title tournament. Here’s what’s at stake in the Swedish PBA series: The top 3 points finishers across all four events earn spots in the 2025 PBA Trials.The top points leader also qualifies for the 2025 PBA Regional Players Invitational, both in the regular and senior categories.Winners of each event get an international invitation to the 2026 PBA World Series of Bowling and a place in the 2025 Lucky Larsen Masters final.The Lucky Larsen Masters champion will claim a PBA National title and a spot in the 2026 PBA Tournament of Champions. The top 3 points finishers across all four events earn spots in the 2025 PBA Trials. The top points leader also qualifies for the 2025 PBA Regional Players Invitational, both in the regular and senior categories. Winners of each event get an international invitation to the 2026 PBA World Series of Bowling and a place in the 2025 Lucky Larsen Masters final. The Lucky Larsen Masters champion will claim a PBA National title and a spot in the 2026 PBA Tournament of Champions. Earlier this year, Iceland’s Arnar Jonsson took the 2025 PBA Sweden Scorpion Open title in Eskilstuna, while Pontus Andersson won the PBA Sweden Chameleon Jönköping Open. Iceland’s Arnar Jonsson took the 2025 PBA Sweden Scorpion Open title in Eskilstuna Pontus Andersson won the PBA Sweden Chameleon Jönköping Open The next event - Storm Lucky Larsen Masters - will be held at Olympia Bowling in Helsingborg, on August 22-31.

With just one month to go until the start of the only Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour event held outside the United States, the organizers of the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2025 have announced the length of this year’s lane pattern. Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2025 Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2025 This year’s event will feature a long oil pattern, measuring between 44 and 46 feet. The pattern was developed in collaboration with Kegel, and final testing will be conducted at Olympia Bowling shortly before the tournament begins. The exact pattern will be released on August 21st. More than 300 bowlers already registered to compete in Helsingborg, Sweden, from August 22 to August 31 - including top PBA Tour names like Andrew Anderson, Kyle Troup, and the defending champion Jesper Svensson. Join them too! the defending champion Jesper Svensson the defending champion Jesper Svensson Register for Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2025 Register for Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2025 With a total prize fund of over €100,000, Olympia Bowling will once again host one of Europe’s most anticipated tournaments. Set on Sweden’s southern coast, Helsingborg offers a scenic and lively setting for the event. Last year, local favorite Jesper Svensson claimed the title in dramatic fashion. This time, the field is even deeper, as world-class bowlers from across the globe prepare to take on the lanes. Find, register for, and follow bowling tournaments across Europe with the BowlingLife tournament platform. Find, register for, and follow bowling tournaments across Europe with the BowlingLife tournament platform. Find, register for, and follow bowling tournaments across Europe with the BowlingLife tournament platform. Find, register for, and follow bowling tournaments across Europe with the BowlingLife tournament platform.

Juho Vuoppola from Finland won the Berlin City Open 2025 on Sunday evening at City Bowling Hasenheide in Berlin, Germany. The Finnish bowler secured the title by defeating Germany’s Laura Beuthner in a two-game final with a total score of 494 to 435.Vuoppola took the lead early in the final match with a strong 269–234 victory in the first game. He followed up with a 225–215 win in the second game, sealing the overall result in his favor. To reach the final, Vuoppola defeated Lukáš Jelínek from the Czech Republic 424-369 (232-176, 192-193) in the semifinal round. On the other side of the bracket, Laura Beuthner advanced to the final after beating fellow German bowler Paul Purps 436-430 (195-238, 225-192). Vuoppola’s win in Berlin came just a week after he placed sixteenth at the 10th Brunswick Madrid Challenge in Spain, showing consistent form across international events. 10th Brunswick Madrid Challenge 10th Brunswick Madrid Challenge For the win, Vuoppola received 5,000 euros. The Berlin City Open 2025 attracted a total of 267 participants from 33 different countries. The tournament was held at City Bowling Hasenheide. Berlin City Open 2025 Results Berlin City Open 2025 Results

The 2025 PBA Sweden tour continues this August as the third stop, the PBA Sweden Badger Stockholm Open, heads to New Bowl Center Gullmarsplan from August 8 to 10. This event follows two exciting tournaments in Jönköping and Eskilstuna that kicked off the four-part series. At the opening stop in February, Pontus Andersson took home the title at the Chameleon Jönköping Open. He delivered a dominant performance in the stepladder finals, defeating Albin Lindberg 258–199. With this win, Andersson earned an international invitation to the 2026 PBA World Series of Bowling and secured a place in Final Step 1 of the 2025 Storm Lucky Larsen Masters. Pontus Andersson took home the title at the Chameleon Jönköping Open Pontus Andersson took home the title at the Chameleon Jönköping Open In April, Arnar David Jonsson of Iceland captured the Scorpion Open title in Eskilstuna after a dramatic comeback against Henrik Nordang Larsen. Jonsson’s victory also secured him a spot in the 2026 World Series of Bowling and a direct entry into the 2025 Lucky Larsen Masters Final Step 1 later this summer. Arnar David Jonsson of Iceland captured the Scorpion Open title in Eskilstuna Arnar David Jonsson of Iceland captured the Scorpion Open title in Eskilstuna Now, attention turns to the PBA Sweden stop in Stockholm, which will challenge bowlers with the long (48 feet) and demanding Badger oil pattern. Badger Badger The tournament runs from August 8 to 10, with qualifying squads starting on Friday. As of now, spots are still available in the Friday squads, giving bowlers a last-minute opportunity to join the competition. Register for PBA Sweden Badger Stockholm Open Register for PBA Sweden Badger Stockholm Open The PBA Sweden series includes four events, all leading to the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in Helsingborg. Performances across these events matter - top three point earners across the series will qualify for the 2025 PBA Trials. The overall points leader will also secure a spot in the 2025 PBA Regional Players Invitational, with opportunities for both regular and senior divisions. Each event winner, including the Stockholm stop, receives an international invitation to the 2026 PBA World Series of Bowling with entry fee included. They also gain a spot in the Lucky Larsen Masters Final Step 1, which is a PBA National title tournament. The winner of that final event will earn a title on the PBA Tour and a place in the 2026 PBA Tournament of Champions. 2025 PBA Sweden Badger Stockholm Open will feature eight games of qualification. The top 24 players will advance to the cashers round and will play another eight games. After 16 games, the top 4 will advance to the step ladder. There's only 80 spots in the event and registration is ongoing. To register and to find more information, please visit the official website of the PBA Sweden - pbasweden.se. pbasweden.se pbasweden.se Useful links of the PBA Sweden Badger Stockholm Open: Useful links of the PBA Sweden Badger Stockholm Open: Registration Registration Registration Livestream Livestream Livestream Results Results Results Find more bowling tournaments on Tournaments | BowlingLife Tournaments | BowlingLife Tournaments | BowlingLife Tournaments | BowlingLife

Sweden’s Robin Ilhammar continued his incredible summer run by winning the 10th Brunswick Madrid Challenge, held July 5–13, 2025, in Madrid, Spain.Ilhammar defeated Czech Republic’s Lukáš Jelínek 245–222 in the final match to secure the title, adding to his recent victories at the IBF World Cup and the European Men’s Championships Masters event. At the end of May, Ilhammar also won the Kegel Aalborg International Open in Denmark. IBF World Cup IBF World Cup European Men’s Championships Masters event European Men’s Championships Masters event won the Kegel Aalborg International Open won the Kegel Aalborg International Open Ilhammar had a steady climb throughout the tournament. He placed 11th in qualification and advanced to Final Step 2, where he posted 964 over four games to finish third. In Final Step 3, he opened with 278 and 245 to grab early momentum. Despite a 184 in Game 3, he stayed above the cut and qualified in fifth place for Step 4. There, Ilhammar delivered four consistent and high-scoring games - 258, 252, 256, and 237 - to claim the top seed for the stepladder finals. Earlier in the semifinal, Lukáš Jelínek edged out Spain’s Michael Piccari 214–211 before facing Ilhammar in the championship match. Endrina Bracuto of Venezuela won the women's competition. She successfully advanced through two final steps and finished 10th overall in the general standings. 10th Brunswick Madrid Challenge Results 10th Brunswick Madrid Challenge Results

The Scottish Open 2025 concluded on Sunday at L.A. Bowl in Ayr, Scotland, where No. 1 seed Brian Gillespie claimed the title after winning the title match against No. 4 seed Euan Coote with a score of 220–203. The stepladder finals were played in single-game elimination format, where the lowest seed faced the next-highest seed in each round. Coote had reached the final by first defeating Ben Wallace 211–185 in game 1 and then winning against Ben Robinson 279–224 in game 2. Final Standings – Scottish Open 2025 Brian Gillespie (Scotland)Euan Coote (Scotland)Ben Robinson (England) Brian Gillespie (Scotland) Brian Gillespie Euan Coote (Scotland) Euan Coote Ben Robinson (England) Ben Robinson Qualification and Advancing Players Qualification totals were based on the best two 4-game sets. Ben Robinson led all qualifiers with the highest total of 1,911. A total of 30 players advanced from the qualifying rounds to the final stages. The top six qualifiers were: Ben Robinson (England) – 1,911James Guthrie (Scotland) – 1,888Steven Gill (Scotland) – 1,860Jak Herbertson (Scotland) – 1,822Ben Wallace (Scotland) – 1,780Euan Coote (Scotland) – 1,756 Ben Robinson (England) – 1,911 Ben Robinson James Guthrie (Scotland) – 1,888 James Guthrie Steven Gill (Scotland) – 1,860 Steven Gill Jak Herbertson (Scotland) – 1,822 Jak Herbertson Ben Wallace (Scotland) – 1,780 Ben Wallace Euan Coote (Scotland) – 1,756 Euan Coote Full results can be found on Scottish Tenpin Bowling Association's Facebook Full results can be found on Scottish Tenpin Bowling Association's Facebook Two perfect games were bowled during the event. The first came from Jak Herbertson, who finished 10th overall. The second was achieved by champion Brian Gillespie during Final Step 2. About the Event The finals followed a four-step format. Final Step 1 included players ranked below the top six. They bowled three games with scores reset to zero. The top nine from that round advanced to Final Step 2, where they were joined by the 4th to 6th place qualifiers. These players bowled another three games, and the top four advanced. In Final Step 3, the top three qualifiers entered the competition alongside the advancing four. A three-game block was bowled, and the top four moved into the stepladder finals. The total prize fund for the Scottish Open 2025 was £2,000. 45 players participated in this year's event.

The Motiv Open 2025 has concluded at Brno Bowling Center in the Czech Republic, with local talent Matyáš Mňačko winning the title after an mindblowing final round that came down to a single pin. Mňačko, who finished third in qualification with a total of 1,416 over six games, advanced directly to Final Step 2, where he immediately took command. His 724 total over three games, highlighted by a stunning 279 in Game 2, led the 20-player field. In Final Step 3, his scores of 200 and 236 added to his previous total, just enough to edge into the fourth and final qualifying position for the stepladder finals - by only 15 pins. The final was played in elimination format, where the lowest-scoring bowler was knocked out after each game. Mňačko navigated the first two rounds and then edged Šimon Hrušovský by the narrowest margin - 223 to 222 - to win the title. The victory earned Mňačko the €1,500 first-place prize. Ema Iwazawa performed best among women and finished in the fourth place overall at the Motiv Open 2025. Motiv Open 2025 Top 4: Matyáš MňačkoŠimon HrušovskýAdam HaxaEma Iwazawa Matyáš Mňačko Šimon Hrušovský Adam Haxa Ema Iwazawa Full results can be found here Full results can be found here About the Event Held from June 28 to July 6, 2025, the Motiv Open 2025 welcomed top bowlers from across Europe to Brno Bowling Center. A total of 129 players participated in this year's event, competing across 11 qualifying squads for a share of the €10,050 guaranteed prize fund. A total of 32 players advanced to the finals through multiple pathways, including Early Bird, Turbo, and Desperado options - offering bowlers plenty of ways to stay in contention.

The Italy Senior Open 2025 has officially wrapped up at Mondial Bowling in Rome, with Alessandra Morra of Italy and Steven Flynn of JK claiming the top titles in the Women’s and Men’s events. Morra Triumphs on Home Soil Italy’s Alessandra Morra, who qualified seventh, rose steadily through the rounds. After a dominant performance in the Round Robin, she secured the top position heading into the semifinals. There, Morra defeated Belgium’s Liliane Vintens with an impressive 266–192 win. In the final match, Morra came out striking early and never let up, claiming a convincing 216–169 victory over Belgium’s Vanessa Vissenberg, who had earlier defeated Linda Van Kerckhove 215–157 in the other semifinal. Morra’s win earned her €900 and thr ISBT Tour title. Flynn Strikes to the Title In the Men’s division, Steven Flynn finished second in qualification, earning a direct spot in Final Step 3. While he only won two matches in his Round Robin group, his high-scoring games (280, 258, 169, 202, 223) were enough to secure second place and a spot in the semifinal. There, Flynn faced Italy’s C. Zucconi in a tightly contested match, coming out on top 259–238. In the final, Flynn exploded with seven strikes to open the game, setting a pace Italy’s C. Ajola couldn’t match. Flynn sealed the win 268–219 and claimed the €1,850 first-place prize. Full results of the Italy Senior Open 2025 Full results of the Italy Senior Open 2025 A Demanding Oil Pattern This year’s 42-foot oil pattern proved both challenging and fair, featuring a total oil volume of 26.8 ml and a 1:7.06 ratio. It created an environment where smart adjustments and solid execution were crucial — a true test of experience and consistency that rewarded shotmakers who stayed sharp throughout. Find the oil pattern here Find the oil pattern here Prize Fund and Hospitality With a €16,000 total prize pool, the Italy Senior Open once again delivered on both competitiveness and prestige. Payouts extended to the Top 34 men and Top 12 women, rewarding strong performances throughout the field. Held at the acclaimed Mondial Bowling center, the event provided world-class playing conditions:18 QubicaAMF lanes, Kegel Specto, Lanetalk, live scoring, and full YouTube livestreams on all lanes. Paired with warm Italian hospitality and traditional meals served throughout the week, it’s no surprise this tournament continues to attract senior bowlers from across Europe. Official Tournament T-Shirt Still Available In collaboration with Trident, a limited-edition Italy Senior Open 2025 t-shirt is still available for just €35. Fully customizable with your name, it’s the perfect keepsake from one of the continent’s most beloved senior events - order yours here. order yours here. order yours here. order yours here.

Following a public statement from the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) confirming that it is in advanced talks to ban urethane bowling balls in certified competition, reactions have started to come out from within the bowling community. public statement public statement in advanced talks to ban urethane bowling balls in advanced talks to ban urethane bowling balls Brunswick, one of the leading bowling equipment manufacturers, confirmed it has been in contact with USBC since April regarding potential changes to ball specifications. These discussions are part of USBC’s wider review process, which includes input from technical experts, manufacturers, and stakeholders. In an interview with Erikas Jansonas from BowlingLife, Jordan Vanover, VP International at Brunswick Bowling Products, LLC, said the company has been in ongoing discussions with USBC in recent months, actively sharing feedback and addressing the concerns raised by the organization. “USBC contacted us in late April requesting feedback on potential changes to bowling ball specifications, and we have maintained open communications with the USBC over the past few months,” Mr. Vanover said “We have listened to the USBC concerns and had the opportunity to share our thoughts and ideas.” In those imput exchanges, Brunswick made it clear that it does not support a ban on urethane. The company believes urethane balls play an important role for many bowlers, especially in more demanding lane conditions. “We do not agree with the idea of banning urethane balls,” Vanover stated. “These balls are an important tool for many bowlers who use them to achieve more controllable ball motion on challenging lane patterns.” Brunswick’s product lineup includes several urethane balls under its umbrella, including the most popular one - Hammer’s Purple Pearl Urethane. A full ban would have financial consequences for the company. “The elimination of urethane balls would have a measurable impact on our sales,” Vanover noted. In recent months, there has been speculation that manufacturers have slowed or stopped urethane development due to the pottential USBC urethane ban. Brunswick, however, denied this connection. “The urethane ball released in March 2024 was not connected to the ongoing USBC discussions,” said Vanover. While USBC has not yet announced a final decision, the topic remains one of the most widely discussed in the bowling community today. BowlingLife has been in contact with USBC officials, but at this time, the organization has no further comment beyond what was published in its social media post on July 23. USBC has also launched a public survey asking for input on how urethane bowling balls should be handled in certified competitions. USBC has also launched a public survey USBC has also launched a public survey All feedback gathered so far, along with any new responses, will be reviewed by the Equipment Specifications Committee at its next meeting, set for late August or early September 2025.

Darren Tang, a PBA Tour title holder since his win at the 2021 Bowlerstore.com Classic, has officially written his name into the PBA record books with one exceptional achievement. After years of competing as a one-handed player, Tang made a bold move in late 2024 by switching to a two-handed delivery. Many fans assumed it was just for content - since Tang is the one of the biggest bowling content creators on YouTube - but it wasn’t. He bowled his first tournament using the two-handed style in November and fully committed to the change in February 2025. biggest bowling content creators on YouTube biggest bowling content creators on YouTube This weekend, his efforts fully paid off as he won the PBA Santa Maria Open in the West Region. With this victory, Tang becomes the first bowler ever to win PBA titles using both one-handed and two-handed techniques. Following the victory, Darren Tang spoke with Erikas Jansonas from BowlingLife about his newest achievement, the challenges he faced during the transition to two-handed, and how he sees his future on tour. As most things in life, best of them comes unexpectedly. That happened and this time. When asked what it meant for him to become the first player in PBA history to win titles using both styles, Darren said that he didn’t pursue the distinction on purpose, but acknowledged it was still a special moment. “Always cool to have the distinction to be the first to do something. It’s not something that I thought too much about,” Tang stated. “I just want to keep getting better to give myself the best chance possible to win again on the tour.” “Always cool to have the distinction to be the first to do something. It’s not something that I thought too much about,” Tang stated. “I just want to keep getting better to give myself the best chance possible to win again on the tour.” Even though many say that two-handed bowling is a kind of cheat code, it’s still difficult to learn - especially well enough to win a PBA title. When explaining the technical challenges that came with switching styles, Tang shared that one old habit in particular was especially tough to break. “The hardest habit to break for me is the internal rotation of my shoulder. I had this move as a one hander, and it would cause misses to the left and is more or less a power leak," Tang explained. "It’s exaggerated bowling two handed because of the position I have to rotate around now. If I don’t keep it in check, my elbow flies around the ball much worse than a good shot.” “The hardest habit to break for me is the internal rotation of my shoulder. I had this move as a one hander, and it would cause misses to the left and is more or less a power leak," Tang explained. "It’s exaggerated bowling two handed because of the position I have to rotate around now. If I don’t keep it in check, my elbow flies around the ball much worse than a good shot.” Starting over with a brand-new style is never easy—it takes time to develop, and there’s always some doubt. For pros like Tang, who need to perform just to make a living, the risk is even bigger. He admitted that the initial decision to switch wasn’t easy. But once he fully committed to going two-handed, he never looked back. “I haven’t doubted the switch. I did doubt switching initially. I think the hardest part in anything someone does is start. I understood that this would take some time. I told myself that I need to be okay with not cashing for the rest of the season to develop this skill. Once I committed, I never looked back. I was extremely fortunate to pick up on it much faster than I anticipated.” “I haven’t doubted the switch. I did doubt switching initially. I think the hardest part in anything someone does is start. I understood that this would take some time. I told myself that I need to be okay with not cashing for the rest of the season to develop this skill. Once I committed, I never looked back. I was extremely fortunate to pick up on it much faster than I anticipated.” Tang noticed that he strikes more often with the two-handed style, but some old habits of one-handed style still sneak into his current technique - reminding us that bowling is always changing and adapting. “I have committed to both styles. I believe the optimal way to throw strikes is with two hands. I also believe that the optimal way to shoot spares is with the thumb in. So that is what I will be committing to for the foreseeable future.” “I have committed to both styles. I believe the optimal way to throw strikes is with two hands. I also believe that the optimal way to shoot spares is with the thumb in. So that is what I will be committing to for the foreseeable future.”

At the 2025 European Men’s Bowling Championships in Aalborg, Denmark, Team Italy delivered one of its strongest performances in decades.Gli Azzurri claimed medals in Singles, Doubles, the Team event, and All-Events, and came close in Trios — missing the podium by just 9 pins. Singles Singles Doubles Doubles Trios Trios When many powerhouses struggled to find a game plan on a challenging oil pattern — one that some players called the toughest ever seen at the European Championships — Italy’s national team obviously thrived, scoring well above the EMC average. Much of that Italy's success was led by Antonino Fiorentino, who, in addition to bronze medals in Doubles and Team event, also claimed gold in All-Event and Singles, becoming the only Italian bowler to ever win European titles in Singles, Doubles, and Trios. Fiorentino previously won Doubles gold with Nicola Pangolini in 2023 and Trios gold in 2019 and 2022 alongside Pangolini and Alessandro Santu. won Doubles gold with Nicola Pangolini in 2023 won Doubles gold with Nicola Pangolini in 2023 BowlingLife caught up with Antonino Fiorentino after the event to hear how Italy navigated the challenging lane conditions, adapted their strategy mid-tournament, and came just one brave and timely decision away from earning medals in every event at the EMC 2025. Reading the Lanes, Not Just the Pattern Sheet Fiorentino said he noticed early on that playing traditional lines near the second or third arrow wouldn’t be an option this year at the European Men's Bowling Championships, and that some non-standard adjustments would be necessary. “I noticed from official practice that big asymmetrical balls didn’t hold up well on the fresh — maybe for one game. After that, the best look I had was moving in and playing really close to the pocket with a forward roll and a low-flaring ball. For me, that was the Envy Tour.” “I noticed from official practice that big asymmetrical balls didn’t hold up well on the fresh — maybe for one game. After that, the best look I had was moving in and playing really close to the pocket with a forward roll and a low-flaring ball. For me, that was the Envy Tour.” His usual go-to ball didn’t look as promising. For transition, he also avoided fast-response asymmetric shapes like the Brunswick Hypnotize, opting instead for his Track Theorem. “My benchmark ball — the Trouble Maker Solid — just looked worse overall. For the transition, I also decided to go with my Theorem instead of the Hypnotize, for the same reason. I noticed that big, quick-asym balls weren’t effective there either.” “My benchmark ball — the Trouble Maker Solid — just looked worse overall. For the transition, I also decided to go with my Theorem instead of the Hypnotize, for the same reason. I noticed that big, quick-asym balls weren’t effective there either.” While urethane bowling balls had repeatedly shown success at past European Championships, using them wasn’t part of Italy’s original strategy this time — but as Fiorentino noted, in Europe, you always have to be prepared to both use urethane and face opponents who do. “We all picked one urethane ball each, but we didn’t really test them during practice. It was more of a defensive move — you never know what can happen in Europe with the Purples.” “We all picked one urethane ball each, but we didn’t really test them during practice. It was more of a defensive move — you never know what can happen in Europe with the Purples.” Like a Finely Tuned Stradivarius Violin In the early stages of the tournament, everything was falling into place for Antonino Fiorentino. He opened his six-game block with a 211 and kept building momentum, finishing strong with a 269 in the final game — a performance that secured him third place in Singles qualification. It was clear that his equipment choices were spot on and performing exactly as expected. “In Singles and Doubles, my arsenal worked perfectly. I saw exactly what I had anticipated during practice. Shot-making was obviously crucial, but if you had the right types of balls and played the correct part of the lane in the right way, you could still score.” “In Singles and Doubles, my arsenal worked perfectly. I saw exactly what I had anticipated during practice. Shot-making was obviously crucial, but if you had the right types of balls and played the correct part of the lane in the right way, you could still score.” In the semifinal, Fiorentino rolled 246 and a dominant 277 in the final — beating two French bowlers with urethanes inside the lane. “In Singles I bowled against Valentin Saulnier and Gaëtan Mouveroux. They were both using the Purple Hammer playing inside. I used the Perfect Mindset against Valentin, and then switched to the Envy Tour against Gaëtan because that pair was slower. It was basically a shot-making contest — we didn’t really interfere with each other’s game. There were too few shots.”In Doubles, paired with Erik Davolio, Antonino Fiorentino finished third in qualification with a mutual 212.4 average. In the semifinal, they faced the same opponents — but this time, France’s urethane strategy proved more effective. Davolio scored 155, Fiorentino added 194, but it wasn’t enough to break through to the Doubles final. “In Singles I bowled against Valentin Saulnier and Gaëtan Mouveroux. They were both using the Purple Hammer playing inside. I used the Perfect Mindset against Valentin, and then switched to the Envy Tour against Gaëtan because that pair was slower. It was basically a shot-making contest — we didn’t really interfere with each other’s game. There were too few shots.” “They were able to migrate left faster than us and ended up breaking down our lines.” “They were able to migrate left faster than us and ended up breaking down our lines.” The Turning Point: France and Finland Change the Game After the Doubles block, things began to shift. France started playing urethane deep inside, around the fourth arrow — and it was clearly working. The French trio of Valentin Saulnier, Gaëtan Mouveroux, and Maxime Dubois averaged 218.7, leading the Trios qualification by more than 200 pins over their closest competitors. “We noticed that France was using Purples at the beginning of the block, and they were playing them inside — around the fourth arrow, keeping it tight to the pocket. That allowed them to score well as a team on the fresh. We decided to copy that strategy for the rest of the tournament, and it turned out to be a good choice. It was much easier than trying to use big asyms. I think we were the only team — maybe along with part of the Swedish team — who picked up on that.” “We noticed that France was using Purples at the beginning of the block, and they were playing them inside — around the fourth arrow, keeping it tight to the pocket. That allowed them to score well as a team on the fresh. We decided to copy that strategy for the rest of the tournament, and it turned out to be a good choice. It was much easier than trying to use big asyms. I think we were the only team — maybe along with part of the Swedish team — who picked up on that.” Another turning point in the competition came when Finland’s Niko Oksanen rolled a 1396 block using a Purple Hammer, playing on the outside part of the lane. His success sparked a wave of imitation — with more and more players, and in some cases entire teams, trying to replicate the strategy. While it paid off for some, like the Romanian national team, Fiorentino noted that for many others, it ended up doing more harm than good. like the Romanian national team like the Romanian national team “Sometimes there was more room than usual, but other times no room at all. The point is that many teams couldn’t get anything going inside, so they took the gamble and tried to copy that strategy. As a result, in Trios and Team, there was much more urethane going down the lanes. And if before I had just a small amount of miss-room to the right playing inside, urethane completely took that away — and scores dropped even further.” “Sometimes there was more room than usual, but other times no room at all. The point is that many teams couldn’t get anything going inside, so they took the gamble and tried to copy that strategy. As a result, in Trios and Team, there was much more urethane going down the lanes. And if before I had just a small amount of miss-room to the right playing inside, urethane completely took that away — and scores dropped even further.” A Crucial Adjustment By the time the Team event began, lane conditions had become much tighter due to the surge in urethane use. With miss-room shrinking, Fiorentino made a bold choice — instead of switching balls early, he decided to polish his Envy Tour. That little maneuver proved crucial and ultimately secured him the All-Events gold. “On the first day of the Team event, I noticed the lanes were tighter because of all this. So for the final block, I decided to polish my Envy Tour instead of switching too early to the Theorem. That ended up being the decisive move for my All-Events gold as I bowled 290 with it.” “On the first day of the Team event, I noticed the lanes were tighter because of all this. So for the final block, I decided to polish my Envy Tour instead of switching too early to the Theorem. That ended up being the decisive move for my All-Events gold as I bowled 290 with it.” The same strategy might have worked for the entire Italian team, but in the Team semifinals against Denmark, they opted to start with urethane — a decision that didn’t quite pay off. By the time they adjusted their approach, the momentum had already shifted, and it was too late to recover. “We wasted valuable practice time trying to make urethane work, and by the time we switched to reactive… they were already lined up and striking way more than we were.” “We wasted valuable practice time trying to make urethane work, and by the time we switched to reactive… they were already lined up and striking way more than we were.” A Little Too Late In the Masters, Fiorentino started as a No. 1 seed and skipped the first final step. In the final step 2, Fiorentino met No. 24 seed Iceland's Arnar David Jonsson, who previously defeated Sweden's Markus Jansson. As both players were throwing balls at the same part of the lane with similar ball’s Fiorentino was happy about this matchup. "It was a good matchup for me — we were playing the same part of the lane with similar balls (Envy Tour vs. Ion Pro), and I just outperformed him." "It was a good matchup for me — we were playing the same part of the lane with similar balls (Envy Tour vs. Ion Pro), and I just outperformed him." But then, Fiorentino's run came to an end against Denmark's Tim Stampe — a matchup that clashed stylistically. Italian knew righ from the beginning that this match will be a tough one. He lost the first nervous game 158-189. Pushed back against the wall and needing something fast, Fiorentino made a tactical shift to urethane in the next game but lacked reps in that part of the lane. “I got paired with Tim Stampe, which I wasn’t too happy about. He was using higher-flaring balls (900 Global Harsh Reality and Roto Grip Rockstar), which allowed him to play left of me and completely blow up my line. I think I made the right move at the start of Game 2, realizing that the only way to beat him was to use urethane outside. But I had literally never thrown a ball in that zone for the whole two weeks, so I didn’t have enough info or confidence to make it work.” “I got paired with Tim Stampe, which I wasn’t too happy about. He was using higher-flaring balls (900 Global Harsh Reality and Roto Grip Rockstar), which allowed him to play left of me and completely blow up my line. I think I made the right move at the start of Game 2, realizing that the only way to beat him was to use urethane outside. But I had literally never thrown a ball in that zone for the whole two weeks, so I didn’t have enough info or confidence to make it work.” Ironically, Stampe went on to lose the semifinal 2-0 (248–201, 234–169) to Maxime Dubois — who succeeded using urethane on the outside, the very strategy Fiorentino had turned to just a bit too late. Had he made the switch earlier, it might have led to yet another medal. Still, the Italian came remarkably close to achieving something rare at the European Championships: medaling in every single event.

This week, Sweden’s Rasmus Edvall made history by claiming his first Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour title at the PBA Scorpion Championship. He defeated Ryan Barnes, then Tobias Börding, EJ Tackett, and No. 1 seed Malaysia's Rafiq Ismail in the title match. PBA Scorpion Championship PBA Scorpion Championship His victory as a No. 5 seed marked one of the most remarkable comeback stories in recent PBA Tour history. For Rasmus, winning the title was always a childhood dream, but when the time came to face the pressure of the stepladder final, he approached the match with a focused mindset. “Of course I wanted to win, it’s one of my childhood dreams. But my mindset in the stepladder final, I took it match by match, frame by frame. If I had my focus on the win, I knew something bad could happen,” Rasmus shared with Erikas Jansonas from BowlingLife in an interview after the win. His strategy in the finals was one of simplicity. Rather than chasing the perfect shot, he knew that precision was key. “My plan for the matches was to be as simple as I could. I knew if I hunted the perfect line to get as many strikes as I could, I could also get many splits. If I left more than 2 pins after a shot, that could be trouble,” he explained. This approach helped him navigate the pressure, ensuring consistency throughout the matches. The finals weren’t without their difficulties, however. With many bowlers seeking their first-ever PBA Tour title, nerves were high. Under pressure, many mistakes were made—so many that some spectators even labeled the Scorpion Championship as one of the ugliest finals in history. “There were many debutants in the final, so most of us were a little bit nervous. The lanes were tricky, but the nervous players made it look trickier than what it was. A lot of grip pressure makes you often push the ball too far down the lane and miss inside the ideal line,” Rasmus recalled. Despite the challenges, his adaptability and poise kept him on track—he started the stepladder finals with not taking the 6-10 spare but stayed clean for the remaining 39 frames he bowled that night. After securing the victory, the reality of the moment still hadn’t fully sunk in. Rasmus couldn't believe what he had just accomplished, so his teammates from IS Göta, who had cheered him on from the front row, were quick to remind him of the significance of the achievement.“They tried to tell me what I had done and what it meant. I couldn’t believe it myself. It was a huge accomplishment that I still haven’t realized,” Rasmus admitted. As for the celebration, Rasmus kept it low-key, opting for a quiet dinner with his teammates. “We had a dinner with most of the boys, but nothing really exciting. Might be a little celebration when I get home,” he said, hinting at a bigger celebration when he returns to Sweden. Knowing the parties Helsingborg (the city in Sweden where IS Göta is based) is capable of, the author of this article predicts a night to remember. Looking ahead, Rasmus is already setting his sights on new challenges. The first one: a road trip across America to Allen Park, Michigan, where the next PBA Tour stop will take place. “This week we are heading to Detroit by car for the USBC Masters. After that, we will finally fly home. I will also play in the PBA Players Championship and the PBA Tournament of Champions. With this win, new doors have opened up for me with the PBA Tournament of Champions. It feels really cool to be able to participate in that prestigious tournament!” Both PBA Scorpion and Viper Championship titles were won by international players, with Darren Ong winning just a day after. The WSOB XVI continues today with the PBA Chameleon Championship, with stepladder finals airing live on FS1. International viewers can follow the action on BowlTV. Darren Ong winning just a day after Darren Ong winning just a day after BowlTV BowlTV

In January, the Brunswick Ballmaster Open 2025 in Finland brought together some of the best bowling talent from around the world. Among the familiar faces in the crowd was Dave Wodka, a name well known to bowling fans, especially across the Pond. Wodka etched his name into the sport’s history as a PBA Tour titleholder after winning the 1999 Greater Detroit Open. Today, Wodka occasionally bowls on the PBA50 Tour, but his focus has recently shifted to bringing decades of on-lane experience into the business side of the game as international sales manager for Brunswick Bowling. Brunswick Ballmaster Open 2025 Brunswick Ballmaster Open 2025 The Evolution of Bowling: More Knowledge, More Power As Wodka watched the crown jewel of all Brunswick-sponsored tournaments—the Ballmaster Open—unfold at Tali Bowl, with many young European talents firing big numbers, he reflected on how the sport has evolved since his own playing days. “I think the biggest thing is knowledge,” he explained in an exclusive interview with Erikas Jansonas from BowlingLife. “Whether it be knowledge about lane conditions, lane machines, oils, all the way to coaching, fitness, and bowling balls. There’s so much more knowledge available now for the kids that are coming up. Obviously, two-handed bowling has kind of revolutionized the game. It’s not going anywhere, so people who don’t like it just won’t like it. It is what it is.” Seeing young bowlers accomplish incredible feats—like firing a 300 with a two-handed backup ball, something unheard of in 1999—Wodka acknowledged that younger players have taken the game to another level. firing a 300 with a two-handed backup ball firing a 300 with a two-handed backup ball “It’s just a different environment, competing against all these younger kids. My ball doesn’t go through the pins quite as well as theirs anymore. These kids are bigger, stronger. They have more knowledge, they’ve studied bowling balls. And I think it’s just a combination of all of that.” Bowling Now is too Easy? With 21 perfect games recorded during the tournament, the conversation naturally turned to whether today’s players had cracked the code. The eternal question—Is it sheer talent, or are the oil patterns more forgiving than before? “It’s a combination of the two,” Wodka said. “I wouldn’t say that the oil pattern is ‘easy,’ but it’s favorable for good scores if you’re throwing it well. There were plenty of people who didn’t have good scores. But they’ve [the organizers] created a very favorable lane pattern where those who are bowling well can string a lot of strikes. Their maintenance on the machines and lanes is top-notch, and that makes a difference, too, when it comes to pin carry, topography of the lanes, and all kinds of other different things.” A 30-Year Bond: Brunswick and Ballmaster Brunswick’s collaboration with Ballmaster stretches back over three decades, something Wodka was proud to highlight. “I just started as the international sales manager, so I don’t know all of the history. But I do know Brunswick has been a sponsor of the Ballmaster Open for more than 30 years. Done in conjunction with our distributor here, Sami [Heinilä] at Oy Bowling Ab, they just do a phenomenal job across Finland. The Brunswick brand is very strong in Finland, and it makes sense for us to collaborate with this facility and this event and show our support for the people here.” Many, including the author of this article, might wonder: what can be so special about a bowling alley? But only someone who has never been to Tali Bowl would ask that question. The moment you climb the stairs and take in the sheer scale of a real bowling stadium—featuring 36 top-class Brunswick Pro Anvilane lanes in a spacious, arena-like building—it leaves you speechless. At least for a moment or two. As Wodka walked into the legendary venue, one detail immediately caught his eye. “Obviously, the facility is beautiful, but what stood out to me first was the flags of all the past winners and how they recognize them. I think that’s phenomenal. Even to the point where they announce any past winner in the building before every squad, whether they’re bowling or not. I think that’s really cool—they honor those who have supported this event for years. I would equate getting a flag here to the European version of getting a flag on the PBA Tour. This is the largest event in Europe.” The Bohn Legacy One of the most talked-about storylines at this year’s Ballmaster was the presence of Parker Bohn III and his son, Brandon. Parker, a Ballmaster champion in 2016, competed alongside his son, continuing a multi-generational bowling legacy. Wodka, who had the same flight as Parker from Frankfurt, chuckled at the memory of their trip. “He slept the whole flight,” Wodka joked. “I haven’t had a whole lot of time to talk to him about his win here, but I know he tries to come to this event every year. I know this event is very important to him. He took his son with him this year.” While Parker’s experience helped him stay competitive—finishing 11th at the Brunswick Ballmaster Open 2025—Brandon’s run ended in qualification. But Wodka is optimistic about Brandon’s future, stating that this is just the beginning of his journey. “Brandon will have his day,” Wodka assured. “Brandon’s very good. I think this is the first overseas event that he’s bowled. He had a lot of good squads; he just didn’t quite get to the cut. But he did have a 300 game, and that was very cool.” So did Parker’s knowledge outweigh Brandon’s raw power? “His knowledge—and you’re talking about Parker, who is arguably a top-five player in PBA history. There is another level when you get to players like Parker. We’re talking about Norm Duke, Pete Weber, Earl Anthony. That’s an elite group. There’s a whole bunch of us below that who had success on the tour, but we’re not at that level.” Big Industry Changes From a Brand's Perspective Beyond the competition, the bowling industry itself has been undergoing significant changes, with Brunswick often at the center of major business moves—whether it’s rule changes regarding urethane bowling balls or attempting to acquire big distributors. rule changes regarding urethane bowling balls rule changes regarding urethane bowling balls attempting to acquire big distributors attempting to acquire big distributors “As with any big business acquisition, there are hurt feelings. And unfortunately, there’s a lot of hurt feelings when something like that happens—on one side or the other. From a Brunswick standpoint, we look at it purely as a business decision. If we didn’t think it was good for the sport, we wouldn’t do it.” Wodka acknowledged the split reactions such moves often generate. “People will agree with it, people won’t agree with it. Again, you’re always going to have two sides. There’s no decision we ever make—small or big—that makes everybody happy. That’s just life in general. You can’t make everyone happy all the time.” What remains unchanged, he emphasized, is Brunswick’s dedication to bowling’s growth. “Brunswick is committed to the sport of bowling, and Brunswick is committed to making the sport of bowling better and helping it thrive. The moves we make are only geared towards that. They’re never personal.”

After a thrilling win at the 2025 PBA Delaware Classic, Graham Fach is back in the winner’s circle—this time, with a renewed sense of confidence. The Canadian bowler, who had gone nearly nine years since his first PBA title, made history once again by defeating Jakob Butturff in the finals, 277-200. It’s a moment of victory made even sweeter by his early-season success, including qualifying for Team Canada. thrilling win at the 2025 PBA Delaware Classic thrilling win at the 2025 PBA Delaware Classic In an exclusive interview with BowlingLife, Fach shared his emotions and the mindset that helped him through the finals, where he posted impressive scores of 256, 249, and 277 in three consecutive matches. The start of the year has been one for the books for Fach. He not only qualified for Team Canada, but he also claimed the first PBA Tour title of the season in front of a packed crowd. Reflecting on the busy start, Fach expressed how proud he is to represent his home country on the world stage. “Qualifying for Team Canada is always something that I take pride in. We have a talented group of guys who are all excited to compete together for gold medals,” said Fach. “It’s been a busy start to the year. I’ve been fortunate enough to come out ahead in these first few events. I feel as though I’m on top of my game and I can’t ask for a better start to the year.” Fach's victory at the Delaware Classic was marked by impressive consistency and composure. In the finals, he shot scores of 256, 249, and an incredible 277 to claim the title. His mental approach to the game and his ability to adjust on the fly were critical to his success on the TV lanes. “I needed to stay concentrated on what the lanes were telling me to do and not getting caught up in transition,” he explained. “It’s harder under the bright lights of tv to remain as mentally strong compared to qualifying and matchplay only because of the additional distractions that come with bowling in a crowd setting.” Fach’s pre-shot routine became his anchor throughout the tournament, allowing him to stay focused and in control despite the high pressure. “I focused on my pre shot routines and accepting that I am only able to control what I can control and give each shot my best effort,” he continued. “Fortunately the pins fell my way and I was able to come away with the win.” But there was no time for big celebrations as the PBA Tour season continues with the first major tournament of the 2025 season – the U.S. Open presented by Go Bowling! in Indianapolis. Fach is currently 13th in a 108-player field, with a total score of 3,413 after 16 games of qualifying. The 2025 U.S. Open is a joint effort between the United States Bowling Congress and the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America. It is recognized as a major event on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour and remains one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport. Live broadcast can be found throughout qualifying and match play on BowlTV. Full results can be found on bowl.com BowlTV BowlTV bowl.com bowl.com

The atmosphere at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Hong Kong was electric, with custom-built lanes setting the stage for one of the most thrilling IBF World Cups in recent memory. Rafiq Ismail raised his hands in triumph after his final shot, as the entire Team Malaysia rushed to the approach to embrace him. Rafiq, alongside his teammates Tun Hakim, Timmy Tan, and Ahmad Muaz, defeated Puerto Rico 3-2 to claim the IBF World Cup 2025 title. Malaysia's bowling team truly shone, securing four medals—two gold and two silver—and Rafiq Ismail played a key role, becoming the Team champion and Singles vice-champion. Rafiq Ismail, still basking in the glory of the moment, shared his thoughts with BowlingLife.eu after the Teams event. BowlingLife.eu BowlingLife.eu “We broke records as the most successful country at the Asian Championship last September, and now we continue to deliver at the world level as well,” Rafiq Ismail said. "We are super happy with our achievements so far and hope the rhythm goes smoothly for the World Championships too." The celebration after the win was special, because for some of them it was the first accomplishment on a world stage. “Since this was the first medal, and its gold, for Timmy Tan in world event, he offered us a round of 18 holes of golf and we’re all happy to accept it,” he shared, laughing. The finals were held in a truly unique setting, with lanes specially built in the Queen Elizabeth Stadium. It was an unforgettable experience for the players. “The hospitality here was great,” Rafiq said. “t was a good experience. We enjoyed it. The spectators were more than what I expected.” As the dust settles on the tournament, Rafiq’s focus is already shifting to what comes next, but first of all - his family. “I am bowling in the PBA WSOB in March. For now, I will focus on practicing and spending more time with my family, especially my dad, who is critically ill. I will definitely be back for the World Championships in November," Rafiq said.

In the world of smartphones, screens and social media, it takes something special to go viral. Jonathan Justino, a content creator known for his funny and relatable videos, recently caught the attention of the bowling community in a big way. His viral TikTok videos, where he mimics stereotypical bowling moves, like dragging his foot or swinging his arms wildly, have taken the internet by storm. As of now, Jonathan's two bowling videos have amassed over 900,000 views on TikTok and 85,000 views with 3,000 reshares on Instagram. TikTok TikTok Instagram Instagram But how did it all start? Was Jonathan expecting these videos to blow up? In an exclusive interview, BowlingLife sat down with Jonathan Justino to learn more about his creative process and the journey that led to his viral success. The Inspiration Behind the Videos Jonathan has been creating content on TikTok for over five years, always aiming to make relatable and humorous videos. The bowling videos, he admits, were a natural result of his creativity. "I’ve always tried to make relatable/funny content, so the bowling video was just a byproduct of that," he explains. One day, while randomly scrolling through TikTok, Jonathan came across a video of Pete Weber, and everything clicked. "His energy and style are super entertaining. That’s what gave me the inspiration initially," he adds. Natural Bowler Probably one of the key reasons why Jonathan is so organic and naturally funny in the videos he made is because he is actually quite familiar with the sport. While Jonathan isn’t a professional bowler, he has casually bowled throughout his life. "I actually played in a bowling league when I was 14, but that only lasted one season," he recalls. Making the viral video, however, sparked a renewed interest in the sport. "Making this video made me want to get back into it," he shared. The Unexpected Virality Every content creator hopes their work will gain attention, but Jonathan never expected his bowling videos to become so popular. "It was definitely a surprise overall," he admits. "However, I knew it was a better video than my normal ones because it was received better initially. But I did not expect the video to resonate this much." Jonathan’s video quickly captured the hearts of the bowling community, thanks to its fun and exaggerated portrayal of bowling moves that many bowlers could relate to. "This is the best thing I've seen on here in a while," said one Instagram user in the comments under the video. "This is way too accurate—me practicing anywhere and everywhere outside the bowling alley," said another. "I laughed so loud! Too accurate, bravo!" shared a third. It’s clear that his videos have struck a chord with many, bringing new attention to the sport in a lighthearted and humorous way.