The prestigious European Championship of Champions 2024 finally took place at the Bowling National Center in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Germany’s and Slovenia’s representatives grabbed the early lead in the women’s and men’s competitions after the first eight games, with half of the players yet to begin their matches tomorrow.
The name Bratislava, with its Slavic roots, combines words "brat", meaning brother, and "slava", meaning glory or fame. Before the competition begins, there may be a sense of "brat" among the players, but once the first ball rolls down the lanes at the Bowling National Center, the focus shifts. Seventy-five competitors from 37 countries is setting their sights on personal "slava", each aiming to claim the prestigious title of absolute champion at the European Bowling Championship of Champions.
In today’s opening round of 8 games, the women’s category took center stage, with standout performances setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament.
Germany’s Francizska Czech, gold medalist in Trios and Team events in the latest European Women Championship, unfolded as the standout performer of the day, delivering a total score of 1743 pins, averaging 217.9 per game. Her consistent play with urethane bowling ball outside the lane placed 23-year-old righthander comfortably ahead of the competition.
England’s Verity Crawley, who had four Championship-Round Appearances on the PWBA Tour this season, followed Czech closely with 1701 points and an average of 212.6. Despite a slow start, averaging 189 pins after the first four games, Crawley turned things around in the second half of the round, showing resilience and a strong finishing push, scoring 231, 269, 207, 236.
Italy's Elisa Primavera rounded up the top 3 of the Group A with 1645 total (205.6 avg.).
In the men's category at the ECC 2024 Championship in Bratislava, 18 players competed in the opening 8-game block.
While the crowd at the Bowling National Center rallied behind local 17-year-old David Barak, it was Slovenia’s Tim Cerkvenik Muzafirovič who dominated with 1839 pins, averaging over 229.
Iceland’s Gunnar Thor Asgeirsson claimed second place with 1804 pins (225.5 avg.), narrowly edging out Sweden’s Adam Andersson, who finished just one pin behind with a total of 1803 (225.4 avg.).
Tomorrow, the competition will begin with the Men Group B playing their eight opening games, following 18 players in the Women Group B.
The championship will feature four 8-game blocks, played from October 21st to 25th, to determine the top 12 advancers in both the men's and women's categories.
After the qualification rounds, the top 12 bowlers in each category will play another 8-game block to determine the semifinalists. During the semifinals and finals, match play will follow a best-of-three format to crown this year's champions.
Upcoming ECC 2024 Schedule:
Tuesday, October 22nd
09:00-13:00: Men Group B, Block 1, Games 1 to 8
14:00-18:00: Women Group B, Block 1, Games 1 to 8
Wednesday, October 23rd
08:00-12:00: Mixed Doubles – Group A – Games 9-16
13:00-17:00: Mixed Doubles – Group B – Games 9-16
18:00-22:00: Mixed Doubles – Group C – Games 9-16
Thursday, October 24th
09:00-13:00: Women Group B – Block 2 – Games 17 to 24
14:00-18:00: Men Group A – Block 2 – Games 17 to 24
Friday, October 25th
09:00-13:00: Men Group B – Block 2 – Games 17 to 24
14:00-18:00: Women Group A – Block 2 – Games 17 to 24
Saturday, October 26th
10:00-13:00: Women and Men Top 12 – 8 games
14:00-15:15: Men and Women Semi Finals, best of 3 games
15:15-16:30: Men and Women Final, best of 3 games
