The 15th annual Malta Open Championships got underway yesterday at the Eden SuperBowl, St Julian’s where around 200 top class bowlers from 21 countries are taking part. Diverse nations are being represented, such as Russia, Latvia, Hungary and the USA, as well as other European countries such as Sweden, Germany, Italy, the UK, Spain and Switzerland among others. Other than the title of Malta Open Champion, the participants are also chasing a share of the tournament e25,000 prize fund.

The Open begins with the initial qualification round carrying on to Saturday afternoon, with the male and female divisions being whittled down through the following rounds until the final stages on Sunday, concluding with the typically thrilling step-ladder final.