The Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Federation was formed during the inaugural Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Championships, held in Stirling Scotland in 2002, with Malta’s Julian Pace Bonello being elected to head the CTBF’s Executive Committee.

Since then, the CTBF’s aim to hold biennial championships has been realised, the second CTBC being held in Cyprus in 2004, and CTBC III now about to roll off in Melbourne Australia between tomorrow and 8th July.

No fewer than 17 Commonwealth nations will compete in the Championships, namely, Australia, Bahamas, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Cyprus, England, Gibraltar, Guernsey, India, Jersey, Malaysia, Malta, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Scotland and Wales.

Malta will be represented by a team of four, selected after a recent qualifying tournament held by the MTBA at the Eden SuperBowl. They are Sue Abela and Melissa Anastasi in the female division, with Brian Farrugia and Ray Ralzon Reale in the male division.

Julian Pace Bonello will accompany the team in his official CTBF capacity, while team manager Leli Baldacchino will also attend to administrative duties on behalf of the Maltese delegation throughout the event.

The Championships will commence with managers’ meetings and official practice sessions tomorrow, with competition beginning on Monday with the male and female singles event. The week will progress with Doubles and Mixed Doubles events, as well as a team event, and the climax will be the Masters events, played on two different lane conditions.

Participants’ individual performances from the earlier events will determine participation in the Masters, from which the new Commonwealth champions will emerge.

The Maltese team is supported by the MTBA, with the backing of KMS and also the Government. The MTBA also thanked the Malta Olympic Committee for their essential financial support.