15th September, Yancheng: The 28th East Asian Tenpin Bowling Championships, hosted for the first time in the city of Yancheng, China and attended by some of Yancheng's top government officials was officially declared open on Saturday.

Five member countries of the East Asian Tenpin Bowling Council together with two guest teams from China will be vying for glory at the 28th edition of the championships at Yancheng Bowling Center from Septmber 16 to 21.

DPR Korea, Hong Kong, Korea, Chinese Taipei and three teams from host, China have entered 42 men and 21 women totalling 63 for the championships. The emcees kicked off the opening proceedings with the introduction of the distinguished guests present at the opening and welcomed all dignitaries.

Among the dignitaries were Mr Lu Basheng, Vice Mayor of Yancheng Municipal Peoples' Government, Mr Bian Yuye, President of Jiangsu Dafeng Rural Commercial Bank (main sponsor), Mr Kim Kildoo, President of EATBC and Korea Bowling Congress, Mr Huang Kai, Deputy Director of the 4th Office of Multi-Ball Games Administrative Center of General Administration of Sports of China.

Mr Kim Kildoo then delivered his speech and thanked the city of Yancheng for hosting the championships, all the sponsors, members of the tournament committee and the support received from the participating countries for making this a successful and competitive championship.

A token of appreciation by way of a souvenir was presented to Mr Bian Yuye, President of Jiangsu Dafeng Rural Commercial Bank for his kind spponsorship.

Later in the day, the team managers meeting was held and chaired by Mr Chung Yong-Hee, Technical Delegate of the Championships. Mr Chung will be assisted by Mr Song Dongwei, the tournament director, and Mr Ding Yi, the local tournament co-ordinator.

Mr Chung together with Mr Frankie Chueng Wing Kit (Hong Kong) and Mr Wang Jinhui (China) were the appointed members of the Jury of Appeal. Each participating country fielded six men and six women with the exception of DPR Korea, China B and C teams without women players while Hong Kong fielded only three women.