25th June, Hong Kong: The 44th Hong Kong International Open Bowling Championships, which kicked off three days ago, had its soft opening ceremony at SCAA Bowling Centre attended by honorable and distinguished guests, officials and players.

This 44th edition of the immensely popular and prestigious championships has attracted more than 350 bowlers from all over Asia including the middle east and south pacific countries. The championship held at South China Athlete Association 60-lane centre will also be the venue for this year's World Men Championships to be held from November 24 to December 5.

Gracing the opening ceremony were Mr Karl C. Kwok, MH, Vice President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, Mr Yeung Tak Keung, JP, Commissioner for Sports of the Home Affairs Bureau, Hong Kong SAR Government, Mr Jeff L.C. Kong, President of the Hong Kong Tenpin Bowling Congress.

Also present were Ms Vivien Lau, BBS, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Tenpin Bowling Congress and Secretary General of World Bowling and numerous distinguished guests, representatives of sponsors and supporting SAR Hong Kong Government departments and agencies.

The honorable guests were then invited to perform the traditional dotting of the lion's eyes to bring good wishes to the organisation of the championships. Thereafter, those present were entertained to a superb lion dance performances.

The countries that have sent their national teams are China, Indonesia, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei and UAE. There are also many other bowling teams and clubs from Guam, Macau, Malaysia and Singapore.

The Hong Kong National team members up against a pool of strong and talented bowlers led by the 2017 World Championships Trios gold medallists, Eric Tseng, Michael Mak and Wu Siu Hong. The trio will be joined by Lau Kwun Ho, Alex Yu, James Lui, Ernest Kwok, Ivan TSe, Jimmy Cheung, Joshua Chow, Mike Chan and Tony Wong. The women will be represented by Chan Shuk Han, Joan Cheng and Milki Ng.

Qualifying for the Open Masters division will end on June 28 and the finals will be staged on June 29 and 30. The Hong Kong Cup finals will be contest on June 27 while Masters finals for other divisions spread over June 28 and 29.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Hong Kong, China.