11th June, Las Vegas: A record number of countries totaling 46 will compete in the 2009 WTBA World Women's Championships from July 27 to August 2 at the Cashman Center in Las Vegas.

With the entry deadline now passed, a total of 46 countries have sent in notification that they will compete in the event, surpassing the previous record of 43 set in 2007 in Monterrey, Mexico. The total marks the most countries to compete in the World Women's Championships since it split with the men's championships after the 2003 event in Malaysia.

The event will take place in one of the most unique venues in the sport of bowling when it is conducted on 60 specially constructed lanes inside Cashman Center in Las Vegas. The temporary lanes were built inside the convention center earlier this year and have hosted the USBC Open Championships, which concludes July 24.

"I think the word is out that this will truly be a showcase event unlike anything seen before at the World Championships," United States Bowling Congress Chief Operating Officer and WTBA President Kevin Dornberger said. "The fact that a record number of countries are participating this year shows bowling continues to grow as an international sport."

The bowlers will compete on a medium lane condition and a short lane condition, as selected by the World Women's Championships technical delegate Daniel Falconi of Mexico.

In a rule change put in place by the WTBA Presidium, the patterns used will be from a bank of three short and three medium patterns.

Falconi will announce his decision as to which patterns will be used at the team managers meeting scheduled for July 26. For more information on the World Women's Championships, visit the event's official Web page at www.2009wwc.com.

Photos courtesy of www.bowl.com.