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2017 World Bowling Championships

World Bowling Championships officially opens

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24th November, Las Vegas: The Jersey Boys singing group and the Mamamia dancers entertained a packed house at South Point Bowling Plaza as guest of honour, HRH Sheikh Talal Mohammad Al-Sabah, President of World Bowling declared the championships officially opened.

Fourty-two countries comprising of 213 men and 176 women paraded in front of the guest of honour, HRH Sheikh Talal Mohammad Al-Sabah, World Bowling board members, representatives of USBC, bowling products manufacturers, host South Point Hotel and Casino, other distinguished guests, federations delegates and team officials.

Among the World Bowling board members were Mr Kevin Dornberger, CEO of World Bowling, Mr Ulf Sjoblom, 1st Vice President of World Bowling, Mr Chad Murphy, Executive Director of USBC, Mr Ryan Browney, Vice President of South Point Bowling Plaza, Mr Gus Falgien, Vice President of Sales, Kegel Inc., Mr Michael Seymour, Tournament Director and Vice President of Asian Bowling Federation.

The entertainment by the Jersey Boys singers and Mamamia dancers

Also present were Mr Bill Chrisman, CEO of Storm Products Inc., Mr Mike Monyak, Director of Bowling Operations, South Point Hotel and Casino, Mr Bader Alshaikh, President of Saudi Bowling Federation and Mr Perttu Jusilla, President of Finland Bowling Federation.

With the arrival of the guest of honour, HRH Sheikh Talal Mohammad Al-Sabah, the emcee kicked off the ceremony by introducing the distinguished guests that were present at the opening. Immediately following the introduction was the parade of the teams that are taking part in the championships.

HRH Sheikh Talal gave a short and simple speech where he stated that he was very impressed by the facilities offered by this year's host, South Point Bowling Plaza and complemented them on their willingness and generousity in organising the championships.

Mr Chad Murphy took to the podium to deliver his speech by thanking World Bowling for their trust and support for bringing the 2017 World Bowling Championships once again to the United States and expecially to the vibrant city of Las Vegas.

Team USA members, Tommy Jones and Stephanie Johnson then took the athletes' oath on behalf of all the players which was followed by Mr Vern Vernazzaro, President of USBC Southern Nevada taking the oath on behalf of all tournament officials.

The packed house of players, team officials, supporters and spectators were then entertained by the popular artists, the Jersey Boys singing group and the Mamamia dancers. HRH Sheikh Talal Mohammad Al-Sabah then officially declared the championship open, which concluded the opening ceremony.

The 10 day event, which will begin tomorrow, will showcase 389 of the world's top men and women athletes from 42 countries.

HRH Sheikh Talal Mohammad Al-Sabah declaring the championships open

Fans will be able to watch the action from the final two days of competition including the Trios, Team of Five and the Masters Finals, live on the Olympic Channel at www.olympicchannel.com as well as on the championships website, http://2017wc.worldbowling.org.

Competition will kick off with the Women's Singles tomorrow followed by the Men's Singles on November 26. The top four finishers will advance to the Semi-finals and Finals on November 27. Competition will shift to the Doubles event on November 27 and 28 followed by the Semi-finals and Finals.

The Trios event over two blocks of 3 games each will be contested on November 29 and 30 with the Team of Five, again over two blocks of 3 games each on December 1 and 2. The Semi-finals and Finals for the Trios and Team of Five will be held on December 3.

The top 24 men and top 24 women based on the All Events standings (total of 24 games from four events) will qualify for the Elimination Knockout Masters Finals on December 4, concluding the championships with a farewell banquet.

Photos by Terence Yaw in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

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