Phil Hulst becomes the new face of DV8 Bowling

21-year-old Dutch bowler Phil Hulst has become the latest staff player for DV8 Bowling, the brand introduced this year Valcke services.

"With DV8 I want to do the best I can," Phil says. Phil sowed his intentions by bowling a perfect game with the DV8 Misfit on October 9th in his first appearance as a DV8 staff member.

Phil, who will be known to many bowlers in Ireland from his appearances in the Irish open and the Junior Irish Open in recent years,  has joined Gery Verbruggen, Wendy Kok, Nicole Sanders and Thierry Sacco on the DV8 team.

YAC Triple Crown Livingston 2011-Men's Section

All Events      Country Singles  Doubles Trios  T/MD  Total    Average

1	Sam Rose	Eng	1331	628	697	607	3263	217.53
2	Elliot Crosby	Eng	1295	638	650	674	3257	217.13
3	Paul Green	Wal	1279	617	701	645	3242	216.13
4	Jason Byrnes	Ire	1322	683	642	513	3160	210.67
5	Richard Teece	Eng	1232	602	626	624	3084	205.60
6	Kristian McWilliams	Sco	1090	670	662	656	3078	205.20
7	Tom Turner	Eng	1250	691	585	550	3076	205.07
8	Shane Hendrick	Ire	1168	617	677	607	3069	204.60
9	Chris Standell	Eng	1216	565	643	606	3030	202.00
10	Jamie Cunningham	Wal	1199	621	661	548	3029	201.93
11	Christopher Lam	Eng	1182	584	617	645	3028	201.87
12	Gary Redpath	Sco	1258	540	673	543	3014	200.93
13	James Footner	Wal	1192	641	599	572	3004	200.27
14	Stuart Snedden	Sco	1227	632	603	529	2991	199.40
15	Martin Williamson	Sco	1269	614	571	529	2983	198.87
16	Mark Tunnicliffe	Wal	1180	595	603	594	2972	198.13
17	Gareth Shannon	Ire	1264	617	573	508	2962	197.47
18	Lyndon Walters	Wal	1096	638	656	568	2958	197.20
19	Matt Southwell	Gsy	1126	614	592	593	2925	195.00
20	Derek O'Reilly	Ire	1198	562	480	632	2872	191.47
21	Brian Gillespie	Sco	1108	600	542	571	2821	188.07
22	Alan Johns	Gsy	1153	527	561	550	2791	186.07
23	Steven Reid	Sco	1096	513	582	599	2790	186.00
24	Alex Fairclough	Wal	1075	521	613	564	2773	184.87
25	David Noonan	Ire	1148	563	526	530	2767	184.47
26	Josh Harvey	Gsy	967	600	579	607	2753	183.53
27	Karl Doherty	Ire	1119	533	569	520	2741	182.73
28	John Gauvain	Gsy	1085	534	522	551	2692	179.47
29	Glen Mauger	Gsy	1131	460	446	579	2616	174.40
30	Robin Johns	Gsy	968	559	484	592	2603	173.53

YAC Triple Crown Livingston 2011-Ladies Section

1	All Events  Autum    Chamberlain	Eng	1295	573	642	669	3179	211.93
2	Danni Hopcroft	Eng	1260	677	580	629	3146	209.73
3	Katrina MacIver	Eng	1193	625	625	653	3096	206.40
4	Cherise Denham	Eng	1183	693	640	573	3089	205.93
5	Aimee Kellegher	Ire	1204	572	640	608	3024	201.60
6	Rebekah Hamlet	Eng	1166	680	582	528	2956	197.07
7	Katherine Wallace	Sco	1159	586	497	621	2863	190.87
8	Stephanie Fisher	Sco	1127	585	567	518	2797	186.47
9	Zara Yusaf	Sco	1065	580	558	586	2789	185.93
10	Stephanie Cleary	Ire	1067	548	582	583	2780	185.33
11	Tania Yusaf	Sco	1171	555	572	472	2770	184.67
12	Sara Kelly	Ire	1137	530	558	484	2709	180.60
13	Holly Fleming	Sco	1227	479	492	510	2708	180.53
14	Sarah Overall	Eng	1043	526	543	492	2604	173.60
15	Niamh Haughton	Ire	1034	556	488	506	2584	172.27
16	Hazel Morrison	Sco	930	590	475	526	2521	168.07
17	Olivia Flavin	Ire	955	509	467	480	2411	160.73
18	Jaye Kinsella	Ire	807	397	446	465	2115	141.00

Adult Triple Crown Review

The Adult Triple Crown took place in Norwich, England last weekend, with multiple successes for the Irish teams, in particular the men's team.

Ireland's Paul Stott took gold in the singles on day one, bowling a perfect 300 game in game four on his way to 42-pin victory over England's Steve Miller. England's Rob Thurlby took the bronze medal, beating Ireland's Darragh McLoughlin into third spot by just 4 pins.

In the women's singles Aimee Kellegher was the pick of the Irish, finishing in 5th place. The gold went to England's Autumn Chamberlain, who posted the highest total of any player in the tournament, male or female, on her way to a very comfortable 102-pin victory. Jo Cundy and Laura Ivory made it a clean sweep of medals for the English.

The Doubles saw Ireland take another gold medal in the men's section, with Paul Stott and Alan Bride pipping Steve Miller and Rob Thurlby by 16 pins. The bronze medal went to the Welsh pairing of Gareth Roberts and James Footner.

The English ladies continued their domination of the medal haul with a second consecutive 1-2-3 in the doubles, with the gold going to Angie Brown and Alison Taylor. Jo Cundy and Autumn Chamberlain took the silver with Sarah Purnell and Laura Ivory finishing in third place. Ireland's Dymphna Kestell and Aimee Kellegher just missed out on a medal with a fourth place finish.

The English men got their hands on their first gold medal in the trios, with Steve Miller, Chris Oates and Rob Thurlby beating the Irish team of Alan Bride, Fran Puzzoli and Paul Stott into second place by a considerable gap of 138 pins. The bronze medal was taken by the Welsh team of Lyndon Walters, Paul Green and James Footner.

The English ladies once again showed the gulf in class between themselves and the rest of the field in the trios, taking both gold and silver ahead of Guernsey, who took their first medal of the tournament. The gold went to the team of Angie Brown, Jo Cundy and Autumn Chamberlain, with silver taken by Sarah Purnell, Alison Taylor and Laura Ivory. The Guernsey team which took the bronze consisted of Danni Machon, Linda Robilliard and Lauren Hurford.

The Five-man team event had huge significance in the men's section, as it would decide whether Ireland could hold off the English and take the shield, awarded to the team which accumulates the most points over the course of the weekend.

Unfortunately for Team Ireland, England were simply to good on the day, with only one of their five players shooting under 700 for the three games. The Irish posted a positive total of 3386, but the English put in a masterful display to finish on 3533 and take both the gold medal and the shield, by a mere 1.5 points. The Irish men had been ahead since the opening game of the first event of the weekend, so it was a disappointing end to a very positive weekend.

It was not all bad news for the Irish men on Sunday, however, as Paul Stott and Alan Bride made it an Irish 1-2 in the Masters. And Darragh McLoughlin also bowled terrifically to share third place in the Masters with England's Rob Thurlby.

In the Women's section, Team Ireland took the silver medal behind the dominant English team. Aimee Kellegher qualified for the women's Masters, where she eventually finished in sixth place. The top five places were filled by English ladies, showing once again just how dominant they were throughout the weekend. In the end they took the women's shield by a remarkable 202.5 points over Team Wales, with Team Scotland in third place. Team Ireland eventually finished in fifth place overall.

It was a strong showing form Team Ireland at this year's Adult Triple Crown, in particular from the men's team. Overall the two teams collected three gold medals, three silvers and two bronzes, in a much improved performance from twelve months ago, when a young, inexperienced team were outclassed in Scotland.

Bowltalk would like to congratulate all who were involved, with special mention to Paul Stott for his Masters win and his perfect game, and Alan Bride for his second place finish in the Masters. Also congratulations to Aimee Kellegher, who bowled fantastic all weekend to qualify for the Masters.

For a complete list of results, go to the Irish tenpin bowling website, www.tenpinireland.com, and follow the link to the Adult Triple Crown.

Junior Triple Crown-Singles Girls Under 19's and Boys Under 16's

Ireland's Holly Evans and Laura Curran start with strikes. Tough start for Ciara McDunphy though, who splits both opening frames and opens both as well.

England's Autumn Chamberlain covers opening split and open frame with a strike in frame two.

In the Boys section, Scotland's Paul Addison opens with a strike, as does Ireland's Gareth Byrne.

Ryan Leong leaves a ten-pin in frame one but converts it comfortably. Similar story for England's Brandon Roberts on the same lane.

Stephen Dillon bowling well for Ireland, on a turkey and staying cean through frame six.

Scotland's Jack Kerr also looking confident through six frames. His teammate John O'Neill, however, was unlucky to leave a 7-10 split in frame 7 as he struggles in game one.

England's Daniel Cook recovering well from split in frame 4 with a double. Teammate Jamie Elliot struggling to keep up with Ireland's Kevin Wattimena on his lane.

England's Verity Crawley bowling well, pacing a 200-plus game in game one. Scotland's Naomi Lawson, on the same lane, is keeping clean but lagging behind a little.

Ireland's Laura Curran opens frame seven after very good opening six frames. She needs a couple of strikes now to pass the 200 mark.

Scotland's Victoria Chatburn scores 246 for an excellent game one. Ellanor Thurston of England posts 248 to just better her rival.

Ireland's Ciara McDunphy struggles to an opening 139, while teammate Emily Goode also struggles to a 156.

Boys well into game two, with Scotland's Addison pacing 258 after a strike in frame 8.

England's Brandon Roberts on a turkey through eight frames, currently pacing a 268.

Ireland's Stephen Dillon on a four-bagger and is pacing a 248. On the same lanes, England's George Ackerman also has a four-bagger and is pacing 259. The scores are vastly improved in game two.

England's Brett Armer goes front five in game one, but leaves a single pin in frame 6 to miss out on the chance to shoot 300.

Ireland's Sarah Finlay was pacing 290 after frame 5 but split and opened in frame 6 to halt her run in game three.

England's Ellanor Thurston converts 4-10 split to save opening frame six.

Scotland's Danielle Carr struggling on 88 through frame 6.

Scotland's Naomi Lawson front three in game three. England's Verity Crawley, on same lanes, pacing 290 early on.

Scotland's Danielle Carr solid through first half of game four, all clean frames and high counts so far.

Ryan Leong pacing 279 through five frames of game four in the boys' section.

Stewart Matthews follows up  an open first frame with a five-bagger to pace a high game in the fourth.

Brandon Roberts double in frames 6 and 7 keeps him on track for a 249 in game four.

Jack Kerr pacing 268 after a strike in frame 5.

Laura Curran double in frames 6 and 7 covers for an open in frame 5.

Kevin Wattimean doubles in frames 5 and 6 as he paces 268.

Daniel Cook opens game 4 with a four-bagger but can only manage a 7-spare in frame 5.

Kimberley Perch shoots 203 in game four. Autumn Chamberlain shoots 206, while Ireland's Sarah Finlay posts 222. Hannah Frsot shoots 196, Verity Crawley shoots 227.

Brandon Roberts pacing 290 through frame 8, Stephen Dunne pacing 280 through the same frame, on the same lanes.

Roberts opens frame 9 to leave himself 227 going into frame 10.

Jack Kerr posts 162 in game four. Roberts posted 227, Dunne 145, Matthews 223, Leong 222. Roberts then posts 236 in game five tom keep his good form in the singles going.

Live updates to stop now for this squad as scores are taken in and compiled. Look out for final scores shortly.

Apology for lack of coverage at Junior Triple Crown

Bowltalk would like to apologise for being unable to post its live updates from the Junior Triple Crown today.

Due to problems with internet connection in the centre, updates had to be postponed for the day. Bowltalk attempted to do the updates but after only half an hour this morning the connection problems manifested in such a way that it was not possible to continue with the updates.

Hopefully the issue will be resolved in time for updates to resume tomorrow and for the rest of the tournament.


Thankfully the event was well supported in the centre, and after just the first two squads Ireland have managed to secure three gold medals and two silvers, a very good start to the tournament.

Apologies again for anyone who logged on during the day expecting updates on the event.

Junior Triple Crown-Boys Under 19 Doubles

Mixed start for the Under 19 Irish pair of Gratten and Byrne, with a Byrne split and a Gratten strike.

English pair of Crosby and Lam start with a split-strike and a double respectively.

Scottish pair of Willaimson and Biondi start solidly, both close the opening two frames.

Welsh team of Griffin and Cunnigham also have a good start, with two closed frames followed by strikes-a-piece in the third. 

Irish pair Rynhart and English scoring positively in game one. English has a four bagger to start and Rynhart doubles after a slightly nervy start to get going in the championships. 

Scottish pair of Gillespie and Reed also starting strong through the first half of game one, with only Gillespie's opening split blemishing their clean-looking games so far. 

In the Under 16's, Wattimena, Dunne and Dillon have started well in the first half of game one. The English trio of Cook, Elliot and Armer are the early pace-setters.

Back in the Under-19's, Ireland's Matthew Kestell shoots a seven-bagger to start the tournament and is still pacing an opening 300. His partner Sloane is also playing strongly as this pairing show their intentions early on. 

Simon English struggling a little now, but his partner Rynhart is scoring well to keep the pair within reach. 

Kestell shoots 298 in game one, hitting a little light on the head pin on the 12th ball to leave the 5-8 standing. His partner Sloane posts 216 to complete a great start for the Irish pair.

England's Crosby struggles to a 155 in game one, but his partner Lam shoots 235 to repair some of the damage.

Gratten and Byrne post combined total of 390 in game one for Ireland.

Williamson and Biondi start game two well for Scotland, as do Cunnigham and Griffin for Wales.

Gratten and Byrne also start game two positively for the defending champion host nation.

Crosby and Lam both start game two with turkies for England. Kestell continuing his good form in game two for Ireland, pacing 290 through the half-way point.

Ben Howiston-Johnstone and Adam Maher struggling a little in game two for England. English and Rynhart scoring well halfway through game two for defending champs Ireland. 

Crosby and Lam still scoring heavily in game two for England. Crosby is pacing 278 through six frames, while Lam paces 279. 

biondi pacing 290 for Scotland halfway through game two. His partner Williamson was going strong too until an open frame in frame 5, but hit back with a strike in frame 6.

USA Make Two Changes To Weber Cup Team

The teams for this year's PartyPoker.com Weber Cup have been announced, with the USA making two changes in an attempt to wrestle the title back from the Europeans.

Tim Mack, who was previously the only bowler to play in all eleven Weber Cups, has made way, while Pete Weber, whose father has the tournament named after him, has also been left out.

In their places have come Team USA bowlers Bill O'Neill and Michael Fagan. Both players will be making their debuts in the event.

Tommy Jones and Chris Barnes return to accompany the two newcomers, with Barnes taking over the captaincy with Mack's departure.

The Europeans are unchanged from the side that overcame the Americans 17-13 last year, with Dominic Barrett, Mika Koivuniemi, Paul Moor and captain Osku Palermaa returning to defend their title.

The event will once again take place at the Barnsley Metrodome and will run from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th October. For tickets, contact Matchroom Sport at info@matchroom.com.

European Champions Cup-Results

Austria's Thomas Gross and home favourite Krista Pollanen have been crowned European Champions in Lahti, Finland.

Gross took the men's title with a 2 games to 1 victory over Russia's Ivan Semonov, while Pollanen defeated Sweden's Joline Persson Planefors 2 games to 0.

It was a mixed week for Ireland's competitors, but ultimately neither made it through to the top eight after the short and long oil blocks, with Paul Stott finishing 11th and Caitriona Mulhall finishing 29th.

For complete results visit the official website,  http://www.keilailu.fi/ecc/.

Stillorgan Wednesay Summer Singles-Final Standings

The Stillorgan Wednesday Summer Singles came to its conclusion this evening.

The ninth and final week of the league saw an exciting fight for the top spot, with four players in realistic contention.

Leader Barry Brown had pre-bowled his final three games, with Kevin Fitzgerald, Jason Byrnes and Jim Donagh all in the hunt to catch him.

Fitzgerald started the night closest to Brown, with Byrnes 34 pins behind him and Donagh a further 15 pins back.

In the end it came down to the final frame of the final game, with Fitzgerald and Byrnes neck-and-neck in their pursuit of Brown's final total.

Both players palyed well under the pressure in the final games, but it was Byrnes who eventually pipped it, shooting a final games of 231 to take the league victory by 3 pins over Fitzgerald, who posted a final game of 223 to beat Brown into second palce by just a further 5 pins.

The league sees Byrnes' first victory in either league of tournament play, with a first place qualification to the finals section of one Rocks Tour event his previous best showing. He eventually only managed second place in that event.

The final standings for the league are listed below.

1. Jason Byrnes         6008
2. Kevin Fitzgerald   6005
3. Barry Brown         6000
4. Jim Donagh           5907
5. Dave English         5873
6. Des Vella               5847
7. Victor Rock           5782
8. Dave Noonan        5777
9.Bernie Vella           5770
10. Simon Connellan 5719
11.Tom Brady            5695
12.Colin Gaffney       5694
13. Shane Hendrick   5163
14. Elspeth Gailey     4472
15. David Keogh       3140

European Champions Cup-First Squad News

Ireland's Pauls Stott lies second after the first four games of the eight-game first squad of the men's section, which is currently ongoing. The squad is due to be completed at approximately 6 pm this evening.

Stott posted a score of 842 for his opening four games, a score which was bettered only by France's Anthony Fabre, who shot 870.

In the ladies' section, Irish representative Caitriona Mulhall lies 17th after first eight games, all bowled on the short oil condition.

Mulhall posted a score of 1440 for her eight games, an average of 180. She currently lies 72 pins of the top eight qualifying positions.

Keep an eye on Bowltalk for a full review of the first day and continuing coverage ove the next few days.

European Champions Cup Set To Begin In Finland

This year's European Champions Cup begins on Wednesday August 17th.

The tournament, which sees the national champions from 40 nations, including Ireland, takes place in Lahti, Finland this year.

Ireland's representative's this year are Paul Stott and Caitriona Mulhall, with Del Delany travelling as their coach for the four-day tournament.

The action gets underway at 9 am on Wednesday morning and comes to its conclusion with the crowning of the champion and the closing ceremony on Saturday afternoon.

Bowltalk would like to wish both Paul and Caitriona the best of luck over the course of the week.

For full schedules and all tournament information go to the official ECC website,  http://www.keilailu.fi/ecc/.

Bowltalk to Bring Full Coverage of Junior Triple Crown

Bowltalk is glad to confirm that it will be bringing bowling fans extensive coverage of this year's Junior Triple Crown.

The tournament takes place in Leisureplex Tallaght from Friday August 26th to Sunday August 28th.

Over the course of the weekend, the site will bring all the news and scores from the tournament, with live updates all weekend, from every squad, and from every section.

So whether you're stuck working over the weekend, or if you're away and cant get down to support the young competitors, Bowltalk will be on hand every minute of the tournament to ensure that you don't miss a single moment.

The tournament schedule, and the Bowltalk live updates schedule, is as follows:

Friday August 26th

10:00 am  Boys Under 16 Trios & Boys Under 19 Doubles
12:15 pm  Girls Under 19 Trios & Girls Under 16 Doubles
15:00 pm  Boys Under 19 Trios & Boys Under 16 Doubles
17:15 pm  Girls Under 16 Trios & Girls Under 19 Doubles

Saturday August 27th

09:00 am  Singles Under 19 Girls & Under 16 Boys
12:15 pm  Singles Under 19 Boys
15:30 pm  Singles Under 16 Girls

Sunday August 28th

09:00 am  Team Event and Mixed Doubles (All Sections)
13:30 pm  Masters Finals (All sections)
16:00 pm  Finish

Medal Ceremonies will take place throughout the weekend, during breaks for lane maintenance.

For full schedules, including lane maintenance and medal ceremony times, as well as the confirmed teams from all countries involved, please visit the official Junior Triple Crown Website, www.jtc2011.info.

The official website will also be updating news and scores constantly over the weekend, so be sure to visit them as well over the course of the weekend.

Bowltalk is excited to be able to bring this international tournament to all those interested in Irish and international tenpin bowling.

Remember to keep your eye on Bowltalk in the run-up to the tournament for any additional news, and for updates on other tournaments which Bowltalk will be covering in the upcoming season.

Alsaa Drop-in Singles

The Alsaa Drop-in Singles reached its completion last week, with Matt Hann coming out victorious in the scratch section.

Hann posted scores of 269 and 217 to beat Aidan Byrne (227, 211) in the final.

Hann had reached the quarter-finals as the number one seed, and cemented his hold on the competition when he beat eighth seed Ciaran Doyle in the quarters. He then pipped Paul Stott in the semi-finals to take his place in the final.

Byrne, the number 4 seed, beat Chris Sloane in the quarter-finals after the two-hander had a disastrous 124. Byrne went on to defeat Alan McDonnell in the semis before eventually losing to Hann in the final.

In the handicap section, Keogh went into the quarter-finals as the number 3 seed, and was pitted against his father, the 6th seed. Keogh advanced in the family affair, posting scores of 196, 225 and 243.

In the semis Keogh took on number 8 seed Andrei Baratu, who shocked the number 1 seed Ray Lynch in the quarters. Keogh halted the charge, however, with games 266 and 236 for a comfortable victory.

The final proved to be relatively comfortable for Keogh also, defeating Amanda Larkin with games of 227 and 231 to take the top prize. Larkin had bowled a 293 in the semis, but she could not continue that top form and had to settle for second place.

Congratulations to both winners, runners-up and all those who made the Finals section of the competition.

For full scores, go to www.talktenpin.net.

Wednesday Summer Singles-Week 8 of 9

Here are the standings in the Stillorgan Wednesday Summer Singles going into the final week:

1. Barry Browne       5447
2. Kevin Fitzgerald   5362
3. Jason Byrnes         5328
4. Jim Donagh           5313
5. Dave English         5217
6. Bernie Vella          5163
7. Dave Noonan        5162
8. Victor Rock           5145
9. Des Vella               5127
10. Colin Gaffney      5055
11. Tom Brady           5045
12. Simon Connellan  5034
13. Shane Hendrick    4588(21/24 games played)
14. Elspeth Gailey      4472(21/24 games played)
15. David Keogh        2509(12 games of 24 played)

Team Ireland Rankings-Final Standings Announced

The final standings in this year's Team Ireland rankings have been announced.

Alan Bride has taken first place in the men's rankings, while Aimee Kellegher has taken the top spot in the women's rankings.

The top twelve in each section are as follows:

Men: Paul Stott, Dave English, Fran Puzzoli, Darragh McLoughlin, Stephen O'Connor, Simon English, Adrian Mackey, Jason Byrnes, Christopher Sloan, Paul Chandler, Mark Hinchcliffe.

Women: Aimee Kellegher, Carol Catchpole, Caitriona Mulhall, Amanda Larkin, Yvonne Randell, Maureen Burke, Dymphna Kestell, Ciara McDunphy, Sandra Winstanley, Hannah Cullen, Kerena Dykes, Catherine Doherty. 

These standings will be the base for the selection of the teams which will travel to Norwich, England for the Triple Crown between the 16th and 18th of September.

The Full rankings list can be found on the ITBA website, www.tenpinireland.com.

Bowltalk would like to congratulate all player for their good form over the season and wishes the best of luck to whichever bowlers make the final team for the Triple Crown.

Stillorgan Wednesday Summer Singles-Standings after Week Six

1. Barry Browne         4116
2. Kevin Fitzgerald     4056
3. Jason Byrnes           4033
4. Jim Donagh             4000
5. Shane Hendrick       3981
6. Victor Rock             3939
7. Bernie Vella            3924
8. Dave Noonan          3919
9. Simon Connellan    3866
10. Dave English        3849
11. Des Vella              3839
12. Tom Brady           3829
13. Elspeth Gailey      3821
14. Colin Gaffney       3113(15 games)
15. David Keogh        1971(9 games)

Stillorgan Wednesday Summer Singles-Week 3/10

Standings after Week Three:

1. Jason Byrnes     2058
2. David Noonan   2028
3. Dave English     2011
4. Victor Rock       1992
5. Tom Brady         1977
6. David Keogh      1971
7. Shane Hendrick  1963
8. Des Vella            1962
9. Jim Donagh         1961
10. Simon Connellan 1959
11. Barry Browne      1956
12. Bernie Vella         1923
13. Elspeth Gailey      1865
14. Kevin Fitzgerald   1296
15. Colin Gaffney        1172

Stillorgan Wednesday Summer Singles-Week One Scores

The following is the standings after week one of the Wednesday Summer Singles in Leisureplex Stillorgan. All scores are total pinfall including handicap.

1. Barry Browne             748
2. Kevin Fitzgerald         716
3. Dave English              695
4. Victor Rock                691
5. Dave Noonan              673 
6. David Keogh               672
7. Jim Donagh                 672 
8. Tom Brady                  667
9. Des Vella                     667
10. Simon Connellan         660
11. Jason Byrnes               655
12. Shane Hendrick           655
13. Bernie Vella                644
14. Elspeth Gailey             593
15. Colin Gaffney              561

Irish Open Championships 2012

There is positive news in the world of Irish tenpin bowling, with the announcement that this year's Irish Open Championships will be run in association with Ebonite.

The affiliation with one of the world's biggest bowling companies adds great weight to the tournament, which in truth has been faltering a little over the past few years.

There are some notable changes for next January's event. Firstly, €2,500 has been added to the prize fund. There will now be €17,500 to play for, with the top prize of €3,500 for men and €1,200 for women.

There have also been some changes to the format of the tournament. firstly, the tournament has returned to its old four-day schedule, with one squad on the Thursday evening, January 19th.

Squads on the Friday, January 20th, will begin at 08.30 and will continue until 22.45 pm. Saturday, January 21st, will see bowling commence at 08.00 am and continue until 23.30 pm.

The final day, Sunday January 22nd, will see the top 16 in both the men and women's sections bowl at 08.30 am, with the top 8 round robin finals at 11.00 am. The prize presentation will take place at 13.30 pm.

The most notable change in the format is the addition of a re-entry squad on the saturday morning. This will give any players who are unhappy with their original eight game qualifying set a second chance to make the second round.

Other changes include squad winner's qualifying automatically for the second round. In the men's section, the top two players from Squad A and Squad B will qualify for the top 64, with the other 60 spots being determined from the rest of the field on pinfall.

In the women's section, the top two players from Squad A and Squad B will qualify for the top-24 second round, with the other 20 spots again being determined between the rest of the field.

As well as the changes in the format, the tournament will also return to its old style in terms of lane conditioning. For the first time since the tournament was a European ranking event in the middle of the last decade, lane maintenance will occur after every squad, meaning that every player will play on the same condition twice, and no player can gain an adavantage by playing first or second oil before other squads.

The tournament's association with Ebonite has also brought another positive change. If any player bowls a 300 game with any ball manufactured by Ebonite (including Ebonite, Track and Hammer or Columbia 300 balls) that player will gain free entry into the Irish Open Championships in 2013.

The Irish Open has always been the showcase event in Irish Bowling, and with these changes for 2012 the organisers hope that the interest levels will return to the high level of the middle of the last decade. Bowltalk can only reiterate these hopes, and the changes can only be seen as a positive step for the tournament.

The tournamet runs from January 19th to January 22nd 2012 and entry formas are out now. To enter the tournament, print your entry form from www.tenpin-ireland.com, drop into Leisureplex Stillorgan or contact the organisers, either by email to Sean Kennedy at sean@leisureplex.ie or by phone at +353 86 824 822.

The entry fee for the tournament is €110, while the re-entry fee is €50. Alternatively, you can pre-book both your entry and re-entry for the cut price of €140.

Men's European Championships-Team Short Oil

Sweden are the team to catch after the first block of games in the team event. The Swedes posted a total of 3314 for their three games on the short oil condition to lead host nation Germany by 116 pins an third placed Denmark by 149.

A perfect game 300 by Estonia's Kert Truus helped his team place fourth with a total of 3129. The top eight is concluded by Lithuania, Norway, Russia and Finland.

Scotland lie 15th after the first block, with England struggling on the short oil condition to a disappointing 23rd place, with a particular struggle for Matt Miller, who managed just 471 for his three games. Though in truth only John Wells managed a decent set, Wells being the only English player to shoot 600+.

In terms of the All Events, Mads Sandbaekken continues to lead, but Finland's Osku Palermaa may be the man to watch over the concluding rounds. Palermaa shot 702 in the team event to jump up to 4th in the All Events standings. England's Matt Chamberlain is currently sitting in the Top 24 cut-off position with an average of 210.71.

This afternoon sees the semi-finals and final of the doubles event, with the semi-finals and final of the trios taking place later this evening.

Live streaming is now available from bambuser.com (a direct link is available from the official European Championships website) and as always keep up-to-date with reports right here at Bowltalk.

Men's European Championships-Trios (Long and Short Oil)

Belgium took the number one spot in the trios at the European Championships in Munich on Wednesday.

The team of Mats Maggi, Glenn Vansteenbrugge and Olivier Leroy shot a combined total of 3888 for the six games (three games on long oil, three on short).

Closest to the Belgians were the Danish team of Thomas Larsen, Anders Lousdal and Jesper Agerbo on 3869 and Norway's Svein Ake Ek, Glenn Morten Pedersen and Bjorn Einar Rudshagen on 3840.

Both teams from Finland also finished in the top six as the Scandinavian countries again dominated the top of the standings, with only Greece and England, along with the Belgians, breaking their hold over the top eight positions.

There was no change to the top spot in the All Events after the trios, with Norway's Mads Sandbaekken continuing to lead with an average of 224.06. His nearest challenger is Sweden's Robert Andersson with a 220.83 average, with third spot being held by fellow Norwegian Tore Torgersen on an average of 220.17.

Finland's Osku Palermaa is the stand-out mover after the trios. Europe's Weber Cup captain has moved into the top eight with a 1283 in the trios event. He is averaging 216.39 for the championships. England's Matt Chamberlain is the closest challenger to the top eight, currently in possession of ninth spot with a 215.83 average.

Thursday sees focus turn to the team event, before the doubles and trios semi-finals and finals take place through the afternoon and evening.

Keep an eye out for all the winners, as the week moves towards its conclusion, with detailed reports from all the squads right here at Bowltalk.

Men's European Championships-Doubles Long Oil

Once again it was the Norwegian pairing of Mads Sandbaekken and Tore Torgersen who took top spot in the long oil doubles on Tuesday.

The pairing had taken first place in the short oil doubles the day before, and continued their early dominance with a combined score of 2726, just one pin more than the Swedish pair of Karl Wahlgren and Dennis Eklund, and a total score for the doubles events of 5475.

Over the two doubles events, the Swedish team of Robert Andersson and Martin Larsen were the closest to the Norwegians with a score of 5270, and the other Swedish pair of Wahlgren and Eklund finished up in third spot.

The surprise package of day one, Scottish pair Mark Kerr and Mark McQueen, had a more difficult time on the long oil. They posted a score of 2349, and a combined doubles score of 5024, good enough to see them finish in 18th spot after both oil conditions.

England's Richard Teece and Matt Chamberlain scored 2492 on the long oil and scored a total of 5143 to end up in 8th spot.

Sadbeakken continues to lead the way in the All Events, with an average of 235.42. Both Norway and Sweden have two players in the top eight, with the other spots taken by players from Finland, France, Italy and host nation Germany.

Matt Chamberlain has replaced richard Teece as the highest placed Englishman, currently sitting in 13th with a 217.33average. Teece fell back to 28th with a 211.25 average, and was also overtaken by another teammate, John Wells, who is currently 20th on a 215.83 average.

Scotland have one player inside the top 24 at the moment, Mark Kerr, who has a 214.83 average and is in 21st place.

Wednesday sees the focus turn to the trios, with both the short and long oil sets taking place.

Summer Singles in Leisureplex Stillorgan

Leisureplex are looking for entrants for a summer singles league which will run on wednesday nights from June 15th to mid-August.

The league will be a handicap league, with handicaps looking likely to be based off 90 per cent of 220.

Leisureplex will hopefully be able to put a small amount into the prize fund to add to the allocated amount paid into the fund every week out of the bowlers' entry.

Prices look to be €17 or €18 each week for three games, with the usual €2.45 hopefully being allocated for the prize fund.

To take part in the league, bowlers need to be in Leisurplex Stillorgan at 7.45 pm on Wednesday June 15th. The league will commence at 8 pm.

Men's European Championships-Doubles Short Oil

The Scottish pairing of Mark Kerr and Mark McQueen were the surprise package of the short oil doubles on the first day of the European Championships in Munich on Monday.

The pair posted a combined score of 2675 for their six games, leaving them in second spot, 74 pins behind short oil winners Tore Torgersen and Mads Sandbaekken from Norway.

Third spot was taken by the Swedish pair Robert Anderson and Martin Larsen, with the top English pairing of Richard Teece and Matt Chamberlain finishing up in fourth.

In terms of the All Events after the short oil doubles, Sandbaekken leads the way after his 242.67 average, followed by Denmark's Thomas Larsen on a 238 average and Finland's Joonas Jahi on an average of 237.17. The other players who make up the top eight at the early stages are Sweden's Robert Andersson, Norway's Pal Selvines, Sweden's Martin Paulsson, Scotland's Mark McQueen and England's Richard Teece.

Tuesday's schedule consists of the long oil doubles, with the first squad beginning at 9 am local time. Play will continue through the day until the complation of the doubles events at approximately 9.30 this evening.

For all the results and the full schedule go to www.talktenpin.net and keep up with reports from Munich here at Bowltalk throughout the week.

YAC Triple Crown Roll-Offs

The roll-offs to decide this year's team for the YAC Triple Crown in Scotland will take place in ALSAA bowling alley on June 11th.

The Under-23 committee, which looks after all issues concerning YAC bowling in Ireland, has announced that there has been a change to the age limit for eligibility for selection.

Following discussions with other participating countries, it has been decided that the Irish committee will use the same age limit as other countries this year. This means that now any bowlers born after January 1st 1987 are eligible to compete in the roll-offs in June.

In previous years competitors had to be under the age of 23 on September 1st the year before the tournament takes place. The new age limit means that players can now compete even if they have turned 24, as long as their birthdate falls after January 1st of this year.

The roll-off will take place at 8 pm on June 11th. Bowlers will play 8 games and the top 6 players after these games will be selected to represent Ireland in the YAC Triple Crown in Scotland in early October.

The fee to compete in the roll-offs is €3 per game. Any bowler who wishes to compete must e-mail the YAC Committee at yaccommittee@gmail.com by June 6th to confirm their interest.

Paul Magee Classic Review-The perfect way to remember a truly inspirational man

Once again the Paul Magee Classic this year showed just how important and how inspiring the man whi the event is named in memory off was and remains for the entire Irish bowling community.

The event took place on Sunday, with almost 150 people taking part in what was a magnificant event. The festivities after the bowling were also testament to the incredible popularity which Paul held in life and continues to hold three years after his tragic death from motor neurone disease.

The majority of those who took part in the bowling celebrated throughout the day and into the night as Ireland's bowling community once again raised a glass in honour of a true hero, not only in bowling terms but in everything he did in life.

Many of Paul's family attended the event, and I'm sure they must have been delighted to see once more just how much he meant to so many people. It goes without saying, I'm sure, that seeing the incredible turnout again this year must have only increased the already immense pride they hold in their hearts for Paul.

A truly inspiring day which embodied the immense inspiration which stems from Paul's life and the affect which he had on so many people. Once again a magnificant day, and such huge thanks have to go out to those who organised the event again this year. It was simply the perfect way to honour the great man once more.

Paul Magee Classic

The Paul Magee Classic is back. The tournament, set up in memory of bowler Paul Magee, who sadly passed away in 2008, returns this Sunday, with over 150 people taking part.

This event is one of the most important days of the bowling calender in my opinion, a day where not only can the Irish game come together in respect for a true gentleman, but also where awareness can be raised about motor neurone disease, of which Paul died, and the work which is done by the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

 The bowling itself begins at 9 am, with a second squad beginning at 11 am. Finals begin at 1 pm. The tournament is again a mystery doubles tournament, with competitors bowling two games before discovering after they play who they're partner is. Teams placed 2nd to 9th play make the playoff to compete against the number one team in the final.

As I said before this, for me, is one of the most important dates on the bowling calender. This is so much more than a bowling tournament, it is a chance to remember a true hero, one who anyone can take infinite amounts of inspiration from.

Rocks Tour-Finals Preview

The finals of this year's Rocks Tour will take place in Leisureplex Stillorgan on May 29th.

The lineups for the scratch and handicap finals have been confirmed on the Rocks Tour section of the ITBA website.

There will be eight competitors in each section, with the line-ups dependent on a competitors highest position. Basically whichever section a competitior is placed higher in, that is the section he must compete in in the finals.

The confirmed finalists are as follows:

Scratch Section: Alan Bride, Graham Turner, Jason Byrnes, Tom Byrne, Fran Puzzzoli, Bob Daly, Darragh McLoughlin, Nicky O'Malley.

Handicap Section: Dave English, John Wilson, Carol Catchpole, Stan Dagg, Aimee Kellegher, Maureen Burke, Elaine Lawlor, Dave Osam. 

Each section will be played as a seven-game round robin, with all competitors facing each other once in a matchplay situation.

Each player will receive 20 points for a win, 10points for a draw. In addition, games of 200-249 bowled will receive a 5-point bonus, while games of 250-300 will receive a 10-point bonus.

Each section has two alternatives waiting in case any player cannot compete in the finals for any reason. Paul Flannery is the first alternative for both sections. Kerena Dykes is the second alternative for the scratch section, while Paddy Gibbons is second alternative for the handicap section.

Check-in for the finals opens at 8.30 am on the morning of the event, and closes strictly at 8.50. Any bowlers who have not checkd in on time will be replaced by one of the alternatives.

Bowltalk wishes all competitors the vey best of luck in the finals and congratulates them on making the finals round.

Matchplay-Grand Final

Match Line-up:

Stephen Joyce -v- Paul Stott

Both players start with spares in frame one.

Stott takes the lead in frame three with a strike. Joyce hits light on the head pin to leave a 2 pin, which he spares.

Another strike for Stott and another nine-spare for Joyce sees Stott increase his lead.

Joyce yet to strike through five frames. Stott turkey's to stay in control in game one.

A lucky strike in frame six for Stott. Joyce again leaves a single pin to fall 25 pins behind.

Joyce opens frame 7 after a 3-6-9 leave. Stott continues to strike to open up a 40 pin lead.

Joyce hits light but carries all ten pins for his first strike. Stott's strike run ends with a three pin, which he spares.

Stott closes out an 8-spare to lead by 58 after game one. He posts 244 to Joyce's 186.

A 9-spare a piece in frame one of game two.

Joyce leaves a very harsh 8 pin in frame two. Stott strikes to cement his lead.

Single-pins are really hurting Joyce as Stott begins to gain momentum again with a double.

Joyce breaks the run of single pins with a good pocket hit as Stott misses a ten pin. Joyce has an oppurtunity to close the gap a little now.

Another single pin for Joyce. He may need to look at changing ball or line now to kick those single pins out. Stott back in the pocket for a strike in frame five.

A loose ball in frame six frome Stott. He leaves the 1-2-4-10 split and fails to convert. Joyce strikes to put some pressure on. The lead now sits at 45 pins. 

Joyce doubles to keep the pressure on. Stott responds with a double of his own as he kicks out the 7 pin with a light pocket hit.

A turkey from Joyce closes the gap to 35 pins. Stott again hits back with a turkey of his own.

An open frame from Joyce in frame 8 kills his momentum. The lead is now 48 pins.

Stott strikes out to post 225. He leads by 84 pins going into the final game.

Joyce tries to put the pressure on with a double, but Stott hols firm with a strike and a nine-spare.

A turkey from Stott increases his lead to 90 pins.

Joyce finally gets a little luck with a nine-pin tap to strike in frame four. Stott opens frame five as Joyce doubles to close the gap to 81.

Joyce misses a ten pin in frame 7 to all but end his hopes of a comeback. Stott leads by 98 with three frames left.

Stott strikes in frame 8 as Joyce opens again with a 3-4-6-10 split. The lead goes over 100 pins now.

Stott opens frame 9 but it will not affect the outcome. Frame ten becomes insignificant to the result as Stott finishes out.

Stott spares to finish as he receives the applause of the spectators. A gracious applause for Joyce to for his efforts over the two days.

Congratulations to Paul Stott, 2011 Pepsi Irish Matchplay Champion.

Matchplay-Losers Final

Match Line-up:
Stephen Joyce -v- John Kennedy

Joyce starts with a double to catch up some of the 25 pin deficit from Kennedy's handicap. Kennedy opens with a nine-spare and a nine-miss.

Joyce puts a turkey together and solidifies it with an eight-spare. He leads by one pin after frame five.

Kennedy misses a ten pin in frame 7 to fall further behind. Joyce now leads by 11 pins.

Joyce strikes out to hold a 43 pin lead after gane one.

Joyce's move to the outside has seen him leave two harsh single pins. He still leads by 20 as Kennedy fails to take advantage.

Spares are the name of the game in the mid-part of game two.

Joyce misses a ten pin, but Kennedy opens as well to stay 20 down.

A second open from Kennedy is punished by a strike from Joyce. The lead is now 30 pins.

Joyce leads by 30 pins going into game three.

Kennedy opens frame one with a missed seven pin. Joyce strikes to increase his lead.

Joyce opens with a turkey in game three.

A ten pin stops the strike run in frame five for Joyce. Kennedy throws a double but a split in frame five dents his chance at closing the gap. Joyce leads by 30 pins with half a game to go.

Joyce staying solid with three nine-spares in a row. The lead is now 70 pins. Joyce looks set for a rematch with Stott in the Grand Final.

Matchplay-Winners Final/Losers Semis

Match Line-ups:

Winners Final:
Stephen Joyce -v- Paul Stott

Losers Semi-Final 1:
Pat Irvine -v- John Kennedy

Stott starts with a strike. Darragh McLoughlin has backed Stephen Joyce to go all the way here, and he starts with a spare against Stott.

Kennedy takes the early lead against Irvine with a strike against Irvine's open frame.

Joyce harshly done by with a 7-10 split in frame two as Stott spares to increase his lead early.

Stott lucky not to leave a 2-10 split in frame three. Joyce carries all ten light in the pocket to get his game going.

Kennedy and Irvine neck-and-neck at the half way stage of game one in their match.

Joyce turkey's to close the gap on Stott, who cant put strikes together at the moment. Irvine now 15 pins up on Kennedy.

Joyce's strike run comes to an end, but he spares the 2-10 split to lead by 5 pins at the half way point in game one.

Kennedy strikes to close up on Irvine. A heavy pocket hit gives Stott a strike in frame 8, and Joyce leaves a ten pin to fall 9 pins behind.

Stott taps the ten pin to double for the first time in the match. Joyce matches his strike to stay in touching distance.

Kennedy takes a 17 pin lead into game two against Irvine.

Stott finshes strong, but Joyce keeps up the pressure with a good finish of his own. Stott leads by 19 pins after game one.

Stott doubles to start game two. Joyce hits back with a double of his own.

Kennedy leads Irvine by 9 pins, but an open frame in the fifth will hamper him going forward.

Joyce breaks first in the battle with Stott in game two. Both men went front four before Stott added a fifth strike and Joyce posted a 7 spare.

Stott now holds a 65 pin lead after going front seven. He goes through the face in frame 8, but picks up  a handy 9 spare.

Irvine opens frame ten to fall 16 pins behind Kennedy.

A strike from Joyce in the ninth get him back to within 50 pins of Stott coming to the end of game two.

Stott posts 268 for 497 over two games. Joyce has bowled well, shooting 440, but Stott has been too good so far.

Irvine and Kennedy looks like going right down to the wire. Kennedy's lead is 30 pins at the half way stage in game three.

Joyce stones an 8 pin in frame two. This does not look like its going to go his way as Stott continues to look solid.

A Kennedy strike in frame eight looks like being the foundation for a victory against Irvine.

Kennedy advances with 30 pin victory.

Stott's lead sits at 45 pins after frame six of game three. Joyce just cannot put the strikes together to close the gap.

Stott completes a fairly comfortable victory over Joyce in the end. He wins by 80 pins.

Joyce will play Kennedy in the final of the losers section.

Matchplay-Losers Round Six

Match Line-ups:

Pat Irvine -v- Conan Mackey
Hannah Cullen -v- John Kennedy

Cullen and Kennedy exchange strikes. Mackey splits with a 2-8-10, Irvine starts with a nine spare.

Lucky spare from Kennedy matched by lucky spare by Cullen. They remain level.

Mackey struggling with the lane change. Back-to-back spares for him, but Irviine still leads by 39 pins.

Kennedy leading Cullen by 10 pins after four frames.

Nine-spares a piece for Mackey and Irvine. Irvine has 37 pin lead at the half way stage of game one.

Cullen trips the four pin after a slightly high pocket hit. Kennedy opens to open the door for Cullen to close the gap. She reponds with a double to take a one-pin lead.

Mackey opens frame nine to sit 42 pins down on Irvine.

Cullen spares the baby split in frame ten, Kennedy opens the frame. Kennedy trails at the end of the game by 11 pins.

Irvine strikes out to lead Mackey by 55 pins going into game two.

Cullen starts game two with a strike. Shes starting to struggle with a hand injury after playing such a large number of games, but she still leads by 15 pins.

Mackey struggling to close the gap on Irvine, but he strikes in frame four to try get some momentum going.

Cullen leaves the 2-4-10 split and fails to convert for the spare. Kennedy strikes to put the pressure on.

Mackey on a four-bagger now to close the gap on Irvine, who has opened three of his last four frames.

Kennedy puts in a turkey to take a 40 pin lead over Cullen.

Mackey opens frame ten for a 218. He leads by 4 pins now going into game three.

Cullen really struggling now. Kennedy strikes again to widen his lead.

Mackey leaves the 1-2-4-6-10 split in frame one of game three. He chops the six  pin out for a 5-1 frame.

Cullen strikes in frame nine of game two. Her first strike since frame one keeps her in touching distance.

Kennedy posts 206 in game two. Cullens 167 leaves her 37 pins down going into their final game.

Irvine doubles to lead Mackey by 40 pins half way through game three. Mackey has been unlucky with a couple of stone nine pins in this game.

Cullen doubles in the early stages of game three. Mackey leaves a 2-10 split in frame 7. He is now 55 pins down.

Mackey looks to have given up on catching Irvine, throwing the ball straight down the middle at a huge pace. He opens again with Irvine certain now to advance.

Cullen putting some strikes in to keep up with Kennedy, although two open frames as well means she still trails by 27 pins.

Irvine beats Mackey by 54 pins to advance.

A nine-miss in frame 7 dents Cullen's momentum. Kennedy strikes as Cullen opens again to trail by 45 pins going into frame ten. Kennedy looks set to advance as he shoots a four bagger.

A strong finish from Cullen is not enough to prevent her from going out at the hands of Kennedy. 

Round six of the losers section is now complete.