Vancell, Carannante to play for Malta in Luxembourg

The European Gold Cup is held specifically for tenpin bowlers of an intermediate level. This year's championships are being hosted by Luxembourg at the X-Treme Bowling Centre in Foetz.

The Maltese players for the 30th edition of the European Gold Cup are Philippe Vancell and Berna-dette Carannante.

They will bowl in a field of some 24 European countries in mixed doubles and singles.

Vancell and Carannante earned the right to represent Malta after a competition organised recently by the Malta Tenpin Bowling Association at the Eden SuperBowl.

The qualifying tournament was played on lane conditions identical to those in Luxembourg.

The order of qualification for the third round robin stage was: (men) Benny Hili, Paul Baldacchino, Nathan Brimmer, Peter Mallia, Beppe Abela and Vancell; (women) Faye Formosa, Josephine Bonello, Josette Falzon Reale, Liliana Said, Bernadette Carannante and Tiziana Carannante.

Vancell shot to the top of the male section with five straight wins, putting him ahead of Brimmer and Mallia.

Brimmer then ousted Mallia in the first stepladder final match, but Vancell's determination prevailed on the day. He won the final and the title.

Said also won all five of her encounters to top the table with Bernadette Carannante in second place followed by Falzon Reale.

Carannante saw off Falzon Reale in the first final match and then faced leader Said in the final, finishing the victor to claim her well deserved honour.