The Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Federation (CTBF) was formed during the inaugural 2002 Commonwealth Championships in Scotland.

On that occasion, Julian Pace Bonello was elected to head the CTBF's Executive Committee.

Since then, the organisation's aim to hold biennial championships was realised, the second competition having been staged in Cyprus in 2004.

This year, the championships will roll off in Melbourne, Australia, tomorrow.

No fewer than 17 nations will compete, namely, Australia, Bahamas, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Cyprus, England, Gibraltar, Guern-sey, India, Jersey, Malaysia, Malta, New Zealand, N. Ireland, Pakistan, Scotland and Wales.

Malta is represented by a team of four, selected after a recent qualifying tournament played at the Eden SuperBowl.

The side includes Sue Abela, Melissa Anastasi, Brian Farrugia and Ray Falzon Reale.

Pace Bonello is with the squad in his official CTBF capacity while team manager Leli Baldacchino will attend administrative duties on behalf of the Maltese delegation during his stay in Melbourne.

The championships will commence with a managers' meeting and official practice tomorrow. Competition begins on Monday.

The week will progress with doubles and mixed doubles events, as well as a team event. The climax will be the Masters, played on two different lane conditions.

Bowlers' individual performances from the earlier events will determine participation in the Masters, from which the new champions will emerge.

Team Malta are supported by the MTBA, Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport and the Malta Olympic Committee.