This weekend, youth bowlers Sara Xuereb and Matthew Magro (picture, right) are competing in the Youth Challenge in Zurich to continue widening their international experience in the sport.

The tournament is being organised by the Zurich Bowling Federation at the 14-lane Beseco Bowlinghalle and is an ‘open’ competition specifically for under-23 bowlers.

There is only one division but all participants in the challenge will be awarded extra handicap pins, depending on age and gender, to allow a level playing field.

The Youth Challenge – Zurich consists of four qualifying games to be played by all, after which the top 28 bowlers will qualify for the semi-finals for a further three games, their previous pinfall having been slashed to 50 per cent.

Then, the top 14 will again carry forward 50 per cent of their pinfall to date to the finals, where another three games will decide the winner and final classification.

A mixed doubles competition, over a straight three games for total pinfall, will also be played in Zurich this weekend.

In Switzerland, Xuereb and Magro, both students at the National Sports School, are accompanied by coach Rick Vogelesang as well as bowling mentor Sue Abela.