The 19th edition of the Malta Open Tenpin Bowling Championships got under way at the Eden SuperBowl yesterday. Around 100 top-class bowlers from 11 European countries are competing for the prestigious title, as well as a share of the €10,000 prize fund.

The nations represented at this year's tournament are Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, England, Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, Tunisia, Cyprus and Malta.

The Open began with the initial qualification round which continues until tomorrow evening, after which the top 30 bowlers will face a gruelling final day on Sunday, concluding with the typically thrilling step-ladder final.

The organisers have retained last year's format, including the very popular 're-entry' system allowing competitors to improve on their qualifying scores, and also the Desperado Squad.

A total of 26 bowlers will qualify automatically from the first round and the one-game Desperado sends four bowlers into the next round for a total of 30 for the final stages.

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