The annual Malta Open gets underway today at the Eden SuperBowl where around 150 top class bowlers from 15 countries are taking part.

As always, a wide variety of nations are represented, such as Russia and the US, as well as Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, England, Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, France, Cyprus and, of course, Malta.

There is also a four-strong group of bowlers from Tunisia, a nation that has never featured in the previous 16 editions of the event. Other than the title of Malta Open champion, the participants are also chasing a share of the €17,500 prize fund.

The Open begins with the initial qualification round carrying on to Saturday afternoon, with the male and female divisions being whittled down through the following rounds until the final stages on Sunday, concluding with the typically thrilling step-ladder final.

There are several participants who visit Malta twice a year, also participating in the Senior Open in October. In fact, a definite highlight of this year's Malta Open will be the 50th birthday tomorrow of two-time champion (2005, 2006) Chris van Damme, of Belgium.