World Youth Championships underway

HELSINKI, Finland - The 2010 World Tenpin Bowling Association World Youth Championships were officially ushered in Saturday with the opening ceremonies at Tali Bowl.

A field of 46 countries, made up of 146 boys and 107 girls, were welcomed by the Finnish Bowling Federation on the eve of the competition. The tournament begins Sunday with girls singles.

The United States, along with the other participating countries, took part in official practice throughout the day Saturday to get tuned up.

"Our practice went really well, and we had some good looks," Team USA head coach Rod Ross said. "The competition looks extremely strong, but I look forward to a strong performance by our players."

Junior Team USA's Kristie Petravich and Jenn Boisselle will take to the lanes in the opening squad of singles qualifying at 9 a.m. local time Sunday. Christine Bator and Brittni Hamilton will compete at 1 p.m.

Boys singles starts at 9 a.m. Monday with Craig Hanson and Andrew Koff. The final U.S. pairing of Devin Bidwell and Jake Peters will compete on the third qualifying squad at 5 p.m.



The United States Bowling Congress is working in cooperation with the Finnish Bowling Federation to provide live video streaming of the semifinals and finals of each event. Coverage will be available on BOWL.com, and the schedule is as follows:

  • Sunday, July 25: Girls singles, 9:30 a.m. Eastern
  • Monday, July 26: Boys singles, 1:30 p.m. Eastern
  • Tuesday, July 27: Girls doubles, 9:30 a.m. Eastern
  • Wednesday, July 28: Boys doubles, 1:30 p.m. Eastern
  • Saturday, July 31: Boys and girls team, 2 a.m. Eastern; Boys and girls Masters, 7 a.m. Eastern
  • Sunday, Aug. 1: Boys and girls Masters, 2 a.m. Eastern

Medals will be awarded in five events at the World Youth Championships - singles, doubles, team, all-events and Masters match-play. Visit BOWL.com for complete coverage of the event.