OPENING CEREMONY KICKS OFF 2016 WORLD CUP IN CHINA

By USBC’s Matt Cannizzaro
October 15, 2016
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SHANGHAI – Bowlers from more than 80 countries have arrived in Shanghai and now are just two days from the start of competition at the 2016 QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup.

The 52nd edition of the event officially got underway Saturday with an opening ceremony at the Hua Ting Hotel. The festivities included the parade of competitors, traditional Chinese entertainment, well-wishes from local and bowling dignitaries, player oath and more.

Competition will begin Oct. 17 at Hao’s Bowling in downtown Shanghai’s Luwan Sports Complex. All rounds of competition will be broadcast on BowlTV.

The field is expected to include more than 65 women and more than 80 men. Official practice will be held throughout the day Sunday.

Qualifying at the 2016 QubicaAMF World Cup will take place over four days, and this year’s winners will be determined Oct. 22.

Competitors will bowl 20 games (five games each day), before the field is cut to the top 24 men and top 24 women for eight additional games. After 28 games, total pinfall will determine the eight bowlers in each division for eight-games of round-robin match play.

The top four men and top four women after 36 games, including bonus pins, will advance to the new knockout-style semifinals, where the No. 1 seed will face the No. 4 qualifier and No. 2 and No. 3 will do battle. The winners of each match will earn a spot in the championship game.

The first World Cup was contested in Ireland in 1965, and the tournament now is considered one of the sport’s most prestigious singles titles. It also is recognized as the largest event in the sport in terms of number of countries competing.

Photos from Saturday’s opening ceremony: