DHL won the men’s team category on the opening day of the seventh annual World Airline Bowling Championships at the Dubai International Bowling Centre in Al Mamza on Wednesday.
With a total of 4,777 from six games, DHL finished above Emirates Dubai on 4,767 and Emirates Los Angeles on 4,560.
Meanwhile, in the mixed team category, British Airways scored 4,473 to beat Continental Airlines on 4,448 and Aer Lingus on 4,442.
More than 120 bowlers from 18 international airlines are competing in the three-day event, which will crown an overall winning airline from team, doubles and singles events.
Joint record two-time champions Emirates, who won in 2010 and 2012, will be looking to win back the title, which they lost to Etihad last year. Fellow former two-time champions KLM, who won the first two events, will also be looking to return to contention, along with 2011 winners Scandinavian Airlines.
“It’s very competitive,” said tournament director Jube Mathews. “There were only ten pins between first and second in the men’s team event and the rivalry is pretty intense. We’re all good friends really, but on the lanes it’s a different story.”
Men’s, women’s and mixed doubles events were played on Thursday and Friday sees the top-32 ranked men and top 10 women compete in the masters singles, while the remaining bowlers will compete in category A and B singles.
