Dubai: More than 120 international bowlers are competing in Dubai this week at the seventh World Airline Bowling Championship (WABC).
The competitors represent 18 international airlines or aviation-associated companies at the WABC, which is being held at Dubai International Bowling Centre in Al Mamzar, Deira, between Wednesday and Friday.
The bowlers are competing for trophies in singles, doubles, masters, semi-masters and team events, as well as the sought-after World Airline Bowling Cup Champion Team accolade. The opening ceremony took place on Wednesday.
Emirates will be bidding to get back the title they lost in 2012 and will have a strong line-up, while defending champions Etihad Airways will fight fiercely to retain the title.
“We are proud to be hosting teams from across the world and look forward to renewing rivalries with old friends at an event which is renowned for the friendship between the competing teams,” said Mohammad Al Khaja, President and Chairman of the Emirates Airline Bowling Club, which is organising and hosting the event.
“The quality of the players is always very high and, with the usual friendly but competitive atmosphere expected, I have no doubt we will see an exciting three days of action.
“This event gets better every year, with the number of teams and standard of play increasing all the time,” added Al Khaja, who is also Divisional Senior Vice-President Safety and Standards with the Emirates Group.
A total of 30 teams, including 13 airline teams, are competing.
Admission is free and spectators are welcome throughout the tournament.
