2024 Sydney Bowlfest Ranked Recap

For the second consecutive year, the Sydney Bowlfest showcased top-tier bowling talent from across Australia and New Zealand, culminating in the crowning of four champions at iPlay Tenpin City in Lidcombe, New South Wales.

Participants had the opportunity to compete in one or both of the nationally ranked events—the Junior Sydney Cup and the Sydney Youth Cup—by completing nine games of qualifying. Notably, the scores from these games could qualify bowlers for both events if they met the eligibility criteria and entered both events. The Junior Sydney Cup, now in its 46th year, continued its long-standing tradition of fierce competition in the junior division. Simultaneously, the Sydney Youth Cup celebrated its 17th anniversary, following a format closely mirroring that of the Junior Sydney Cup, showcasing the skills of young up-and-coming athletes.

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JUNIOR SYDNEY CUP

This year’s Junior Sydney Cup female division was a thrilling display of emerging talent, featuring seven of the top eight bowlers chosen to represent Australia at the upcoming Asian Junior Championship in Malaysia.

Tasmania’s Abby George set the pace early, leading the field as the top qualifier. A league bowler from Launceston Lanes, Abby delivered her best performance at a nationally ranked event yet, amassing a total score of 1,672 from her nine games, which included four games scoring over 200.

As the competition moved into the matchplay stage, the dynamics shifted. South Australia’s Emily Hart demonstrated her competitive edge by winning six matches and drawing her first against Emily Hinspeter. Her formidable performance throughout the matchplay stage secured her the top seed going into the stepladder finals, positioning her just one win away from adding another title to her impressive collection.

However, New South Wales’ Jessica Chi had plans to disrupt the expected narrative. A league bowler from Bowlarama Wetherill Park, Chi entered the finals as the second seed. She clinched a decisive victory over Tasmania’s Jasmine Walker with a score of 172-146 in her first stepladder match to set the stage for a dramatic final showdown against her fellow Australian team member, Emily Hart.

In a finale that captivated the crowd, each delivery was met with anticipation and excitement. Jessica Chi showcased her remarkable tenacity, skill, and nerves, edging out Emily Hart in a tightly contested match, 185-181, to secure her first nationally ranked event title.

This victory was not just a personal triumph but a perfect lead-up to her second consecutive appearance for Australia at the Asian Junior Tenpin Bowling Championship, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable contender on the international stage.

Qualifying: 1,630 Averaging 181.1, 3rd Highest Qualifier

199

158

176

153

243

169

187

147

198

Matchplay: 3 wins, 1 draw = 70 bonus pins – Total 2,957 – 2nd Seed for Stepladder Final

182 (+10)

168 (+20)

192 (+20)

147

216 (+20)

161

191

Stepladder Final

• Match 1 – Jessica Chi 172 defeats Jasmine Walker 146
• Match 2 – Jessica Chi 185 defeats Emily Hart 181

Justin Dinham solidified his status as a premier talent in junior tenpin bowling with a commanding performance in the male division at this year’s Junior Sydney Cup. A local favourite from iPlay Tenpin City in Lidcombe, Justin has had an exceptional year, topping the Open division rankings after a victorious run at the Kegel QLD Open and a commendable 6th place finish at the Australian Open.

Competing in his first junior division event of the year, Justin brought the same level of confidence and precision that has marked his performances in the Open division. He topped the qualifying round with an impressive total of 1,907 pins, and he continued to lead the field through the matchplay stage, securing the top seed with four wins out of seven matches and amassing a total of 3,297 pins.

The stepladder finals saw intense competition from other notable bowlers, including Joshua Buttigieg from Bowlarama Wetherill Park, who held his second seed position with four wins. Victoria’s William Zaccaria also made a strong showing, entering as the third and final seed. In a closely fought first stepladder match, Zaccaria edged out Buttigieg 181-172, setting up a final showdown with Dinham.

In the title match, Justin demonstrated why he is considered one of the sport’s rising stars, decisively defeating Zaccaria 228-201. This victory was a fitting finishing touch to his stellar performance throughout the event, highlighting his readiness for the international challenges ahead and his potential to dominate in future competitions.

Having been selected for both the Asian Junior Championship and the World Youth Championship, the 15-year-old has a busy and exciting year ahead. His exceptional skill and consistency across multiple divisions in 2024 suggest that Justin Dinham is not just a national standout but a junior bowler ready to make his mark on the world stage.

Qualifying: 1,907 averaging 211.9 – Top Qualifier

217

200

231

247

217

214

177

202

202

Matchplay: 4 Wins = 80 bonus pins – 3,297 total, Number 1 Seed for Stepladder

221	188	269	242
192	212	268	215

Matchplay Finals: Six wins from seven matches to capture the title.

213 (+20)

174

197 (+20)

180 (+20)

183

184

179 (+20)

Stepladder Final

• Match 1 – William Zaccaria 181 defeats Joshua Buttigieg 172
• Match 2 – Justin Dinham 228 defeats William Zaccaria 201

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SYDNEY YOUTH CUP

The Youth Cup’s female division showcased a stellar performance by Emily Hinspeter, who brought her exceptional form from the Junior Cup into this tournament. Her nine-game total of 1,648 not only placed her second in the junior event but secured her the top spot in the youth division. Instead of a Matchplay stage, the youth competitors faced six additional games, setting the stage for the top five bowlers to advance to an exhilarating stepladder final.

Among those in the finals, three were talented junior bowlers, including Emily Hinspeter. The other two contenders, Samantha Clifton, and Hannah Clark are recognised as key figures in Australia’s youth team and are preparing for the upcoming World Youth Championships.

Emily Hinspeter, hailing from Townsville Tenpin in North Queensland, entered the decisive stepladder final as the top seed. She completed her 15-game campaign with an impressive total of 2,865, maintaining an average of 191. Her consistency and poise under pressure were on full display throughout the tournament.

Tasmania’s Jasmine Walker, the fifth seed, delivered the performance of her career at this event. She triumphed over seasoned competitors Hannah Clark (231-191) and Samantha Clifton (202-191) in successive matches, showcasing her emerging prowess before being narrowly defeated by the second seed, Emily Hart, in a close match (183-175).

Ultimately, it was Emily Hinspeter who stood out in the final round of the stepladder. She faced off against Emily Hart and secured her first national title with a commanding win, 196-169. This victory not only marks her as a national champion but also highlights her readiness for the international challenges ahead.

As a key player in North Queensland’s historic President’s Shield victory and now a national title holder, Emily Hinspeter’s outstanding year continues to build momentum as she prepares for the Asian Junior Championships in Malaysia. This strong performance indicates that the Australian squad is well-prepared and formidable as they gear up for international competition.

Qualifying: 1,648 averaging 183.1 – Top Qualifier

183

193

195

161

211

202

162

145

196

Stage 2: 2,865 total, averaging 191 – Number 1 Seed for Stepladder Final

205

189

211

224

191

197

Stepladder Finals

• Match 1 – Jasmine Walker 231 defeats Hannah Clark 191
• Match 2 – Jasmine Walker 202 defeates Samantha  Clifton 191
• Match 3 – Emily Hart 183 defeats Jasmine Walker 175
• Match 4 – Emily Hinspeter 196 defeats Emily Hart 169

Blake Walsh’s domination in the Youth male division at the Sydney Youth Cup was a masterclass in tenpin bowling. Leading from the qualifiers, Walsh displayed his power creating a significant gap between himself and his competitors. With a total of 2,023 pins over nine games, he entered the second stage with a commanding 116-pin lead over the nearest challenger.

In the second stage, Walsh not only maintained his advantage but extended it, finishing with a 15-game total of 3,277 and an impressive average of 218.5. This performance solidly positioned him as the top seed for the stepladder finals, where the competition intensified.

Sean Lam, a local from Tenpin City, also made a strong showing, qualifying for the stepladder finals and winning his initial match against fellow Australian junior Nicholas Rajkovic with a score of 233-212. However, Lam’s journey ended when he faced New Zealand’s Seth Taylor, who delivered a stunning 246-171 victory.

Taylor, the sole New Zealander in the finals, continued his exceptional run by defeating Justin Dinham 177-166, setting up a Trans-Tasman showdown with Walsh in the final. In a high-scoring and tightly contested match, Walsh prevailed 234-225 over Taylor, securing his second consecutive Youth division title for 2024.

Blake Walsh’s remarkable year continues to build momentum. The Ballina Boy has not only dominated the youth division but has also achieved podium finishes in all Open division events this year, including a notable second-place finish at the Malaysian International Open Youth Division event. His success comes at an opportune moment as he prepares for his debut at the World Championships in Korea in July. Walsh’s achievements in 2024 emphasise his readiness for the global stage and affirm his status as one of Australia’s top young bowlers.

Qualifying: 2,023 averaging 224.8 – Top Qualifier

279

225

199

214

223

246

202

213

222

Stage 2: 3,277 total, averaging 218.5 – Number 1 Seed for Stepladder Final

184

201

221

189

267

192

Stepladder Finals

• Match 1 – Sean Lam 233 defeats Nicholas Rajkovic 212
• Match 2 – Seth Taylor 246 defeats Seam Lam 171
• Match 3 – Seth Taylor 177 defeats Justin Dinham 166
• Match 4 – Blake Walsh 234 defeats Seth Taylor 225

Under 13 & Under 15 Divisions

In addition to the excitement of the nationally ranked events, the Sydney Bowlfest also celebrated the achievements in the under-13 and under-15 divisions, spotlighting the future stars of tenpin bowling.

In the under-13 division, young talents showcased their emerging skills, with spirited performances from each participant. The title was clinched by Logan City Tenpins Deakin Buckingham who finished 92 pins ahead of his nearest challenger.

The under-15 division was equally competitive, featuring some of the best young bowlers who are on the cusp of stepping into more senior levels of competition. The champion of this division, Zavier Trajanovski exhibited remarkable consistency throughout the tournament. Averaging 197.4 the young rising star from Terrace Strikezone further highlights the potential of the young bowler after capturing the u14 Australian Masters title this year.

Both the under-13 and under-15 champions at this year’s Sydney Bowlfest have shown that the future of Australian tenpin bowling is in capable hands, with young talents ready to rise to the challenge and make their mark on the sport.

YOUTH BOWLERS RECOGNISED

During the first oil break on the opening day of play at this year’s Sydney Bowlfest, a special ceremony took place.

Peter Tate, Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Games NSW, graced the occasion to honour two outstanding athletes. For the second consecutive year, Samantha Clifton and Blake Walsh were celebrated as recipients of the CGNSW Athlete Grant Program, acknowledging their exceptional performances on the lanes in 2023.

Each recipient was awarded $1,000, a gesture that underscores their significant accomplishments. This ceremony was part of the broader recognition under the sixth edition of the CGNSW Athlete Grants, an initiative started in 2016 that this year honoured 40 athletes from 22 different sports.

The ceremony was further distinguished by the presence of Lynne Clay, representing the Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Federation (CTBF) in her capacity as Secretary-General. Her attendance highlighted the sport’s strong ties to the Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Federation and its commitment to fostering communication and collaboration at state, national, and international levels. Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA) extends heartfelt congratulations to Samantha and Blake for their remarkable achievements and expresses gratitude to Peter Tate and Lynne Clay for their presence, which enhanced the ceremony. TBA also appreciates the continued support from the Commonwealth Games NSW, including Tenpin Bowling in their Athlete Grant program, affirming the sport’s valued place within the Commonwealth community.

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FUTURE FRAMES

The thrilling action at this year’s Sydney Bowlfest has brilliantly set the stage for the upcoming events on the junior and youth bowling calendar. The Queensland Junior Cup, scheduled for late June, and the TBA21 Masters in October, are already generating excitement. These events promise to deliver more of the high-stakes competition and showcase the remarkable talents of young athletes eager to demonstrate their skill and further their promising careers.

This year’s Sydney Bowlfest was not just a tournament; it was a vibrant celebration of talent, resilience, and the intense competition that epitomizes top-tier junior and youth bowling. The event saw standout performances and heartfelt victories, making it another resounding success that has left fans, supporters, and participants all looking forward to the next challenge.

For those looking to be part of the upcoming excitement, entries are now open for the Queensland Junior Cup. Details about the highly anticipated TBA21 Master’s will be released shortly, offering another platform for these young athletes to shine and compete at the highest levels.