2025 IBF World Cup Preview
By Matt Stevens
Team Australia is kicking off 2025 in style, landing in Hong Kong, China for the 2025 IBF World Cup Presented by QubicaAMF.
From 5-14 January 2025, the world’s best bowlers will compete at the state-of-the-art Top Bowl, Kai Tak Sports Park, in Kowloon, Hong Kong. The event marks the first World Cup since Australia hosted the 2022 edition at the AGL National High-Performance Centre on the Sunshine Coast.
In the first edition of the World Cup in 2022, Jason Belmonte won silver in the men’s singles competition, and helped the men claim bronze in the Teams event with Adam Hayes, Jarrod Langford, and Sam Cooley.
Following the managers meeting for this year’s event, organisers confirmed that a total of 26 countries would by battling for glory at the event. A total of 13 countries and territories from Asia, 3 from Oceania, 4 from Europe and 6 from PanAm.
Asian Zone
- China
- Hong Kong, China
- India
- Kuwait
- Macau, China
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
Oceania Zone
- Australia
- Guam
- New Zealand
European Zone
- Catalan
- Denmark
- Germany
- Sweden
PanAm Zone
- Bahamas
- Bermuda
- Costa Rica
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- United States
A total of 100 men, 52 women, and 66 officials and coaches have been registered and confirmed at the managers meeting.
Team Australia is Ready
Team Australia arrives with a full delegation, fielding both men’s and women’s teams of four athletes, led by:
- Head Coach: Colin Linton (making his debut in the role)
- Team Manager: Adam Hayes (first-time official after years of success as an athlete)
The teams bring together a blend of experience and rising stars:
Women’s Team
- Bec Whiting
- Bek Martin
- Samantha Clifton (debut in an open event)
- Emily Hart (debut in an open event)
Men’s Team
- Bernie Grueso Jnr (debut in an open event)
- Chris Castle
- Jordan Dinham
- Seth Gray (debut in an open event)
Event Format
The 2025 World Cup will continue the exciting Federation vs. Federation and Bowler vs. Bowler format introduced in 2022.
Singles Format
- Round 1 – Individual Competition
- Bowlers compete individually, earning points for their teams.
- Random group draws lead to round-robin matches within pools.
- Points: 3 for a win, 1 for a tie.
- One Game Matches within their Pool
- Top 32 bowlers advance to Round 2
- Round 2 – Singles Top 32
- Best-of-5 bracket format.
- Round 3 – Last 16
- Round 4 – Finals (Quarter, Semi, Bronze, Final)
- Winners will be crowned IBF World Cup Male and Female Champions.
Teams Format
- Round 1 – Individual Competition
- Same as Singles Round 1.
- Round 2 – Teams Matchplay
- Teams divided into two groups based on Round 1 results.
- Best-of-5 matches in the Baker Format.
- Top 8 teams from each group advance.
- Round 3 – Last 16
- Best-of-5 bracket play using the Baker Format.
- Round 4 – Finals (Quarter, Semi, Final)
- Quarter/Semi: Best of 5 games.
- Final: Best of 5 to decide the champions.
Baker Format: Teams alternate shots within each game, requiring strong coordination and teamwork.
IBF Shot Clock
The 30-second shot clock returns to ensure pace of play. Once a bowler’s opponent leaves the approach, they have 30 seconds to release the ball. Violations will result in penalties:
- First Offence: Shot counts as a foul.
- Repeated Offences: Entire frame’s pin count is nullified.
Team Australia’s Outlook
The 40-lane Top Bowl will host an intense competition that highlights both team unity and individual brilliance. Team Australia is eager to rise to the challenge and perform on the world stage.
Stay tuned to our World Cup Hub for daily updates, scores, and highlights. Let’s cheer on Team Australia as they aim for success in Hong Kong.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!
LOCATION – Hong Kong, China
VENUE – Top Bowl, Kai Tak Sports Park, Kowloon, Hong Kong
TIME DIFFERENCE – 2 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
DATES – 5-14 January 2025
