Overnight Recap – Night Four- 2025 IBF Youth World Cup

Stage 1 of the 2025 IBF Youth World Cup is officially wrapped up for Team Australia — and what a performance from our two rising stars!

Both Blake Walsh and Samantha Clifton finished their final six games in style overnight, delivering some of their strongest blocks yet and comfortably qualifying for Stage 2 as two of the top 16 youth bowlers in the world.

Catch up below on how they sealed the deal and what’s next as the Youth World Cup heads into matchplay!

Blake Walsh – Games 13-18

Another rock-solid block from the boy from Ballina! Blake wrapped up Stage 1 with a 224 average for his final six games — his second-highest block of the tournament, just behind his powerhouse second block of 1,414.

For the first time across all three blocks, Blake stayed above 200 in every single game, showing great control and consistency to finish Stage 1 in style.

He ends Stage 1 sitting comfortably in 4th position, safely through to Stage 2 which kicks off tonight. Slovakia’s Simon Hrusovsky topped the standings with a huge 4,251 total, including multiple near-perfect games.

Well done Blake — Australia is right behind you for the next stage! 🇦🇺

Samantha Clifton – Games 13-18

Sam saved her best for last! She closed out Stage 1 in style, averaging 218 across her final six games — her highest block of the tournament.

Just like Blake, Sam didn’t dip below 200 in any game of her final block, showing incredible focus and consistency right when it mattered most.

She finishes Stage 1 with a total of 3,650, securing an impressive 5th place and safely booking her spot in Stage 2.

Fantastic effort Sam — amazing grit and determination to deliver until the very end. We can’t wait to cheer you on in the next stage! 🇦🇺

What’s Next

Both Blake and Samantha have advanced to Stage 2 of the 2025 IBF Youth World Cup — a round reserved for the top 16 performers so far.

Stage 2 means matchplay: each bowler will complete 15 games with bonus pins in play — 30 for a win, 15 for a tie — and best of all, pinfall resets, so everyone starts on equal footing. It’s game on!

The format:

• Two matchplay appearances — one block of eight games and one of seven.
• The goal: finish inside the Top 8 to progress to the final stage — the Youth World Cup Finals Bracket.

We’ll share full lane draw details and any extra notes before tonight’s play kicks off where action will kick off from 5:00pm AEST.

Best of luck to Samantha and Blake — already among the top 16 youth bowlers in the world. Incredible effort and we’re all behind you for Stage 2! 🇦🇺

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!