The top players could relax and bowl their best in the final round of qualifying, but for those looking for one of the final spots in the top 24 in the 41st QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup, today was nerve-wracking.

When the dust had settled, the tears of joy flowed for Lorraine Casha of Malta and Natassa Rovothaki of Greece, who finished 24th and 23rd respectively, while Carmen Tang of Hong Kong and Cherie Shi Hua Tan of Singapore were left to rue what might have been. Lorriane's 24 game total was 4587, just 6 pins ahead of Carmen and 9 up on Cherie.

Lorraine said: 'I was really worried. It was all so close and there were so many players who could all have made it. I am just so happy to be in the next round, especially as this is my first Bowling World Cup.'

Word spread quickly among the bowling community on the Mediterranean island of Malta and she spent at least 30 minutes on her mobile phone as family and friends called to congratulate her.

At the top end of the table, Lynda Barnes of the USA continued her display of superb bowling and qualified in pole position on 5601, a 233.3 average. Second is Sweden's Helen Johnsson on 5435 with Fiona Banks of England in third on 5269.

Lynda, who is married to pro bowler Chris Barnes, is impressed with the atmosphere here in Ljubljana, Slovenia. 'The people and the other players here are all so friendly and so happy to be taking part. I'm very lucky – Chris makes the money and I get to play because I love to play.'

The top 24 play again tomorrow morning. After a further eight games, the top eight players will go forward to the knock out finals on Saturday, culminating in the championship match on Sunday afternoon which will be carried live by Slovenian TV.

For full results please go to www.amfbowlingworldcup.com or www.arenalive.si and click on the QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup logo.