2014 Wroclaw, Poland
November 1-9
Bowling World Cup History
The QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup is the most prestigious amateur singles event within the sport of bowling and is the largest annual international sports championship in terms of participating nations. The event brings together the champions of the world so that players from small countries with few bowling facilities rub shoulders with the greats of the sport, all on equal terms and all in a spirit of friendly competition. And, even though only one man and one woman can be crowned as World Champions, just the chance to take part in this weeklong event is, for most, a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Heads of state, members of royal families, government ministers, media personalities and renowned sportspeople have all been to the tournament and even tried their hands at bowling. Strong competition each year from potential hosts makes the selection of venue very tough – a state-of-the-art QubicaAMF bowling centre and good local backing are a must.
It all started in 1965, in Dublin, Ireland. 20 bowlers, all men, arrived to take part in what was then called the International Masters, soon to become the AMF, then the QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup. Since then, we have visited every continent, 38 different cities in 30 different countries, and over 90 countries take part. The first visit to the continent of Africa was in 1993 when we came to Johannesburg in the new rainbow nation of South Africa. Now, in 2011, the 47th tournament is back in Johannesburg. Women first competed in 1972, in Hamburg, Germany. Paeng Nepomoceno of the Philippines has recorded the greatest number of titles with four. Only one bowler has won back-to-back titles and that was Jeanette Baker of Australia. Unusually, both champions from last year will be in Johannesburg to defend their titles: Michael Schmidt of Canada and Aumi Guerra of the Dominican Republic.
Gallery
Archives
Since the first event in 1965, winning AMF’s Bowling World Cup title has been the most coveted goal in amateur bowling. Browse the archives to discover or revisit these moments, competitors, and the great champions that have made up the rich history of AMF’s Bowling World Cup.
Wroclaw, with over 630,000 inhabitants, is the fourth biggest city in Poland and the economic, administrative as well as cultural capital of Lower Silesia. It is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the country. Situated at the foot of the Sudety Moutains, upon the Odra River and cut through by its numerous tributaries and canals, it is an exceptional city of 12 islands and 117 bridges.
Wroclaw’s complex and dramatic history is embedded in the city walls. We are reminded of the early medieval times in Ostrow Tumski, where one of the most stunning sacral architecture buildings in Europe has been preserved. Wroclaw Town Hall, located in the very heart of the city – Market Square, is considered one of the most splendid Gothic buildings in central Europe. In Wroclaw one can also see the biggest baroque interior in Poland, which has remained until today - the Leopoldine Hall, located in the 17th century University building. One of the city’s biggest attractions include:
Panorama of the Battle of Raclawice which is the oldest and only extant example of panorama painting in Poland commemorating the 100th anniversary of the victorious Battle of Racławice, a famous episode of the Kościuszko Insurrection, a heroic but in the end fallen attempt to defend Polish independence. Worth visiting is also the Centennial Hall, an architecturally unique building constructed in the beginning of the 20th century by Max Berg and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wroclaw, multicultural and open to new ideas and challenges, fascinates and attracts. The city’s remarkable history and diversity combined with Polish hospitality guarantee that everyone visiting Wroclaw will certainly see and experience something interesting.