"Ever Present" Sweden at the Bowling World Cup

It’s a country of fewer than 10 million people, but over the years Sweden has produced five QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup champions, including the women’s champion this year, seven runners up, and a further 30 players who have made the top eight.

The winning ways started way back in 1986 when both Peter Ljung and Annette Hagre won in Copenhagen, the only time so far in the history of the event that the same country has carried off both the men’s and women’s titles. Peter also won the high game prize with 289.

Asa Larsson was next to win in 1991 when the tournament was in Beijing, China. Next champion was Tomas Leandersson in 2000 in Lisbon, Portugal, when he also the high game for his 300. And then we come to this year and the victory of Jenny Wegner in Shanghai, China.

Sweden is notably one of our ‘ever present’ countries, having played in every Bowling World Cup since the first event in 1965.

Of course, in common with so many other countries, Swedish players notch up multiple visits to the Bowling World Cup. Peter also took part in 1987, 2006 and 2007 and has come several times as coach to the Swedish team. Tomas was runner up in 1993 and also played in 1996. Annette played in 1985 when she came third and took the high game prize. Martin Larsen made the semi finals this year, but he also played in 2004, came fourth in 2009 and so nearly won the title in 2008. But the player to take part for Sweden more than any other is Helen Johnsson, who has been seven times and only once failed to make the top eight.

Other runners up were, for the men, Kenneth Andersson in 1989, Ulf Hamnas in 1991, and, for the women, Doris Gradin in 1976, Inger Levhorn in 1982 and Marie Holmquist in 1990.

Such success on the lanes has naturally led to their winning the Petersen Cup for top country a total of four times (1986, 1991, 2008 and 2016).

Not content with demonstrating their bowling skill, Swedes have also won the Sportsman and Sportswoman on the tournament title: Annette not only won the title but was chosen as sportswoman in 1991, Kurt Lundquist won  in 1975 when he finished third and again in 1979 when he finished in the top four.

And that’s not to mention the nine times that Swedish players have hit the high game.

So what makes this country punch above its weight? Talent, and the talent is nurtured with an excellent coaching system. Sport bowling is highly regarded. Every little town seems to have its eight lane bowling centre so there are plenty of places to play. Does the climate play a role? Bowling is a sport you can take part in during the long winter months, so maybe simply more people go bowling than in other countries, so there is greater competition and a larger pool to choose from.

Whatever the reason, Swedish players grace our tournament with their ability and their friendliness. Long may they continue to take part.

By Judy Howlett