In both the Boys and Girls divisions, the Double-elimination format Masters produced a thrilling finish, with each division requiring a repechage.

Following in the footsteps of her sister Jayde who won the event last year, Bianca Flanagan from the Gold Coast swept to an impressive win, defeating Western Australia’s Sylvia Wilson 666-542 in Round 9, and again decisively in Round 10 with a magnificent 657-576 win.

Starting at 9am this morning and bowling constantly till 3.30pm, Bianca bowled a marathon 24 games today to claim her win. A Year 12 student at St. Michael’s college, 17 year-old Bianca was tired, but buoyed by her win. “”I was really nervous because I felt there were a lot of expectations , but after relaxing a bit I was fine” she said “I couldn’t have asked for anything better. This has given me much more confidence and Mum was so proud, she was crying”, Bianca added after her win.

When pointed out that her age would mean she is eligible for possible selection in the forthcoming Commonwealth Youth Games, to be held in Bendigo in 2004, Bianca added, “I’d love to be there… yes there’s even more to strive for now – there are so many opportunities!” she said smiling broadly.

Chairperson of the sport’s national governing body, Tenpin Bowling Australia, June Voukolos was in Melbourne for the two-week bowling extravaganza and commented on the skilled performances during the Masters, and throughout the Nationals. ”Sylvia is a seasoned competitor – this year she has worked very hard on her game with Ken Thompson and it’s really having results. Bianca Flanagan is also emerging as one of our best players …her overseas experience has really helped in the last 12 months and the performances we have seen here at this year’s Nationals definitely justifies the time and effort we’re putting into our High Performance training program, and developing pathways for our young athletes” , she said.

in the Boys division, 18 year-old Ben Coupland from the Brisbane suburb of Cannon Hill fought off a determined onslaught from Victoria’s Michael Zentveld in the final rounds of the Boys Masters. Following a tight 589-585 match in Round 9, Coupland finished strongly to defeat Zentveld in a thrilling 695-686 match. “Zentfield was bowling first on the lane and it was strike for strike in the last game…it really was exciting” said Coupland afterwards. Pocketing a substantial $1,750 in prizemoney, Coupland admitted he had his eye on a new bowling ball.

“I’ve been bowling since ’94 and this is definitely the highlight so far. The next major tournaments I’m aiming for now are the North Queensland Youth in Townsville in August and the Sydney Cup in October”, he added.

Organiser of the annual National Championships, Tenpin Bowling Australia, has announced that the 34th Tenpin Bowling Junior National Championships will be held at the state-of-the-art Illawarra Strikezone, just south of Sydney, from 3-18 July 2004.