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Youngsters bowled over

Ten pin bowling is a sport people of all ages can play and enjoy. It can be played all year round and is particularly popular is Asia.

It has become a social activity in Hong Kong for families and friends at bowling centres or residential clubhouses.

'Ten pin bowling has become much more popular over the past 10 years through the successes of Sunny Hui, who won the inaugural World Masters Championship in 2001 and Michael Mak who, at the age of 16, won the singles and doubles boys' title at the Asian Youth Ten Pin Bowling Championship in 2010,' explains Purvis Granger, head coach, national team, at the Hong Kong Ten Pin Bowling Congress.

The congress (www.hktbc.org.hk) runs clinics in association with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (www.lcsd.gov.hk).

'Courses are organised through three main channels - the HKTBC, commercial bowling centres and private coaches, accredited by the HKTBC, offering their services for schools and clubs,' explains Grainger.

The HKTBC runs elementary and intermediate courses in the eight to 20 age range around the city.

Both courses comprise eight, two-hour sessions and cost HK$250, excluding shoe rental.

The elementary course covers the four basic steps, how to propel the ball correctly and controlling the direction of the ball to get strikes or convert the spare spins. The intermediate course focuses on a more in-depth study of ball delivery and targeting, spare shooting, the four steps to delivery, body balance and swing movement.

It also provides greater knowledge on the equipment used and psychological preparation during a game.

Mei Foo Bowling World (www.mfbw.com.hk) offers a beginners' course that includes free practice time on their lanes after each class.

Cost is HK$420 (including shoe rental) for four, 90-minute classes. Participants will receive a coupon for one game each week.

'Beginners need to focus on developing their sense of timing for the hand, leg and body motion. The ability to maintain balance and keep a relaxed mind is also important to becoming a good bowler,' explains Henry Leung, general manager of the Belair Bowling Centre.

The Belair in Sha Tin (telephone 2649 9022), offers courses for beginners. Cost is HK$290 (including shoe rental) for four, one-hour sessions and covers the basic skills of how to grip the ball, correct posture, delivery steps and bowling swing.

'After completing our beginners' course, some people go on to complete a higher level course while many others go on to bowl a lot more as they have better skills and enjoy the thrill of knocking down all 10 pins with one ball,' explains Leung.

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