Defending champion Bec Whiting cherishes rare home World Cup opportunity

Bec Whiting is one of Australia’s very best female bowlers. She has represented her country at the QubicaAMF World Cup four times, and she is the reigning champion of the event after claiming the most prestigious amateur singles title in Indonesia, in 2019. Still, the idea of donning the green and gold again at the World Cup on the Sunshine Coast next month (Nov 3-23) fills her with emotions and anticipation.

“I feel truly honoured to represent Australia at the World Cup,” she admitted. “This will be my fifth world cup in a row and my first on home soil. Being the host country has a really nice ring to it, and it’s a rare opportunity for us.”

Despite a lack of wins, Whiting’s season has been consistently good this year. The 32-year-old Victorian finished second at all ladies’ events and third at both Open events she competed at.

“Although I haven’t managed to win any titles, I would say the year has been a success. I have gone through a pretty big revamp of my bowling shot, so it feels good to still get good results on the board.”

Winning back-to-back titles won’t be easy, but Whiting knows how to get the job done and will try to repeat the amazing performance that saw her victorious in Indonesia. She explained that winning that World Cup wasn’t just an extraordinary sporting achievement, but a life-changing experience.

“It’s hard to put into words, but winning that title changed the way people see me,” she said.

“I have a lot more people coming up to me for a chat and to hear my thoughts. It also helped me grow as a person and be more relaxed.”

This year’s World Cup will follow the Baker format, a method of scoring competition which places more emphasis on team efforts. Whiting admits she will miss the old format, but will embrace the change and cherish the opportunity to share the experience with the rest of the Australian team.

“The World Cup is probably my favourite tournament in the world. as everyone is always so friendly and welcoming. The format was long and gave everyone an opportunity to succeed. To be honest, I am going to miss the old format, however I really enjoy bowling in a team environment, so I welcome the change.

“Australia hasn’t really been exposed to the Baker format, but we have been training pretty well as a team, and I think we have a great chance of winning a medal.”

Sharing the lanes with some of her closest friends will no doubt help Whiting adapt quicker, as fellow Victorians Bek Martin and Adam Hayes are also part of the Australian World Cup team. The dynamic trio, also known as the Frankston crew, are each other’s biggest supporters.

“It’s honestly a dream come true. Adam and Bek have been in my corner for quite some time now, and I owe so much to them for all the support they give me.

“They are with me through the good, the bad and the ugly.  I’ll never forget when I won the World Cup. They were on their way to a family dinner and ended up being late because they wanted to watch me bowl and then Facetimed me when I won. Those types of friendships are very rare in our sport and I will cherish them forever.”

With the home advantage comes also the opportunity to get to know the lanes in advance. Whiting took part in the Tenpin Premier League (TPL) round 2 events at the Suncity Tenpin Bowl, which will be hosting the 2022 IBF World Cup and appreciated the extent of the renovations carried out at the bowl.

“Tenpin Bowling Australia has done a really great job getting the centre up to scratch for the World Cup.

“I think the other countries will really enjoy bowling there, especially with the lanes being fairly new. I love the beach so Alexandra Heads is right up my alley (pun intended!).

“I am very excited to do this at the World Cup,” she said.