Pocket Preview: Grand National Youth Eliminator
By Tenpin Bowling Australia
The 2023 ranked event season is drawing to an exciting close, with the Grand National Youth Eliminator (GNYE) set to occur at Caboolture Bowl & Mini Golf in Queensland this weekend.
Since its inception in the youth ranking season in 2019, the GNYE has experienced a unique stop-and-start beginning but is quickly growing in stature. This year marks its third edition, featuring a sold-out lineup of 54 bowlers.
The event, a highlight in the youth-ranked circuit, will showcase both junior and youth bowlers vying for a coveted national title. New Zealand’s promising Ben Pettit is poised to challenge the current national ranking leader, Cameron Stein, in the male division. With 100 points on offer for the title, the top 10 contenders still have a shot at a significant shift in the standings.
The female division mirrors this competitive spirit. Top bowlers Tamika Pettigrew, Ellieh Bowman, Bridget Perkins, Brooklyn Brooks, and Hannah Clark are all in the running to claim the national rankings title in this final 2023 event.
Defending champions Jackson Buckingham and Samantha Clifton are set to return, adding further excitement as they aim to retain their titles.
The competition kicks off on Saturday, with all bowlers playing ten qualifying games across five blocks of two games each. The top 12 males and females will then progress to Stage 2, carrying their pinfall forward.
Sunday sees the commencement of Stage 2, where the top 12 bowlers will play an additional four games. From there, the top 8 males and females advance to the thrilling Stage 3 – the Eliminator Finals, which is formatted like the Australian Football finals:
- Round 1: 1v4/2v3/5v8/6v7 over 2 Games.
- Round 2: Winners from 1v4 and 2v3 get a bye. Winners from 5v8 and 6v7 face the losers from 1v4 and 2v3 in a single game.
- Round 3: Round 1 winners (1v4, 2v3) play Round 2 winners in a single game.
- Grand Final: Round 3 winners face off in a one-game showdown.
Tenpin Bowling Australia extends best wishes to all participants for high scores and success in this grand finale of 2023.
GRAND NATIONAL YOUTH ELIMINATOR PAST CHAMPIONS
2019: Kylie Bailey (QLD) and Brandon Edwards (VIC)
2022: Samantha Clifton (NSW) and Jackson Buckingham (QLD
