An exciting new Tour, to be staged throughout 2004 in six of Asia's most spectacular cities, has been announced today by Asian Bowling Federation Hon. Life President, Ms Vivien Lau, BBS, JP.

As the internationally recognised governing body for the sport of tenpin bowling in the Asia Pacific region, the Asian Bowling Federation will kick off the ABF TOUR in February, with the first Leg scheduled to follow the 2nd Dubai International Open Bowling Tournament from February 12 to 26.

"Since its inception 25 years ago, ABF has been at the leading edge of marketing initiatives and promotion of our sport." said Ms Lau. "We've had

a very successful association with the Asian Bowling Tour for the past seven years and will now produce our own Tour - we're confident that this exciting new development will lift the sport to even greater heights," she continued.

"The ABF has appointed international sports marketing agency Wharf House, under which Wharf House has been appointed to exclusively market the worldwide marketing and media rights for the ABF Tour, including the ABF Tour's flagship event, the Tournament of Champions," she added.

The ABF Tour will comprise ten Legs in 2013 and a Grand Final, the Tournament of Champions. Each Leg will be staged over one day. The top 16 men and 16 women bowlers from the preceding International Open Masters Event (Open Grade) will compete in a one-game match play knock-out competition for the individual men's and women's titles.

The Tournament of Champions will be staged over two competition days and will feature prize money totalling US$75,000. The top 16 men and 16 women bowlers (based on ABF Tour ranking points), will qualify to compete over two rounds of competition for the coveted men's and women's ABF Tour Champion titles.

"As the only tenpin bowling tour in Asia to confer Asian ranking points, the ABF Tour will attract the very best bowlers throughout the Asian region arousing interest and enthusiasm from participants and spectators alike," said Ms Lau.

The ABF Tour is organised by Asian Bowling Federation in association with Bahrain Bowling Federation, Kuwait Bowling Federation, Thai Tenpin Bowling Association, Egyptian Bowling Federation, Hong Kong Tenpin Bowling Congress, Macau-China Bowling Association, Jaya Ancol Bowling Center, Philippines Bowling Congress and Saudi Bowling Federation.

For further information and details, please contact ABF Tour Committee at Tel: +852 2893 6039, Fax: +852 2893 6290; Email: hktbc@netvigator.com.