DUBAI, UAE, 26th October 2010 - More than 100 bowlers will be hoping to strike it lucky at the fifth World Airline Bowling Cup (WABC) hosted by Emirates this week.

They will be flying the flag for 13 international airlines at the event, which will be held at the Dubai International Bowling Centre from 28th to 30th October.

The bowlers will compete for trophies in the Singles, Doubles, Masters and Team events, as well as the coveted World Airline Bowling Cup Champion Team section.

Defending champions Emirates will be bidding to retain the title they won in 2008 and will have a strong line-up, selected from its thriving bowling club of more than 200 members.

Local interest will extend to teams from Fly Dubai, Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) and Etihad, while Australasia, the Americas and Europe are also represented through Qantas, American Airlines, SAS, Aer Lingus, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, Austrian Air, Swiss International and Finnair.

Mohammed Al Khaja, President and Chairman of the Emirates Airline Bowling Club, which is organising as well as hosting the event, said: "This biennial tournament is going from strength to strength, with the number of participating teams increasing every year. The standard of play is always high and with more players now competing, I have no doubt we are in store for a thrilling contest."

"We are delighted to be welcoming teams from far-flung corners of the globe and look forward to once again enjoying the great camaraderie and team spirit which has been a hallmark of previous WABC Championships," added Mr Al Khaja, who is also Senior Vice President Safety and Standards with the Emirates Group; founder of bowling in UAE; Vice President of the Asian and UAE Bowling Federations; and Board Member of the UAE Olympic Committee.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 09:30 hrs on Thursday October 28th at the Dubai International bowling centre in Al Mamzar, Deira, followed by team events from 10.30 hrs to 15.00 hrs.

Doubles events, both male and female, take place on Friday October 29th from 09:30 hrs to 12:30 hrs and from 13:30 hrs to 16:30 hrs. Saturday October 30th sees Singles action from the male and female players between 09:30 hrs to 12:00 hrs; and 13:00 hrs and 16:00 hrs, while the Masters (Step-ladder) event takes centre stage from 16:30 hrs to 18:00 hrs.

Admission is free to spectators, who are welcome throughout the tournament. Further information on the event is available from Tournament Director Kevin Fernandes - Tel +971 505253780