MUSCAT: The Muscat Nights International Open Bowling Championships 2026 concluded with high technical standards and intense competition that extended through the final stages. The Stepladder Finals resulted in Kuwaiti bowler Nasser al Kandari being crowned champion after winning the final match 245-217, while England’s Ben Robinson finished second and Finland’s Tomas Kayhko claimed third place.
Oman national team player Musab al Adawi secured fourth place after delivering strong performances that reflected his readiness and ability to compete at the highest levels.
In the remaining top positions, Malaysia’s Mohammed Syazrol finished fifth, followed by Korea’s Kim Hyun-min in sixth place. Qatari bowler Musaad al Marikhi was placed seventh, while Oman national team player Khalid Bait Issa came eighth, underlining the strong presence of Omani players in the final stages.
Saudi Arabia’s Abdulmajid al Aslan finished ninth and Sweden’s Kim Bolleby completed the top ten. The finals witnessed high-quality performances and closely contested matches, with narrow margins separating players as they pushed to deliver their best during the decisive phase of the championship.
The closing ceremony was held at Seeb Bowling Centre under the auspices of Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth, in the presence of several officials and bowling enthusiasts.
STRONG MOTIVATION
Al Kandari praised Oman’s organisation of the event, describing it as professional and well structured, and noted that the high level of competition featuring national team players and internationally ranked bowlers made the title particularly meaningful.
He said the victory provides strong motivation ahead of upcoming international commitments, especially world-level championships scheduled for June, and described the final match as intense and physically demanding until the closing frames.
Ben Robinson, who finished second, expressed satisfaction with his overall experience despite narrowly missing out on the title. Competing in Oman for the first time, Robinson highlighted the smooth organisation, flexible squad system and welcoming atmosphere, adding that the championship offered excellent competitive value for international players. He also confirmed that his next stop will be the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) events in the United States and expressed his intention to return for future editions in Muscat.
Musab al Adawi described the championship as one of the toughest he has competed in, with more than 120 participants, including world champions and elite international players. He noted that fine margins and an element of luck played a role in the outcome.
Al Adawi stressed the importance of the Muscat Nights Championship for Omani players, citing the value of international exposure, competition under pressure and experience with varied lane oil patterns. He concluded that such tournaments play a key role in developing local talent and strengthening Oman’s standing on the international bowling scene.
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