Muscat Open 2026: Season Opener on the ABF Tour
The Muscat International Open Bowling Championships 2026 kicked off the Asian Bowling Federation (ABF) Tour season in style. Held from January 13 to 19 at the Seeb Bowling Center in Muscat, Oman, this ABF-sanctioned event attracted 155 players from across the globe — making it one of the most competitive early-season tournaments in international bowling.
For fans tracking the Bowling Season 2026 overview, the Muscat Open set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling year on the lanes.
Stepladder Finals: Drama From Start to Finish
The tournament culminated in a gripping stepladder final on Monday evening. The opening three-player match featured Tomas Kayhko (Finland), Mohammed Syazirol (Malaysia), and local hopeful Musaab Aladwi (Oman). Kayhko advanced with a score of 224, edging out Aladwi (210) and Syazirol (202).
England's Ben Robinson delivered one of the tournament highlights by rolling a perfect 300 game during the Final Step 1 — a moment that electrified the crowd at the Seeb Bowling Center.
Championship Match
The title match pitted Robinson against top seed Nasser Alkanderi of Kuwait. Alkanderi produced the highest game of the entire stepladder, securing his victory with a commanding 245–217 scoreline. As the top seed, Robinson would have needed to beat Alkanderi twice — but Alkanderi left no room for doubt.
Prize Money and Standings
| Place | Bowler | Country | Prize |
|-------|--------|---------|-------|
| 1st | Nasser Alkanderi | Kuwait | $22,000 |
| 2nd | Ben Robinson | England | ~$12,000 |
| 3rd | Tomas Kayhko | Finland | ~$8,000 |
Alkanderi's win marks a strong opening statement on the 2026 ABF Tour and positions Kuwait as a force to watch throughout the season.
What This Means for the 2026 Season
The Muscat Open confirmed that international bowling continues to grow in the Middle East and Asia. With 155 competitors and a total prize pool that drew top talent from Europe, Asia, and beyond, this tournament is now firmly established on the global bowling calendar.
The ABF Tour continues with upcoming stops across Asia — keep an eye on the schedule for more world-class bowling action throughout 2026.
Gear Up Like the Pros
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