Ursula Ekermans has represented South Africa in tenpin bowling for 21 years and competed in her third world cup in November.
Returning from the 2017 QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup in Mexico from 4–12 November, Ekermans admitted that she was disappointed with her 38th place finish after aiming for the top 20.
“I normally shoot in the 190s, but at the world cup I only shot 178,” said the Montroux resident. “I am a bit unhappy but it was a phenomenal tournament.”
Ekermans added that other countries took tenpin bowling much more seriously than South Africa, and overseas it was possible for people to make a living from playing the sport.
The full-time project manager said she had to practise at Northcliff Bowl in her spare time before or after work, and she had to pay for most of her own travel and accommodation when competing, with little assistance from the government.
“Seeing the class of bowling and playing with the best of the best was my highlight at the world cup. It was especially nice to watch the women’s winner, [Philippines player] Krizziah Tabora.”
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Ekermans said her passion for the game had always been fostered by her extremely competitive nature.
However, a part of this nature used to get the better of her.
“I used to beat myself up when I did not do well and took days to get over why I lost a game. I went to a sport psychologist to get over that, and it worked. It is something many players should do.”
Over the years, Eckermans has grown to love the tenpin bowling fraternity, where opponents can encourage each other and be friends away from the alley.
Her hope is to see tenpin bowling in South Africa reach the next level.
This, Eckermans believes, will require more quality coaching around the country, better equipment at most facilities, and bowlers putting in more practice.
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