2nd World Bocce Cup, St Vulbas France
In a spectacular showcase of bocce prowess, France emerged triumphant in the second edition of the Mixed World Bocce Cup, securing a dominant victory over Team Australia in Pool Group 3 and then storming through the finals to beat Slovenia in the final where France outplayed Slovenia with a commanding score of 6 points to zero to win the World Bocce Cup for 2023.
The Mixed World Bocce Cup, a visionary initiative by the Federation Internationale de Bocce (FIB), aimed at introducing a world team competition separate from the individual event-based World Championships, witnessed intense battles between 12 nations. Team Australia, represented by Nicole Samsa and Max Tricarico, under the guidance of Coach Franco Fava and Delegate Sonia Fava, found themselves in Pool Group 3, facing formidable opponents in the form of France and China.
Despite putting up a valiant fight, Team Australia faced tough competition in their pool matches, with both encounters against France resulting in a 6-0 scoreline in favour of the formidable French team.
POOL – Group 3 Results
France / Australia / China, qualified = France
Match 3 : France versus China 6 à 0
(Precision Throw: 30 à 24, Bowl/throw: 25 à 20, Rapid Relay: 52/58 à 46/54)
Match 2 : France versus Australia : 6 à 0
(Precision Throw: 38 à 14, Bowl/throw: 21 à 13, Rapid Relay: 51/58 à 28/50)
Match 1 : Australia versus China : 0 à 6
(Precision Throw: 16 à 36, Bowl/throw: 15 à 19, Rapid Relay: 21/50 à 42/54)
The tournament’s unique team format brought an added layer of excitement and strategy to the traditional game of bocce, creating an electrifying atmosphere for players and spectators alike.
As the bocce community reflects on the outcomes of this edition of the Mixed World Bocce Cup, anticipation builds for the growth and continued success of this groundbreaking team competition on the global stage. Bocce Australia are in favour of this format and are thinking of hosting a World Bocce Cup in the very near future.
Ideally, Australia will need to first introduce this format at the State and then at a National level so as to build up teams and the skill base of the players. A National Team Super League is an option being considered. Watch this space as we start 2024 season!
Written by Frank Funari.