The Singles events at the IBF World Championships 2025 came to a close today
in Hong Kong, and Finland delivered one of the strongest performances in
championship history.
Both gold medals went to Finnish athletes, with Luukas Väänänen winning the
men’s title and Essi Pakarinen capturing the women’s gold.
In the women’s division, Finland’s Essi Pakarinen secured the gold medal with
two decisive games in the final against Malaysia’s Adelia Nur Irwan Syazalee.
Pakarinen posted games of 217-191 and 214-169, completing a clean 2–0 victory.
Nur earned the silver after reaching the final with a 2–1 semifinal win over
Singapore’s Shayna Ng Lin Zhi. The bronze medals went to Ng and Team USA’s
Breanna Clemmer, who fell 2–1 to Pakarinen in the semifinals but produced
highest game in the semifinals with a 266 in Match 2.
After securing the women’s singles gold, Essi Pakarinen shared her reaction
with BowlingLife. She reflected on the years of work behind this moment and
the mental approach that carried her through the final rounds.
“It is unbelievable. I have worked so hard for this for a few years. And now I
have the gold in my hands. I think the biggest key to this gold medal was
minding my own game and focusing all my energy on shooting a good shot one at
a time.”
Despite Finland’s strong results today, celebrations will have to wait, as the
team now turns its attention to the upcoming events.
“Of course our team had a huge day today but tomorrow is a new day and we need
to focus on the future. Maybe some celebrations when I get back to Finland but
now all focus on what is ahead.”
Men’s Division
The men’s final became an all-Finnish matchup between Tomas Käyhkö and Luukas
Väänänen. Käyhkö opened the match strongly with 247-227 win, but Väänänen
responded under pressure with a brilliant performance in the last two games,
posting 258-242 and 246-236 to seal a 2–1 victory and claim the gold.
Käyhkö and Väänänen had each advanced through competitive semifinals, with
Väänänen defeating Ryan Barnes of the United States and Käyhkö overcoming
Sweden’s Markus Jansson. Barnes and Jansson earned the bronze medals.
The IBF World Championships 2025 continue tomorrow with the start of the
Doubles medal rounds. Full results, live scores, and schedules are available
at
tournaments.bowlinglife.eu.
Official Schedule – IBF World Championships 2025
Friday, November 28
Women’s Doubles Qualifying
Saturday, November 29
Men’s Doubles Qualifying
Sunday, November 30
Men and Women Doubles Round 2
Men and Women Doubles Semifinals
Men and Women Doubles Finals
Monday, December 1
Men’s Trios Qualifying
Men’s Trios Round 2
Tuesday, December 2
Women’s Trios Qualifying
Women’s Trios Round 2
Wednesday, December 3
Men and Women Team of Five Qualifying
Men and Women Team of Five Round 2
Thursday, December 4 – Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Wanchai
Men and Women Trios Semifinals and Finals
Friday, December 5 – Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Wanchai
Men and Women Team of Five Semifinals and Finals
Victory Banquet at Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel