Nine-pin bowling – it's probably the quintessential Luxembourgish sport. With conviviality and international successes, the bowlers, 'Klatz' in hand, defend their position as the sport with the most registered clubs in the Grand Duchy. But, just like the bowling alleys themselves, there are fewer and fewer of them.
"Néng! Néng!" (Nine! Nine!) We are in the hot phase of the Lëtzebuerg League match between national champions "Kueben um Dill" and "KC Havana". After a few "stupid mistakes", Kueben's lead in the second game has shrunk to just a few cones. While the players and spectators were still leaning back at the tables a few minutes ago, the seconds before the "Klatz" (bowl) hits now pass in slow motion again. With a little hop, Chris Fuchs of "Kueben" seems to want to push the ball a little to the left at the last moment. Eight skittles clatter to the ground and he flicks the left rear lady with his second ball. High-fives come from both teams.
The bowling alleys of the café "Beim Kueb" – the favourite café of the "Kueben" – are packed today, as they are for every national match. There can be up to 100 people for season finals. The six or more players per team are almost always supported by the local crowd, those they bring along and substitutes. The three bowling alleys of the family café, which has been in existence for 115 years (now in its fifth generation), have become a meeting place for fans of the Luxembourg tradition. Eight of the 176 registered bowling clubs in the country – making it the sport with the most registered clubs in Luxembourg – train here regularly.
You want more? Get access now.
-
One-year subscription€185.00/year
-
Monthly subscription€18.50/month
-
Zukunftsabo for subscribers under the age of 26€120.00/year
Already have an account?
Log in
