The elite of pétanque arrives in the Principality for two weekends

As is customary every year, the Monegasque Bowls Federation and the Monegasque Boules Club organize their two renowned international men's and women's pétanque tournaments.

Starting this weekend with the 7th Hereditary Prince Jacques Challenge. With a group-based triples format on Saturday, both on the CBM grounds at the Rainier-III bowling stadium and under the marquee at the Espace Fontvieille.

As in previous editions, there will once again be some very strong players. The Italian national team will of course be present with reigning world champions Diego Rizzi, Alessio Cocciolo, and Andrea Chiapello. Germany will also answer the call with its European champions, as will Belgium, Luxembourg, Lebanon, and Catalonia. To complete this field, French and Italian teams will have nothing to lose. Not to mention the Monaco teams, who will be playing at home and will do everything they can to cause a surprise. Their goal is to qualify among the last 16 teams on Sunday, who will fight it out for the supreme title.

Monaco well represented

After this men's tournament, which promises to be of a very high standard, next weekend will see the women's edition with the 4th Princess Gabriella Challenge, which is played in pairs and only on the courts of the Rainier-III bowling stadium.

The qualifying rounds will be played using the Swiss system, as in the World Championships. The top 16 pairs will also meet on Sunday to compete for the Challenge Cup. The national teams will include Germany, Belgium, Canada, Spain, and Switzerland. All of these countries will be joined by French teams and six Monegasque teams representing the Principality, including the one that will be in Rome the following week for the World Championships.