The world's elite pétanque players arrive in Monaco for two weekends of competitions

As is customary every year, the Monegasque Bowls Federation and the Monegasque Boules Club are organizing their two renowned international men's and women's pétanque tournaments. Starting this weekend with the 7th Hereditary Prince Jacques Challenge.

With a triplet format by group on Saturday, jointly on the CBM grounds at the Rainier-III bowling stadium, and under the marquee of 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.

Rounding out the field are French and Italian teams with nothing to lose. Not to mention the Monaco side, who will be playing at home and will do everything they can to create a surprise. Their goal is to qualify among the last 16 teams on Sunday, who will battle it out for the ultimate 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.

Qualifying matches will be played using the Swiss system, similar to the World Championships. The top 16 pairs will also meet on Sunday to compete for the Challenge Cup.

In the national selections department, there will be Germany, Belgium, Canada, Spain, Switzerland.

All these countries will be accompanied 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.