Turmine, 17, claimed the open state event against older rivals with his two- handed bowling style.

The style emulates Australian professional bowler Jason Belmonte, who has successfully used the technique to much fanfare in professional tournaments in the United States and Europe.

Turmine took home the cup, a cheque for $650 and some new-found respect.

Turmine said he was unsure of his chances before the event.

"I thought I might be able to get to qualify for the top eight, which is the finals," he said. "But I didn't know what to expect after that.

"I think I will just save the money, maybe spend it on some new gear."

Horsham bowler Rosemary Arnott, who took Turmine to the competition and also competed finishing 20th, said Turmine was a popular winner.

"When they were presenting him with the cup they called him Horsham's two-handed wonder," she said.

"He did very well because he was competing against top adult bowlers from across Australia."

Turmine has been bowling for two and a half years and is only starting to make his way into higher level competitions.

He has used the two-handed style since August last year after struggling with one-handed bowling.

"I couldn't get it to move around properly," he said.

"My mate changed his style to two- handed so I did as well. It was a big change but it came to me pretty quickly."

Some US critics have said the two- handed style causes extra strain to a player's back and shoulders but Turmine said he had no problems.

He said he planned to compete at the South Australia Tenpin Cup in August before deciding where else to compete.

He said it was exciting to win the cup.

"I was nervous before play started on Sunday," he said.

"But I was paired with David Porto, who is a very experienced player and he calmed me down a bit.