TEEN pin king Euan Coote is ready to strike against Europe's best when he represents his country in continental competition over the next week.

The 16-year-old, a pupil at Woodmill High School, is on his way to Vienna as part of the Scotland squad that will go for glory at the European Tenpin Bowling Federation European Youth Championships when it begins this weekend.

Euan, from Duloch, competed at the tournament 12 months ago in Aalborg, Denmark, and goes into this year's event on the back of some fine results so far this year.

In February, he competed at the SAYBC (Scottish Association of Youth Bowling Clubs) Youth Nationals, finishing third in the singles, first in the doubles and fourth in the team event, before competing at the National Masters last month.

Although he went into it in fourth place, Euan finished on top and became the first junior to win the title, and followed that up with victory alongside Jason Smith in the Youth Doubles in the under-17 age group.

"He's peaked at the perfect time," mum Fiona told Press Sport.

"At the beginning of the year, at the nationals in Dunfermline, he played at under-19 and finished fourth overall. He then went to the Masters, in which the top eight play, and he won that, which he was thrilled with.

"Last weekend, he played in the handicap doubles and had a 233 average score over the weekend. He was beating adults as well and, when we came home, we were saying, 'I can't believe he did that'.

"The hours he has spent in bowling alleys is definitely paying off. The dedication, commitment, attitude and hours he's put in are coming to fruition."

There will be singles, doubles, teams and masters competitions at the championships, and Euan is one of six players in the Scottish squad.

Fiona added: "His aim is to try and finish in the top 24, which would be a massive achievement.

"He's been there before and knows what to expect. He can't wait to get on the plane and he knows he has a chance. He doesn't build himself up, and he knows it will be tough, but he has the hunger for it.

"He performed brilliantly last weekend, so he's going out on a positive. It will be different conditions, so it will be tricky, but Scotland have a strong coaching team.

"He's had to mature to get studying done, and has started a wee job, so with the bowling as well as a 16-year-old, it is quite something."

The championships run from Saturday until Monday April 22, and if anybody is interested in sponsoring Euan, contact Press Sport and we will put you in touch.