Peter Ljung, Sweden and defending women's ranking champion Kirsten Penny, England, have positioned themselves atop the men's and women's European Bowling Tour rankings after one-third of the season.

Ljung, who won the title in Paris and finished second yesterday in Istanbul, the 6th of 18 events, overtook his fellow countryman Martin Larsen, 267-234 points. Tore Torgersen, Norway, is close behind in third place with 227.

Istanbul Open winner Lasse Lintilä, Finland, leapfrogged to 15th place with 112 points.

Penny (left) finished fourth in the women's rankings in Istanbul to move up two spots with 246 points.

Tina Hulsch (right), Germany, jumped from sixth to second with 238. Previous leader Ghislaine van der Tol, Netherlands, slipped to third with 225.

The European Bowling Tour moves to Aalborg, Denmark, next month for the Brunswick Aalborg International 2008, May 19-25 at Lovvang Bowling Center.

The top eight men and the top eight women at the end of the ranking season will qualify for the 2009 World Ranking Masters in Naples, Italy. In addition, the top 16 men and the top 16 women will qualify for the EBT Masters in May 2008 in Aalborg, Denmark.