As a result of the expanding number of federations competing, it was agreed in 2001 to divide the two genders in World Championships beginning in 2005.
In 2013, the inaugural edition of these so-called Combined World Championships took place.
[2] Beginning in 2008, a medal round was introduced for singles, doubles, trios, and 5 five person team event.
The Medal round consisted of the top four qualifiers playing a knockout format to determine the medalists (1 vs 4 and 2 vs 3, winners of those matches face each other in the final).
The semifinal winners advance to a one-game final match to determine gold and silver medals.
In 2017, the masters format (still consisting of top 24 men and women) reverted to matchplay style, best of 3.
In 2005 the World Championships adopted the "dual pattern format" lane conditions.
The concept of having two different lane patterns is to force the bowlers to be more versatile in the championships.
It has been argued that in previous championships around the world, using one pattern for the whole event would suit certain bowlers over others, which was deemed as being unfair.
It was agreed that having two different lane conditions would be a fairer way of determining the best bowlers at the championships.