Kulick claimed the women’s title during the inaugural edition of the event, held in Limassol in Cyprus in 2012.

The 39-year-old is part of a four-strong American team for the tournament at the Doha Bowling Centre, joining Shannon Pluhowsky, John Janawicz and Chris Via in the Qatari capital.

Kulick’s team-mate Chris Barnes, winner of the men’s crown in Limassol four years ago, will not participate in the event, due to take place until next Friday (December 9), as he has not been selected.

"I'm ecstatic that I have the chance to go back and defend my title, and I'd love to put a stamp on this season to end 2016 on a high note," Kulick said.

"This really has been a good year for me, despite an ankle injury that also created some new mental hurdles.

"I've had a bit of a dry spell as far as winning, but I know if I keep putting myself in a position to win, good things are going to happen.

"I'm excited and mentally geared up for this tournament."

A total of 146 bowlers from 50 countries are scheduled to take part at the tournament, now considered the largest global bowling competition of its type.

The action begins tomorrow following today’s Opening Ceremony with qualification in the men’s first block.

Competitors at the 2016 World Singles Championships will bowl three qualifying blocks over three days, before the field is cut to the top 32 men and top 32 women for an additional qualifying round.

This will narrow the competitors to the top eight in the men’s and women’s events.

The semi-finalists will then be determined by another qualifying round before the winners are crowned.

The 2020 edition of the Championship is due to be held in Japanese capital Tokyo.

World Bowling had hoped the sport would be included at the Olympic programme at Tokyo 2020 but, along with squash and wushu, was rejected for inclusion.

Baseball and softball, karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing were all accepted.