Chris Barnes Challenge presented by Columbia 300

When the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) announced the All-In Action Sweeper side event during last summer’s World Series of Bowling, the $5,000 winner-take-all entry fee created a buzz in the bowling community.

But there was one problem – only one bowler put his money down to bowl in the event. That player was 2007-08 PBA Player of the Year Chris Barnes, a 12-time Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour titlist and one of the most versatile players in PBA history.

No one challenged Barnes that day when he put up $5,000 of his own money to take on all comers in the event which was to be webcast live on PBA’s online video service Xtra Frame.

But now, with the advent of the Chris Barnes Challenge presented by Columbia 300, Barnes is once again ready to take on all challengers. The first Chris Barnes Challenge presented by Columbia 300 will be webcast live on Xtra Frame to subscribers on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. CT, from Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan., the site of the Pepsi Red, White and Blue Open presented by the United States Bowling Congress.

Any bowler – exempt pro, PBA professional or amateur – can apply to bowl in the three-game total pins match against Barnes. The highest single bidder will earn the right to put their own money up against a matched amount of Barnes’ own money up to a $5,000 maximum (with no minimum bid). Applications and additional information will be available at the PBA tournament office onsite at Northrock Lanes during the week of the tournament.

Conducted by the PBA, the high bidder will face Barnes on the “Blue” oil pattern used that week which will be administered by the PBA.

“It’s just you against the other person for not only the money but to see if you’re better than the guy next to you,” Barnes said. “This competition has its own unique level of excitement and I’m looking forward to seeing how many bowlers bid for the opportunity to put it all on the line.” To watch this event and all the exciting behind-the-scenes Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour action, visit Xtra Frame on pba.com.

An Xtra Frame program schedule is also available by visiting pba.com/xtraframe. Fans watching on Xtra Frame will have the opportunity during the show to sign up on www.columbia300.com for a chance to win four Columbia Full Swing balls, one 300 Pro three-ball roller bag or a 300 Pro four-ball inline roller.