The Return of The MOTIV Jackel

The Jackal has been resurrected!  The new Jackal Ghost is here to reign terror on heavy oil.  With paranormal performance, it delivers more total hook potential than any previous Jackal with no loss in continuation.  It’s scary good!

The Predator V2 weight block, first used on the Jackal LE, is now at the core of the Jackal Ghost.  Featuring a low RG and loads of differential, this asymmetric design is easy to rev and produces massive track flare. 

Combining the physics of the Predator V2 with the chemistry of the new

Coercion HFS (High Friction Solid) cover stock, the Jackal Ghost elevates heavy oil performance to a new level.  Coercion HFS is the most aggressive cover stock to date on a bowling ball in the Jackal product line.  Tuned with a 3000 Grit LSS finish, bowlers will see both excellent mid-lane read and unbelievable continuation. 

The Worldwide Release Date for the Jackal Ghost is 1/18/2017.

Nationwide Insurance Renews Sponsorship of Professional Women’s Bowling Association

Nationwide will return as the official insurance sponsor of the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour for the 2017 season.

As part of its sponsorship deal with the PWBA, Nationwide will be the title sponsor of the PWBA event in Rochester, New York. The Nationwide PWBA Rochester Open will take place July 13-15 at AMF Gates Lanes.

“Nationwide’s partnership with the PWBA Tour has allowed us to become part of the bowling community, and we’re excited to continue this successful relationship,” said Ann Ritterspach, Associate Vice President, Nationwide Affinity Relationship Management. “We look forward to the opportunity to continue our support of the pro women’s tour and for Nationwide local agents to engage bowling fans at several PWBA Tour stops this upcoming season.”

The 2017 PWBA Tour season kicks off April 27-29 at Double Decker Lanes in Rohnert Park, California. The tour once again will feature four major events – the United States Bowling Congress Queens, PWBA Players Championship, U.S. Women’s Open and the PWBA Tour Championship – and 13 of the 14 events will be televised on CBS Sports Network, including live coverage of the four majors.

Nationwide will be featured on the PWBA Tour broadcasts on CBS Sports Network.

“It’s great to see Nationwide continuing its support of the PWBA Tour,” PWBA spokesperson and star Kelly Kulick said. “Respected partners such as Nationwide are so important as we continue to draw more competitors and fans to the PWBA Tour and build a future for the sport.”

To learn more about exclusive offers from Nationwide, bowling fans can go to Nationwide.com/USBC.

Go to PWBA.com for more information about the PWBA Tour, including the 2017 schedule, news, player biographies and much more.

The Bowling Swing and Release 2

Radical Bowling Presents Three New Balls

Guru™ Pearl Limited 
 

The Guru Pearl Limited is a pearl version of the number one selling original black Radical Guru. The Limited provides added length while maintaining the same strong hook motion, backend recovery, and incredible hitting power as the original.

Ridiculous™ Pearl 

The Ridiculous Pearl adds more length and an even more aggressive move at the breakpoint making it an outstanding option for lighter oil lane conditions and a perfect choice for bowlers with slower ball speed and/or higher rev rate. The Pearl adds a new dimension to the Ridiculous line up.

Xeno™ 

The Xeno features a strong asymmetric core utilizing our innovative finger scoop technology wrapped with an aggressive resin formulation to provide great all-purpose ball motion with more backend continuation for greater entry angle into the pocket.

Due to the success of the Guru line and continued requests from many of Radical supporters, Radical decided to release the original Guru in a pearl cover – the Guru Pearl Limited. The Guru Pearl Limited will be a great addition for anyone who has an original Guru.

The second release is a pearl version of the #1 selling Reliable price point ball, the Ridiculous. Radical has taken the proven performance of the head turning Ridiculous and made it more aggressive at the breakpoint by adding their newest pearl cover formulation. With the new Ridiculous Pearl, the company suggests they have created the next level flip monster. The ocean blue Ridiculous Pearl offers a new level of skid/flip ball motion and will certainly be the go-to ball when more backend reaction is desired.

The new Xeno (meaning alien or strange and pronounced “ZEE-NO”) offers strong-off-the-spot ball motion with excellent continuation through the pins. The Radical ball testers have reported that the Xeno never over-read the dry and never over-skidded in the oil, something that is rarely achieved in today’s performance bowling balls. This combination of strong asymmetric core and unique coverstock formulation promises to be another perfect ball for the house conditions using medium to moderately heavy oil. Xeno gives another outstanding value to league bowlers by offering great performance at the upper-mid price point…now that is Radical.

Roto Grip Announces Four Balls for Fall

Roto Grip No Rules My Chaotic™ Core unleashes its dynamic motion and adapts to any lane condition. Pair that with my Neon Green / Neon Orange / Black Micro DNA™ Solid Reactive Coverstock and I’ve got all the traction I need. The heaviest oil can’t faze me as I shred the rulebook and my competition. The No Rules is finished with a 2000-grit pad.

 

Roto Grip Wreck-It My solid Neutron™ Core propels my strong, steady motion, and my all-new Gold & White Pearl / Black solid, Psyched™ Hybrid Reactive Coverstock pulls it all together for a solid finish. Built for any level of play, I’m proof that great performance doesn’t have to break the bank. The Wreck-It is finished smooth with a 3000 grit pad.

 

Roto Grip Hustle When we’re expected to perform, trust us — we don’t hold back. Our dynamic Hustle™ Core drives the motion and keeps the control, but with both the Psyched™ and Stoked™ Hybrid Reactive coverstocks to choose from, you determine your breakpoint. Make your choice and let’s get started.

The Hustle PRO (Purple, Raspberry, Orange) features two parts Solid coverstock and one part pearl, named the Psyched™ Hybrid Reactive Coverstock. The mix is Purple & Raspberry Solid/ Orange Pearl. While the Hustle SAY (Silver & Aqua Pearl / Yellow Solid) is two parts pearl with one part solid coverstock, to be known as the Stoked™ Hybrid cover.  Both Hustle balls are finished to 1500 grit and polished. 

VETERANS STILL A FORCE AS TOUR HEADS TO PWBA LEXINGTON OPEN

ARLINGTON, Texas – Take a quick look at the field of players competing each week on the Professional Women’s Bowling Association Tour, such as this week’s PWBA Lexington Open, and you will see a list littered with players who were in college within the last five or so years.

While these competitors are trying to make their mark on the PWBA Tour, there is a smaller group who have nothing to prove, except maybe to themselves.

The PWBA Lexington Open takes place this week at Collins Bowling Center – Eastland in Lexington, Kentucky. There will be a practice session at 5 p.m. Thursday, with competition starting at 10:30 a.m. Friday with the first of two six-game qualifying blocks. Play continues Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with a cashers’ round and continues through match play and its unique group stepladder.

While most tour stops feature those still seeking a PWBA title, it also has veteran players such as Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Anne Marie Duggan, and Leanne Hulsenberg – all who have skins on the wall but still love to compete.

All three won PWBA Player of the Year awards before the tour ceased operations in 2003 and each was eager to compete again. Hulsenberg owns 26 PWBA career titles to rank third on the all-time PWBA career titles list, while Dorin-Ballard has 20. Lisa Wagner leads the list with 32 titles with Aleta Sill second at 31.

Dorin-Ballard started the season in Las Vegas by reaching the group stepladder and has cashed in six of the eight events this season. She has three top-11 finishes, five top-25 finishes but, of course, still wants more, though she will miss this week’s stop because of business commitments.

“I’ve been bowling OK; it’s definitely not good enough for me,” said Dorin-Ballard. “I’m bowling better than I did last year. I’ve made a few changes, like where my hand sits and how my body is positioned. It may not look different but the feel is different so I do struggle with it every now and then. I’m happy with the way I’m bowling, but not satisfied.”

While it might sound like she’s being overly critical of herself, Dorin-Ballard says that always has been one of her biggest assets.

“I think I was able to channel that and that was one asset that made me as competitive as I was on the PWBA Tour,” she said. “My philosophy was to always give myself a chance to win every week. And I did that. There are weeks now that I don’t feel like I do that, and that’s what bothers me the most.”

But things have changed since her last time on the PWBA Tour. More than a decade ago, she and her husband, former Professional Bowlers Association standout Del Ballard Jr., both were competing on their respective tours with Del later becoming a coach. The couple now has a 12-year-old daughter, which has made for changes.

“We (Del and her) only had to worry about ourselves, so now it’s quite different,” she said. “It’s harder to leave home and it bothers me to miss some things. But it’s really cool to be out here with some of my old friends.”

Besides old friends, she also has the opportunity to see the next generation of bowlers, plus the bowling styles and equipment that are quite different than what she watched on the previous PWBA Tour. And with so many of the players making their first trek on a professional tour, a few have reached out to learn from the veterans.

“Some of them ask some great questions and look for a little advice,” she said. “It’s been cool. There was nothing for so many years, so they didn’t really know who to turn to. Here, Leanne, Anne Marie and myself, we have a fountain of knowledge about everything – and we’re not just talking about how to throw a bowling ball.”

So while she continues to work to make a PWBA show on CBS Sports Network as competitor, instead of working on TV as a broadcaster, she’ll also continue to enjoy the opportunity to once again be on the PWBA Tour.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t having fun and still love it,” Dorin-Ballard said. “I do. I love it. I love throwing a ball as much now as I did then.”

All rounds of the PWBA Lexington Open will be broadcast on Xtra Frame, the exclusive online bowling channel for the Professional Bowlers Association. Visit XtraFrame.TV for more information.

Go to PWBA.com to learn more about the PWBA Tour, including news, the season schedule, player biographies and more.

2016 PWBA LEXINGTON OPEN
Thursday, June 30
5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.:  Practice
7 p.m.:  VIP event
Friday, July 1
8 a.m. – 9 a.m.: Practice
10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Six games of qualifying
5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.: Six games of qualifying
Saturday, July 2
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Cashers’ round – six games
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.:  Round-robin match play – six games
5 p.m. – 6 p.m.:  Group stepladder finals
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.:  Pro-Am
Sunday, July 3
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.:  Pro-Am

Hammer Introduces Dark Legend Solid and Rebel

Legends are looked up to and idolized. Future generations will aspire to be like today's Legends. What makes a Legend so great and awe inspiring is their toughness and willingness to never give up or quit. The Greatest Legend's strength and power come from deep within, their Dark Side. The Hammer Dark Legend solid, arriving August 9^th, 2016. The Blue/Black Semtex solid cover, finished 500/2000, wraps the legendary Gas Mask core, enough said.

The new Hammer Rebel is a mid performance ball with new Rebel core (low RG and medium differential) designed to create more revolutions

for the bowler which in turn creates a stronger reaction on the lane. The 500/1000 Abralon TM surface finished with Factory Finish Polish is perfect for medium oil patterns. The added texture underneath the polished finish allows the Rebel to perform at its best. The NBT Pearl coverstock pushes the Rebel through the front part of the lane enhancing its reaction at the back end. World wide release is July 5^th, 2016.

Track Adds Heat X-Treme and Cyborg Balls

Track Heat line has been the most iconic in the Track brand. Filling the shoes of greatness is never an easy task, but at Track, they feel they knocked this one out of the park. The new Heat X-Treme takes mid-performance to a whole new level with unimaginable traction in oil.

 

Offering the perfect fusion of core and overstock technology, the new Cyborg from Track Bowling allows the bowler to target high scores with laser-like precision. It's time to Bowl Like a Machine.    Watch the Cyborg, CLICK

DV8 Adds Four New Balls

DV8 introduces four new balls, July 12th for Grudge Hybrid and Freakshow and August 9th for Vandal Smash and Deviant Pearl.

The hybrid Grudge is Black/Red/Yellow Composite Hook Hybrid coverstock, surrounding the Grudge Low RG Asymmetric core. The Grudge hybrid is finished 500/4000 with Siaair Micro Pads, to provide the friction and hook for long or heavier lane conditions, or if your ball speed is faster.

The Freakshow Blue/Platinum Class 6V Pearl Reactive cover is finished to 500 Siaair then Royal Compound and Royal Shine.  The Freakshow Symmetric (low RG 2.481 in #15) core is light bulb shaped. The Freakshow is designed for more medium conditions or for bowlers with slower speed and more hand. 

The Vandal Smash features Navy/ Purple Composite Flip Solid coverstock, wrapped around the Vandal Asymmetric core. The veneer is finished with 500/4000 Siaair Micro Pads.

The Deviant pearl is Black/Silver Composite Pearl coverstock encasing the  Deviant Medium RG Symmetric core. A taller lightbulb shape with more flare, more skid and a cover finished with 500 Siaair pad and smoothed with Royal Compound, that could handle a bit more oil.

New Balls From Columbia 300

The ALL NEW Sideswipe core in the proven Bend -It Pearl coverstock gives the Columbia 300 Yellow Line Collection a ball with great length and a strong, but predictable backend motion. The Yellow Line collection was designed to give the bowler incredible performance without having to break the bank. Sideswipe the competition on your way to victory!  

The new Swerve GT features Hybrid Reflex coverstock. 

The original Reflex cover created a large amount of friction and was designed to use its energy throughout the entire lane. The pearl version created a stronger change of direction at the back end, resulting in shocking pin action. The NEW Hybrid Reflex cover offers the best of both worlds with strong mid lane traction and down lane continuation. 

HyperSHOCK Technology (Patent Pending) is an energy enhancement material added to the outer core to help power the ball through the pins. This viscoelastic material works to control the influence pins have on the balls motion through the pin deck.  

Ebonite Adds Two New Balls to Their Line-up

The Ebonite Game Breaker 2 Phenom. The original Game Breaker 2 provided a strong, predictable ball motion that quickly became a staple in many a serious bowler's bag. With the Game Breaker 2 Phenom, Ebonite decided to take it up a notch and wrap the trusted Enhanced V2 core with the strongest coverstock the Game Breaker line has ever seen. Ebonite has raised the bar in the mid performance category.

The final battle has begun and only one can be crowned supreme. The newest addition to the Ebonite high performance line offers the most mid lane traction of any ball in the Ebonite line up. Get ready to claim the throne. The Warrior Supreme features the Iron Fist core and GB 13.3 Solid cover in Black/Violet/Purple. The ball is finished  500 / 3000 grit with Abralon^TM  pads,  designed for medium to heavy oil with a strong mid-lane and backend motion. 

Brunswick Introduces Four New Balls

Brunswick introduces four new balls, Mastermind strategy and the Fanatic blue/purple (release date July 12th) and the Absolute Nirvana and Fanatic BTU steel (release date August 9th).

The Brunswick Absolute Nirvana combines the Nirvana Ultra Low RG core with the new Black / Blue / Grey ECS Hook coverstock to produce strong mid lane traction with outstanding continuation through the pins on heavy oil lane conditions. Cover is finished 500; 1,000 Siaair Micro Pad.

The Mastermind strategy combines the Blue/Violet/ Orange Relativity Solid Reactive coverstock with the Modified Mastermind Asymmetric core for a ball motion that is very similar to the proven performance of the original Mastermind. Surface is prepped: 500; 2,000 Siaair Micro Pad.

The new Brunswick Fanatics contain the I Block core (looks like the Dual I Block from the Versa Max from the C System series). The BTU is Better Than Urethane, a core and cover option that Brunswick suggests should be used when urethane is an option.

The Professional Women's Bowling Association "Go Bowling" Players Championships Kicks Off Today

The Professional Women’s Bowling Association Tour added additional events for the 2016 season, including the return of a major championship – the Go Bowling PWBA Players Championship.

The Go Bowling PWBA Players Championship, the second major on the 2016 PWBA Tour, will take place at The Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley in Green Bay, Wisconsin, starting with Thursday’s practice session. Competitors will bowl two six-game blocks of qualifying Friday before the field is cut to the top 16 for match play.

Sixteen games of match play will take place Saturday to determine the four finalists for Sunday’s TV show.

CBS Sports Network will have live coverage of the stepladder finals of the Go Bowling PWBA Players Championship on Sunday at noon Eastern.

In addition to the live show, the stepladder finals of the PWBA Wichita Open, PWBA Pepsi Lincoln Open and PWBA Greater Detroit Open will be contested and taped for later broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

The Go Bowling PWBA Players Championship only is open to PWBA members. Anne Marie Duggan, Kim Adler and Liz Johnson - all USBC Hall of Fame members - each won the event before the PWBA went on hiatus in 2003, and all three will compete in this year’s event.

For Shannon Pluhowsky, who missed the opportunity to compete on the previous incarnation of the PWBA Tour, this week could be the opportunity to nail down the one title missing from her  extensive resume – a PWBA title.

“It’s always exciting to win, and to get the first one would be really exciting, since the tour folded before I had a chance to bowl,” Pluhowsky said. “This is our second full season of a tour, so to just get the first one, would be special. Hopefully, more will keep coming after that.”

The fact that Pluhowsky, a 16-time Team USA member, has not won a title since the PWBA Tour resumed last season seems like an aberration for a competitor who owns two major titles, three PBA Women’s Series titles and dozens of medals in international competition.

“That’s surprising to me,” said Johnson, a longtime teammate of Pluhowsky on Team USA. “Maybe she needs to let it go and just let it come to her. She’s going to get one, then she’s going to get 20. I have no doubt in my mind. She has a Queens title, she’s made so many shows, she’s going to get there. It’s just a matter of time.”

Pluhowsky continues to put herself in position to win that elusive first title. She already has been on two TV shows this year and will be on at least one TV show in Green Bay this week, as she’s a finalist in the PWBA Wichita Open.

“On the TV shows, it was just a couple of bad games,” Pluhowsky said of her first two TV appearances this season. “I had a bad game against Liz (Johnson) and then a bad spare shot (missed 7 pin), or otherwise I would have won my first title. But, I have another chance.”

The first priority for Pluhowsky this week will be the Go Bowling PWBA Players Championship. Players always look forward to the majors, mainly because of the format.

“The Players is a little different format, more games, so that will help,” Pluhowsky said. “In a short format, anything can happen, but the majors are longer and are usually better for us. You can have a couple of bad games, like I did at Queens, and still not be in bad shape. We look forward to majors.”

Go to PWBA.com for more information on the Go Bowling PWBA Players Championship and the complete PWBA Tour schedule, plus news, player biographies and more.

2016 GO BOWLING PWBA PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP
(All times local)
Thursday, June 23
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Media event
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.:  Practice
7 p.m.:  VIP event
Friday, June 24
8 a.m. – 9 a.m.:  Practice
11 a.m.:  Six games of qualifying
5 p.m.:  Six games of qualifying
– After 12 qualifying games, cut to top 16 for match play
Saturday, June 25
8:30 a.m.: Round-robin match play – eight games
2 p.m.:  Round-robin match play – eight games
– After 16 round-robin match-play games, cut to top four for TV show
7 p.m.:  Pro-Am
Sunday, June 26
11 a.m.:  Live TV stepladder finals on CBS Sports Network

Brunswick Introduces The Rhino Entry Series Balls

Containing a Light Bulb core, Brunswick’s new Rhino series features R-16 Reactive coverstock in Red / Black / Gold Pearl, Black / Blue / Silver Pearl, Purple / Pink / White Pearl, Green / Silver Pearl, Black Pearl. The new Rhino line is finished with 500 Siaair pad then Royal Compound and Royal Shine.

 Look for the new Brunswick Rhino to be available May 10th, 2016. 

Storm Adds The Snap Lock and Rocket Ship Bowling Balls

Filling in the gaps - what does that mean? This is a common phrase used by the top bowlers all over the world when they are looking for a ball in their arsenal that they need the most. The GI-15™ hybrid reactive Indigo/White/Copper coverstock found on the Storm Lock is designed for the most demanding patterns when the oil is just too much to handle. We felt that the need to create a pearlized version of this monster was essential for the continued success of the Premier Line.

The Snap Lock™ meets and exceeds this void Storm needed to fill. It will allow you to stay straighter longer without over-reacting when you don’t want it to. When the lanes begin to break down, the next best step for you to stay ahead of the transition is to switch to a ball with similar overall motion but gets through the front part of the lane with ease.

The R3S™ Pearl Reactive coverstock is engineered to do just that: get you through the heads without you trying to “trick” it at the point of release.

The RAD-X™ core will give you a smoother overall response to the oil on the lane with its low RG, fast revving design. When other pearls are too skid/flippy, this type of weight block is exactly what you need.

Snap to the top with the Snap Lock™ by your side! FRAGRANCE: Ginger Verbena. Worldwide Release Date: June 6, 2016.

The new Rocket Ship™ is encased with R2S™ Solid 2-Tone Purple Reactive material but is a unique ball with a surface prep that is the first of its kind: 3000-grit Sheen. It undergoes the same process as a 1500-grit polished ball, but we added a final step by quickly and lightly hitting it with a 3000-grit Abralon® pad, the industry standard. This smooths out the surface topography of the ball by lightly breaking up the polish that was applied creating a sanded profile with a smooth sheen appearance. Always with the bowler in mind, we developed this process to ensure an even, controllable, forgiving reaction for whoever rolls it. 

The Booster™ Core was the perfect option for this new method of surface development due to its mid-range RG and moderate differential values. It will provide a long, smoother option if the Sky Rocket™ were to be too angular. No one does a better job than Storm at filling in the gaps. That is our commitment to our bowlers, and that is why we are The Bowler’s Company™.

FRAGRANCE: Butter Pecan. Worldwide Release Date: June 21, 2016

EJ Tackett Converts Break into Second Career PBA Tour Title in PBA Xtra Frame Storm Open

by bvint | Sunday, April 24, 2:59 PM

CARPENTERSVILLE, Ill. – EJ Tackett of Huntington, Ind., broke up a 7-9 split, converting the break into a string of three strikes that proved to be the difference in winning his second career PBA Tour title Sunday in the PBA Xtra Frame Storm Open at Liberty Lanes.

Tackett, the 2013 PBA Rookie of the Year, defeated top qualifier Ryan Ciminelli of Cheektowaga, N.Y., 217-210, to win the $10,000 first prize after eliminating PBA Regional veteran Steven Taylor of Deer Creek, Ill., in the semifinal match.

“They say winning your second title is the toughest,” said Tackett, who won his first PBA Tour title in the 2015 PBA Xtra Frame Lubbock Sports Open. “But I’ve been close and I’ve been bowling well. Maybe this will lead to something more."

“I really didn’t think I could bowl enough to beat Ryan; I thought it would take 250 to win,” Tackett said. “I got fortunate that he didn’t bowl a good game because that’s really uncharacteristic of how he’s been bowling.”

Ciminelli’s closing string of four strikes forced Tackett to mark in the 10th frame on the lane that was giving him difficulty.

“I liked the first shot,” he said, despite leaving a 4 pin. “I guess, being in the situation, I probably threw it a little hard, but the result was good. I was a little nervous on that (4 pin) spare, just because I’d missed one in match play earlier – against Ryan, actually.”

Taylor’s “Cinderella” bid for his first PBA Tour title, in only his second PBA Tour event after bowling in 103 regionals, came to an end with a 205-200 loss to Tackett in the semifinal match. Tackett threw one double and converted six single-pin spares, but Taylor threw one too many splits.

Taylor, an 11-year PBA Midwest Region competitor with three regional titles, rallied from an early 29-pin deficit with a string of six strikes to eliminate Sean Rash of Montgomery, Ill., 237-209, in the first stepladder match. The 40-year-old right-hander then watched 14-time PBA Tour titlist Patrick Allen of Mount Kisco, N.Y., start with five strikes, rolling into an early 33-pin lead, before throwing eight strikes in his last nine attempts for a 246-212 victory. Allen left a pocket 7-10 in the seventh frame and then saw his titles hopes disappear when he left and failed to convert the 3-7-9 split in the ninth frame.

The PBA Xtra Frame Storm Open is the second of 10 Xtra Frame events that will pay the PBA member with the highest points total at the conclusion of the series a $10,000 bonus. Tackett said his plan is to bowl the entire Xtra Frame series."

The series rewards good bowling, it rewards consistency on different patterns,” Tackett said. “They’re not just handing out titles and with a $10,000 bonus at the end, it’s worth going after.”

The PBA Xtra Frame Tour resumes June 25-26 with live coverage of the PBA Xtra Frame Lubbock Sports Open from Lubbock, Texas. Fans can subscribe to Xtra Frame by clicking on the Xtra Frame logo on the pba.com homepage.

PBA XTRA FRAME STORM OPEN
Liberty Lanes, Carpentersville, Ill., Sunday

Final Standings
1, EJ Tackett, Huntington, Ind., $10,000.
2, Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y., $5,000.
3, Steve Taylor, Deer Creek, Ill., $2,500.
4, Patrick Allen, Mount Kisco, N.Y., $2,000.
5, Sean Rash, Montgomery, Ill., $1,500.

Stepladder Results
Match One – Taylor def. Rash, 237-209.
Match Two – Taylor def. Allen, 246-212.
Semifinal Match – Tackett def. Taylor, 205-200.
Championship – Tackett def. Ciminelli, 217-210.

Final Match Play Standings (after 20 games, including match play bonus pins)
1, Ciminelli, 7-5, 5,256.
2, Tackett, 9-3, 5,192.
3, Allen, 7-4-1, 5,095.
4, Taylor, 8-4, 4,991.
5, Rash, 7-4-1, 4,979.
6, Aaron Lorincz, Saginaw, Mich., 6-6, 4,903, $1,100.
7, Scott Weber, LaSalle, Ill., 5-7, 4,883, $1,000.
8, Jordan Klassen, Canada, 7-5, 4,877, $900.
9, Shawn Maldonado, Houston, Texas, 5-6-1, 4,852, $875.
10, Craig LeMond, Jasper, Ind., 5-7, 4,804, $850.
11, n-Brian Traber, Waterford, Wis., 6-5-1, 4,791, $825.
12, Bill O’Neill, Langhorne, Pa., 6-6, 4,785, $800.
13, Blake Demore, Springfield, Mo., 3-9, 4,702, $780.
14, Steve Jaros, Yorkville, Ill., 4-8, 4,693, $770.
15, n-Derek Roseberry, Louisville, Ky., 6-6, 4,668, $760.
16, Marshall Kent, Yakima, Wash., 3-9, 5,494, $750.

QubicaAMF Partners With Professional Bowlers Association Regional Program

The Professional Bowlers Association today announced a partnership agreement has been signed with QubicaAMF Worldwide, the world leader in bowling capital equipment and state-of-the-art automatic scoring technologies, that will bolster the extensive QubicaAMF PBA Regional Tour program.

Under the partnership agreement, QubicaAMF’s participation assures the prize funds for the more than 150 tournaments conducted in the PBA’s seven domestic regions (East, South, Central, Midwest, Southwest, West and Northwest) will exceed player entry fee contributions, enhancing the professional experience for all competitors.
“Since the PBA Regional program was officially launched in 1970, thousands of bowlers have had an opportunity to experience PBA-level competition in hundreds of cities across America,” said John Weber, PBA Director of Regional and PBA50 Tours. “Thanks to the support of QubicaAMF, the PBA will continue to provide the future stars of the PBA with affordable, close-to-home opportunities to develop the skills they will need to compete at the highest levels of our sport. At the same time, the QubicaAMF PBA Regional Tour provides thousands of fans an opportunity to see our established and emerging stars in person.”

As titled sponsor of the QubicaAMF PBA Regional Tour, QubicaAMF’s logo will be part of all of PBA’s on-site and online materials related to the regional program.

“We are thrilled to be able to give this boost to the Regional Tour and partner with the PBA,” said Pat Ciniello, Chairman of the Board of QubicaAMF. “QubicaAMF is committed to the sport of bowling—from developing products for leagues and tournaments to the QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup, this year celebrating its 53rd Anniversary, which promotes the sport of bowling at all levels across the world. We feel that supporting the PBA and the bowling centers that host the regional events are important steps to ensuring the continuing success of our beloved sport.”

The QubicaAMF announcement arrives just as the PBA Regional program springs into its busy summer season, drawing praise from PBA CEO and Commissioner Tom Clark, who described PBA’s regional directors as “the rock stars” of the PBA.

Clark referred to the regional managers as “the core of the greatest bowling tournament club ever created: the PBA.”

The QubicaAMF PBA Regional Tour is supervised by John Weber and managed by a group of men who are well-suited to mentor young players because of their extensive experience in PBA competition as well as related aspects of the sport:

● Russ Mills has managed the PBA East Region since 1997. A former PBA Tour and Regional competitor, Mills also was a former Ebonite district sales manager.

● Sam Zurich assumed management of the PBA South Region in 2012 after eight years assisting former South Regional director Harry O’Neale. Zurich is a two-time PBA Tour and 40-time PBA Regional title winner.

● Bobby Jakel has managed the PBA Central Region since 2006. A former collegiate bowler and USBC Open Championships “eagle” winner, Jakel bowled in PBA competition for 2 1/2 years before assuming his administrative role.

● Rich Weber was co-manager of the PBA Midwest Region between 1984-1998, working with his late father Dick Weber and younger brother John, before assuming full-time responsibility for the region in 2006. A two-time PBA Regional titlist in his own right, Rich Weber also was PBA50 Tour Director from 1990-98.

● Pete McCordic has managed the PBA Southwest Region since 1997. He came into the role after bowling on the PBA Tour for 18 years, winning two PBA Tour titles, bowling a nationally-televised 300 game, and winning seven PBA Regional titles. His twin brother Paul is currently active on the PBA50 Tour.

● Gary Mage, who does double-duty as PBA West and Northwest Region manager, is in his 51st year of involvement with the PBA. He bowled on the PBA Tour from 1968-1981, winning one title. A former bowling center owner, he was founder of the PBA Northwest Region in 1978 and has managed the program ever since, adding the PBA West Region to his duties in 2004.

Over the past three years, the QubicaAMF PBA Regional program has conducted an average of 165 tournaments each year, paying out more than $6.5 million in prize money.

To follow the QubicaAMF PBA Regional Tour, including upcoming events and results, visit pba.com and click on Menu/schedules/ “Regional Tours.”