Professional Bowlers Association

Thursday was Chris Barnes' 40th birthday and he was surprised at the conclusion of his Lumber Liquidators U.S. Open squad with a unique birthday cake ordered by his wife, PBA Women's Series competitor Lynda, who was unable to make the trip.

The unique cake, featuring Columbia 300 bowling bag and ball that actually rotated, was designed and created by Amanda Taylor and Miranda Brickley, owners of Fairytales Custom Cakery in Indianapolis.

Barnes is currently in 4th place after 18 games of qualifying, and is looking to capture his first major title of the season, after two runner-up finishes in the last two majors, the Tournament of Champions and the USBC Masters, respectively.

Team USA's Walter Ray Williams Jr. and Tennelle Milligan advanced to the Round of 8 Wednesday night at the 2009 QubicaAMF World Cup.

After advancing past qualifying earlier Wednesday, both players made significant gains in their quest to be among the top three for the televised stepladder finals at Melaka International Bowling Center.

Williams, who entered the day in 34th place, moved up to fifth place with a 32-game total of 6,984, an average of 218.25. Milligan, meanwhile, was in fifth place among the women with 6,809, an average of 212.78.

Williams struggled in the opening two days of qualifying but made a big move during Wednesday's 16 games, including a 298 game during the final eight-game qualifying block Wednesday afternoon.

"I felt really good coming into this week, so I'm really surprised that I didn't do well the first two days," Williams said. "I still have a chance to make the top three, but I've got to strike a lot. It's definitely doable but those guys up there are doing a lot of striking. They are going to have to falter a little bit, and I have to bowl really well."

Korea's Choi Yong-Kyu leads the men's field with 7,358. Ryan Lalisang of Indonesia is second with 7,201, while Martin Larsen of Sweden is third at 7,169. Michael Schmidt of Canada is fourth with 7,165.

For the women, Milligan sits 75 pins behind third place. Zara Giles of England continued to lead with 7,026, while Malaysia's Siti Safiyah Amirah is second with 6,963. Caroline Lagrange of Canada is third with 6,884, and Latvia's Diana Zavjalova is fourth with 6,834.

"I was able to gain some ground on the top three tonight, and I bowled pretty decent," Milligan said. "There's 30 bonus pins tomorrow and that's huge. There's an opportunity to get to third from where I'm at."

The top eight men and top eight women will bowl eight games of round robin match play Thursday morning to determine the top three players in each division for the stepladder finals.

USBC will partner with BowlingDigital.com to provide live streaming coverage of the semifinals and finals on BOWL.com on Thursday beginning at approximately Midnight Eastern (9 p.m. Pacific on Wednesday).

For complete coverage of the 2009 QubicaAMF World Cup, visit BOWL.com.

United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to more than two million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.

Bowl with US

2009 QUBICAAMF WORLD CUP
At Melaka International Bowling Center, Melaka, Malaysia
Wednesday's Results
(Top 10; 32 games)

WOMEN

1, Zara Giles, England, 7,026. 2, Siti Safiyah Amirah, Malaysia, 6,963. 3, Caroline Lagrange, Canada, 6,884. 4, Diana Zavjalova, Latvia, 6,834. 5, Tennelle Milligan, United States, 6,809. 6, Helen Johnsson, Sweden, 6,798. 7, Liza del Rosario, Philippines, 6,793. 8, Baek Seung-ja, Korea, 6,760. 9, Evgenia Tsarkova, Russia, 6,750. 10, Tina Hulsch, Germany, 6,631.

MEN

1, Choi Yong-Kyu, Korea, 7,358. 2, Ryan Lalisang, Indonesia, 7,201. 3, Martin Larsen, Sweden, 7,169. 4, Michael Schmidt, Canada, 7,165. 5, Walter Ray Williams Jr., United States, 6,984. 6, Zulmazran Zulkifli, Malaysia, 6,956. 7, Surasak Manuwong, Thailand, 6,894. 8, Hussain Al Suwaidi, United Arab Emirates, 6,838. 9, Wicky Yeung, Hong Kong, 6,829. 10, Artus Levikins, Latvia, 6,819.

Beyond his successes on the lanes, Bunetta may be best known for his innovative coaching systems and his years of conducting clinics and exhibitions. Bunetta is the creator of the “3-6-9” spare-shooting system that has become the industry standard.

Funeral services were held at Pape Funeral Home in Clinton. Online condolences can be left at www.papefh.com (death date: Aug. 22, 2009).

JASON BELMONTE OVERVIEW
It’s probably safe to say that no player in the history of the PBA has ever entered the league with more expectations, hype and controversy. Most of the uproar ensued over Belmonte receiving two Commissioner’s exemptions into the fields of a couple mid-season events. Even though the player with the unique, dynamic two-handed delivery was the reigning World Bowler of the Year and led qualifying in the season-opening PBA World Championship by an astounding 300-plus pins, questions lingered about whether he was worthy of the exemptions. But Belmonte put these questions largely to rest with his dominant performance in winning the title in the Bowling Foundation Long Island Classic, advancing through the TQR and then qualifying second for the telecast in which he knocked off Bill O’Neill and then Michael Fagan for the title.  Now exempt for the entire 2009-2010 season, many fans and bowling supporters are hopeful that Belmonte has what it takes to expose an entirely new generation of fans to the sport of bowling.

WATCH JASON BELMONTE’S INTERVIEW DURING THE GEICO PBA TEAM SHOOTOUT ON ESPN NOW!

“JASON’S TV RECAP UNCENSORED” WSOB PREDICTION
Kind of like the goddess Calypso utters when first eyeing Pirates of the Caribbean protagonist Will Turner, Jason Belmonte certainly seems to have “a touch of destiny about him.” Receiving such an onslaught of media and fan attention before even accomplishing anything as a professional was very similar to the way in which Tiger Woods entered the PGA Tour back in 1996. Like Tiger, Belmonte looks to be highly capable of backing up the hype with results, as four top 15 finishes (including a win) in just nine events and earning PBA Rookie of the Year honors would attest. I think the best is yet to come for Belmo, as anyone who listens to him speak or watches him on the lanes can obviously see that he burns with an intense desire to be the best…and anything less is likely to be a disappointment not only to him but to bowling fans everywhere. Is he up to the challenge? It is sure to be fun to watch.

FOR A COMPLETE WORLD SERIES OF BOWLING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Name: Jason Belmonte (R-2H)
Hometown: Orange, NSW, Australia
Joined PBA: 2008
Birthdate: 7/29/83
PBA Tour titles: 1
PBA earnings: $44,380
2008-09 ranking: 48th
Exempt thru: 2009-10
Earned exemption: 2008-09 title winner

Personal: Nickname “Belmo”…Married to Kimberly…Expecting their first child in late December…Two-handed international star has won numerous titles on the world stage including the 2007 World Tenpin Masters…Finished second in 2007 QubicaAMF World Cup…First to qualify for World Ranking Masters in two zones…Gained enormous media attention in 2008-09 for his two-handed delivery…Took up the sport two-handed as a toddler when he was too small to roll the ball with one hand…Loves “B” movies, plays a little golf and has an unhealthy fondness for cheesecake.

2008-09 (career): In his first partial year on Tour, became the first two-handed bowler to win a PBA Tour event by capturing the Bowling Foundation Long Island Classic…Had four other top 15 finishes including 10th place in PBA World Championship…averaged 219.2 (14th) and earned $44,380 while competing in just nine events.

PBA Career Standard titles: (1) West Babylon, N.Y.


MORE WSOB PLAYER SPOTLIGHT BIOS:
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Rhino Page

MORE BELMONTE COVERAGE: Below is Dick Evans’ exclusive 7/20/09 interview with Jason Belmonte

Australia's Jason Belmonte Has Conquered The World Now Can He Conquer The PBA's  World Series Of Bowling Starting In August With His Two-Handed Style And Winning Personality?

He Talks About Becoming a Father, Difference Between Bowling Fans And Media on Different Continents, Promoting The Sport, Tremendous Pressure To Win Quickly And Cheesecake

By DICK EVANS

The jury may be out about Jason Belmonte's ability to dominate the PBA Tour, but there is no question that he could be the next Don Carter and Dick Weber when it comes to creating interest in the tour and attracting world wide media attention for the bowling industry.

What Belmonte's brings to the tour is a combination of the appeal of  both Carter and Weber.

In my estimation, there only have been two bowlers who have become favorites with bowlers, non-bowlers, media and advertisers on and off the lanes.

Carter's unique style caught the imagination of the public and Madison Avenue and he was featured in many print stories and TV commercials.

Weber's personality on and off the lanes never has been duplicated, he would do anything to promote bowling including bowling a match in the belly of a plane flying cross country.

While listening to Jason Belmonte speak to the bowling press in Las Vegas I got the impression that he brings to the plate a combination of the appeal that made Carter and Weber household names when bowling and the PBA were growing in popularity.

Belmonte's bowling style will make everyone take a second glance, the Australian throws the ball with both hands and he throws it on both sides of the oceans and that is why he twice as been voted World Bowler of the Year.

Belmonte's words will make any reporter happy because he knows how to make bowling sound like an exciting sport and he knows how to make valid points.

And besides, a female writer sitting next to me said after his short talk, "all that and he's also cute."

Only time will determine if Belmonte deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Carter and Weber when it comes to bowling ability, but don't bet against Belmonte -- he has dominated international amateur competition on four continents.

Although pro bowlers are dependable when it comes to talking to the media, like everything else it does not come easy with every champion. Some consider it part of their jobs, some consider it a chore and a few even seem to enjoy it.

Belmonte seems to love talking about bowling and the PBA at any time and any place with his rich Aussie voice and bowling fans, the media and sponsors appear to be impressed.

"Jason truly gets it and is a breath of fresh air," said Fred Schreyer, Commissioner and CEO of the PBA. "He is charismatic, a natural showman and intuitively understands how to relate to fans and sponsors.

"He is comfortable in the spotlight and embraces his role as a spokesperson.  Young fans, in particular, seem to flock to him.  You combine his personality with his unique  bowling style and I think you get a player who commands attention.

"Jason offers bowling and the PBA the opportunity to go places it otherwise might not get to.  We’re thrilled to have Jason participating as an exempt player on the PBA Tour this season.

Tom Clark, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Commissioner of the PBA, more than anybody realizes what a potential gold mine Belmonte is for the PBA tour world wide because it is Clark's promotional genius that is the most striking since Eddie Elias founded the PBA in 1958.

"Jason engages the fans and media both in person and on TV in a way that encourages them to continue following him," Clark said. "In other words, he has a very likable personality that connects with many different audiences and he enjoys sharing his story and serving as a pied piper towards the growth of the sport he’s dedicated himself to .helping grow."

Belmonte is honing his game for the 2009-10 PBA tour, which kicks off Aug. 3 and doesn't conclude until April 4. You can't blame him if he is a little distracted because his wife Kimberly will be giving birth during this time period.

If you want to know more about Belmonte the super international bowler and his two-handed style, I suggest you read the Bob Johnson's story about Jason Belmonte in the May issue of Bowlers Journal International. The subhead on the extremely informative story asks the question that many people are asking:

"Could a bowling wonder from Down Under be our sport's answer to Tiger Woods?"

In my estimation the answer is yes if he can win consistently.

He is a natural, but there is no substitute for winning.

You will find that he is a naturally interesting person by reading his answers to my questions, which have very little to do with his bowling style but more to do what he thinks on various topics.

QUESTION: "In how many countries have you bowled and in how many countries have you won titles?"

ANSWER: "I have bowled on six of the seven continents, Winning in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America. I actually don't know exactly how many countries I have been in, but if I had to guess it would be over 30."

QUESTION: "Do you plan to bring you wife Kimberly to the U.S. with you for the World Series starting in Aug. 3 and if you do will you do any sightseeing in America?"

ANSWER: "Kimberly and I are doing some serious thinking about what we both will be doing the coming season. We are extremely happy to report that we are expecting our first baby and making Kimberly comfortable and safe is the first priority. If Kimberly did come to the WSOB (World Series of Bowling in the Detroit area), it would only be for a couple weeks, not the entire time, but ultimately it's up to her.

"As for sightseeing, the WSOB is pretty full on. There really won’t be too much down time, and if there is, I hope to be practicing." 

QUESTION: "What do you do with your spare time when you are in America compared to other countries?"

ANSWER: "America has so much to offer in terms of activities. Plus the added bonus of English as the national language, getting around and doing things is much easier in the U.S. rather than say Russia. Try asking a non-English speaking Russian how to get from the shopping centre to your hotel when its -30 degrees outside and you don't know which way you need to go," Belmonte said with a laugh.

"I also love to watch "B Grade" movies for a laugh and have plenty of swings on the golf course."

QUESTION: "What are your favorite foods when in America? What is your favorite beverage?"

ANSWER: "I'm a huge Cheesecake Factory fan. That place is the nut. I am always looking out for one where ever I am bowling. When can having a choice of over 40 cheesecakes be a bad thing.

As for the drink.... umm, maybe a diet coke, boring I know."

QUESTION: "How would you compare American bowling fans to those in Europe or Asia or even your home country of Australia?"

ANSWER: "Americans are not nearly as vocal in the crowd as those around the world. I have been in finals in the Arab countries where the crowd is screaming for 'their horse' hoping to put off the other competitors with perfectly times chants or mobile phone rings.

"in Sweden, I have bowled while 300 people cram them selves into a small 8- lane centre with drums and whistles, cheering like its a World Cup soccer match.

"In some parts of Asia, the crowd can be with you or against you as quickly as changing games. I have been in the middle of some serious 'betting at the back' without even knowing you're involved. Win and you're their hero, lose and they let you know about it.

"The USA are more known for its 'funny one liners' from the crowd or late night action match type heckling."

QUESTION: "Is the fact you are hooked up with an American bowling ball company (Storm) have any advantages when bowling on the PBA tour than say when you are bowling in Europe on your own?"

ANSWER: "I have been with Storm Bowling Products for almost seven years. Bill and Barbara Chrisman and the entire staff at Storm have believed in me from day one. They support me through everything.

"Being on the Storm staff has helped me dramatically. Their equipment for players like me, with high rev rates are the best on the market and that's not just an employee saying that. Last year's PBA Tour results prove it.

"I know that without the team at Storm helping me, I would not be where I am today, for that I am forever grateful."
  
QUESTION: "How would you rank your first PBA victory last season with other wins around the world and why?"

ANSWER: "Winning on tour was by far the highlight of my career, that and being named the Rookie of the Year. What made it so much more special to me was the added pressure I was under to win and the small window I had to do so in.

"After the Wall Street Journal story came out, I had a huge influx of media attention. This then put a huge target on my head to critics and those who disagreed with what the media was saying about me. Not to mention that the extra commissioner exemptions I was given earlier in the season didn't make me a fan favorite by the pros or the forum writers.

"I had the Long Island event and the US Open events left till the season ended. If I didn't win by the end of the season, the hype from the media would have been a waste of time and the PBA, which put a heap of faith in me, would come up empty.

"After the last ball was thrown and I had won, a huge weight lifted and a massive release all over my body was felt. Bowling two great games against two of my best mates, and of course winning, will make that TV show be the best show for me forever."

QUESTION: "I got the feeling in Las Vegas that you are a natural when it comes to promoting bowling and the PBA when dealing with the press so my question is this: "Is the American press any different from the press you encounter in other countries and if the answer is yes, then in what way?"

ANSWER: "The media in the States are much more blunt with their questions. For example I was asked a question when doing an interview with the Boston Globe and  the question was "Can you can save the PBA?'

"Save it? At that stage I was not even an exempt player, and he was asking me if I think I can save it. Reporters around the world may of asked that question more like this 'Do you think you can help the PBA into a more encouraging future?'"

"But I don't really care what questions I get asked. I will tell you what I think and I'll do it honestly."

QUESTION: "Do you enjoy spreading the word about bowling and the PBA even while you are bowling on tour?"

ANSWER: "Bowling is my career, it's my income. If I don't promote the business I am involved in then I'm not doing my best to make as much money through bowling as possible. I love the sport more than any other sport, seeing bowling being viewed by the public as a game (and not a sport) hurts.

'If I can change a few minds then at least I'm doing something. And all you have to do is talk to the public about it. Ok, I have a little story to prove that bowling is entertaining to talk about.

"Flights from Australia to Europe can take over 36 hours. So to pass the time, sometimes I play a game with my friendly neighboring passengers called: 'Who am I today?'. Basically when the question 'what do you do?' comes up, I make up a story and see how far I can go with it. I have been a policeman, a surgeon, a student and even a trainee pilot experiencing his first flight but none of these spark more interest then when I say "I am Jason Belmonte, a Professional Bowler.'

"People just don't know about bowling, when you teach them a little, they seem interested."

QUESTION: "Is the big lure of bowling on the PBA tour the world-wide exposure you can compared to winning an amateur tournament in Holland?"

ANSWER: "For me the lure was the challenge at competing against the hall of famers and current stars before they hung their shoes up. I wanted to bowl with and against Norm Duke, Pete Weber, Walter Ray Williams, Parker Bohn, Patrick Allen, Chris Barnes, Tommy Jones and Wes Malott.

"These guys are still at the top of their games and I wanted to beat them (well try to) while they were still at the top. I would of regretted not joining the tour early enough if some of these guys retired before I went out. Plus the PBA is the last hurdle in everyone's bowling career. I had success in Asia, Europe and Australia, it was time to move forward."

QUESTION:  "When you were growing up did you ever watch the PBA tour on any kind of TV feed in Australia and what did you think?"

ANSWER: "Australia didn't have the luxury of having the pro tour on TV when I was growing up, but we would buy tapes from the states to watch them. My first memory was watching Norm Duke rolling the ball coast to coast and shooting 279 to win a match. I looked at my dad and said I want to bowl like him... Well I got the coast to coast part right, but couldn't take my left hand off the ball to do it," he said with a laugh.

QUESTION:  "Will the long format PBA tournaments take any kind of toll on your body because of your two-handed delivery?"

ANSWER: "I know you may not believe me, but I have no pain at all, in any part of my body. I truly believe that I use less effort to bowl than any other power player out there."

He laughed and said, "I get no sore thumbs. And,  providing I look after myself, I cant see any injuries in the near future.

"But like all things in life, repetition of an action over a long period of time will cause something to hurt later down the road, I just think that day is much farther down the road than everyone thinks. I'll still be striking when I am 60, trust me!"

QUESTION: "How do you get help if your game goes sour or you feel that something isn't right with your timing when you are out on tour?"

ANSWER: "I know my game better than anyone. I look at tapes and I also ask for advice. I put all that information together and do what I think will help my game. Lately it has been learning to play on the PBA patterns. These patterns are so much different to what I am use to so  understanding ball motion and transitions on these patterns are much more complex.

"I am but a student and I am loving school right now."

QUESTION: "Do you think you can become another Dick Weber when it comes to promoting bowling and the PBA around the world and are you willing to make that personal sacrifice?"

ANSWER: "There never will be another Dick Weber. The man changed bowling forever and no one will be as selfless as he was. Some of the stories Pete (Weber) has told me about Dick were truly amazing.

"I will do what I can to promote and improve the image of bowling on a global scale. If I can achieve half of what Dick did for the sport then bowling will be in a much better place."

If Jason Belmonte can win three or four PBA titles every year then he will help guarantee bowling is in a  "much better place" to earn world-wide media recognition as a challenging sport.

And wouldn't it be a media splash if the PBA could import a kangaroo to carry fellow Australian Jason Belmonte's bowling ball into each bowling center?

Email address: Evans121@aol.com.