Sunday's TV Match-ups for the PBA World Championship
Check out your complete guide to Sunday's TV match-ups for the PBA World Championship, complete with stats, history and interesting information. Tune in to the live telecast, Sunday, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. EST
2008 PBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Northrock Lanes
Wichita, Kan.
October 26, 2008
SUNDAY’S MATCH UPS
Semfinal #1: No. 2 Norm Duke vs. No. 3 Sean Rash
Semifinal #2: No. 16 Chris Barnes vs. No. 20 Steve Jaros
Title Match: Winner of Semifinal #1 vs. Winner of Semifinal #2
2008 PBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZE BREAKDOWN:
1st -- $50,000 (+ two-year exemption)
2nd -- $25,000
3rd -- $11,500
4th -- $11,500
Tournament Purse -- $250,000
2008 PBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – BY THE NUMBERS
Field Size – 195
PBA Entries – 150
Amateur Entries – 45
Format:
- 18 qualifying games
Cut to top 53
- Nine additional qualifying games
Cut to top 40 for match play – Top eight receive byes into Super 16
- Best-of-seven-games match play
Round of 16 winners bowl top eight from qualifying in Round of Super 16
- Final four advance to championship round
QUALIFYING LEADERS
Round 1 – Todd Book
Round 2 – Troy Wollenbecker
Round 3 – Sean Rash
Round 4 – Jason Belmonte
FINALISTS 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Rd. 32 Rd.16 S16 ___Rd.8_
Norm Duke 23 53 26 2 Bye Bye 4-0 4-1
Sean Rash 2 7 1 3 Bye Bye 4-2 4-3
Chris Barnes 3 12 30 16 4-0 4-3 4-3 4-3
Steve Jaros 14 21 15 20 4-0 4-1 4-2 4-0
SUNDAY’S FINALISTS
No. 2 Norm Duke
Qualified 2nd, 225.04 average (over 27 games)
Match Play: 8-1, 255.66 average
Round of 32: BYE
Round of 16: BYE
Round of Super 16: def. #18 Mike Scroggins (4-0)
Round of 8: def. #7 Parker Bohn III (4-1)
No. 3 Sean Rash
Qualified 3rd, 224.59 average (over 27 games)
Match Play: 8-4, 214.58 average
Round of 32: BYE
Round of 16: BYE
Round of Super 16: def. #30 Eugene McClure (4-2)
Round of 8: def. #38 Michael Fagan (4-2)
No. 16 Chris Barnes
Qualified 16th , 217.41 average (over 27 games)
Match Play: 16-8, 226.5 average
Round of 32: def. #32 Dino Castillo (4-0)
Round of 16: def. #17 Tom Baker (4-3)
Round of Super 16: def. #1 Jason Belmonte (4-2)
Round of 8: def. #8 Todd Book (4-3)
No. 20 Steve Jaros
Qualified 20th, 216.22 average (over 27 games)
Match Play: 16-3, 233.12 average
Round of 32: def. #32 Jeremy Hunt (4-0)
Round of 16: def. #36 Jason Sterner (4-1)
Round of Super 16: def. #4 Steve Harman (4-2)
Round of 8: def. #12 Mika Koivuniemi (4-0)
QUALIFYING, MATCH PLAY AND TOURNAMENT AVERAGES
Name Qualifying Match Play Overall
Norm Duke 225.04 255.66 231.44
Sean Rash 224.59 214.58 221.51
Chris Barnes 217.41 226.5 221.69
Steve Jaros 216.22 233.12 223.20
MATCH PLAY STATISTICAL RANKS FOR 2008 DENNY’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Avg. Strike Pct. Spare Pct. w/splits
Duke 231.44 72.12 92.31
Rash 221.51 57.97 69.81
Barnes 221.69 59.04 85.15
Jaros 223.20 67.76 72.73
HIGHS AND LOWS OF THE 2008 PBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - MP ONLY
Name High Game Low Game
Duke 288(Rd. S-16, Gm. 3) 216(Rd. 8, Gm. 3)
Rash 256 (Rd. 8, Gm. 4) 149 (Rd. 8, Gm. 5)
Barnes 266 (Twice Rd.32, Gm2.& Rd.16, Gm5 ) 172 (Rd. 16, Gm. 1)
Jaros 278 (Rd. 8, Gm. 4) 164 (Rd. S-16, Gm. 5)
HIGHS AND LOWS OF THE 2008 PBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - QUALIFYING
Name High Game Low Game
Duke 279 (Gm. 19) 174 (Gm. 22)
Rash 280 (Gm. 1) 157 (Gm. 16)
Barnes 268 (Gm. 2) 169 (Gm. 14)
Jaros 270 (Gm. 1) 163 (Gm.15)
AVERAGES IN WINS, LOSSES
Wins Losses
Duke 255.00 216.00
Rash 224.38 195.00
Barnes 236.63 206.63
Jaros 239.18 207.33
FINALIST TITLES
NAME 43 TITLES 9 MAJORS
Norm Duke 24 5 (93 USBC Masters, 94 Tournament of Champions,
2000 PBA National Championship, 08 Dennys
World Championship, 08 65th Denny’s US Open)
Sean Rash 3 1 (07 USBC Masters)
ChrisBarnes 10 2
Steve Jaros 6 1 (05 Tournament of Champions)
2007-2008 FINISHES
Norm Duke
Tournament/Finish
65th Denny’s U.S. Open/1st
GEICO Classic/5th
Go RVing Classic/17th
Don Johnson Buckeye State Classic/27th
Denny's World Championship/1st
Pepsi Championship/19th
Bayer Classic/35th
H&R Block Tournament of Champions/34th
Lumber Liquidators Earl Anthony Medford Classic/50th
ConstructionJobs.com Championship/9th
Lake County Indiana Classic presented by United Way/45th
Etonic Championship/12th
Motor City Classic/26th
USBC Masters/10th
Dydo Japan Cup 2007/44th
Sean Rash
Tournament/Finish
65th Denny’s U.S. Open/29th
GEICO Classic/12th
Go RVing Classic/44th
Don Johnson Buckeye State Classic/30th
Denny's World Championship/15th
Pepsi Championship/31st
Bayer Classic/8th
H&R Block Tournament of Champions/11th
PBA Exempt Doubles Classic/37th
Motel 6 Dick Weber Open/58th
Lumber Liquidators Earl Anthony Medford Classic/82nd
ConstructionJobs.com Championship/34th
Spartanburg Classic/11th
Lumber Liquidators Championship/35th
Great Lakes Classic/6th
CLR Windy City Classic/16th
Lake County Indiana Classic presented by United Way/8th
Etonic Championship/40th
Motor City Classic/44th
USBC Masters/1st
Dydo Japan Cup/12th
Chris Barnes
Tournament/Finish
65th Denny’s U.S. Open/50th
GEICO Classic/10th
Go RVing Classic/37th
Don Johnson Buckeye State Classic/1st
Denny's World Championship/16th
Pepsi Championship/7th
Bayer Classic/1st
H&R Block Tournament of Champions/2nd
PBA Exempt Doubles Classic/4th
Motel 6 Dick Weber Open/2nd
Lumber Liquidators Earl Anthony Medford Classic/42nd
ConstructionJobs.com Championship/31st
Spartanburg Classic/12th
Lumber Liquidators Championship/8th
Great Lakes Classic/13th
CLR Windy City Classic/3rd
Lake County Indiana Classic presented by United Way/3rd
Etonic Championship/4th
Motor City Classic/14th
USBC Masters/25th
Dydo Japan Cup 2007/34th
Steve Jaros
65th Denny’s U.S. Open/54th
GEICO Classic/8th
Go RVing Classic/54th
Don Johnson Buckeye State Classic/35th
Denny's World Championship/75th
Pepsi Championship/15th
Bayer Classic/34th
H&R Block Tournament of Champions/44th
PBA Exempt Doubles Classic/10th
Motel 6 Dick Weber Open/26th
Lumber Liquidators Earl Anthony Medford Classic/26th
ConstructionJobs.com Championship/37th
Spartanburg Classic/39th
Lumber Liquidators Championship/44th
Great Lakes Classic/37th
CLR Windy City Classic/12th
Lake County Indiana Classic presented by United Way/5th
Etonic Championship/60th
Motor City Classic/18th
USBC Masters/2nd
Dydo Japan Cup 2007/41st
SUNDAY’S FINALISTS ON TV IN 2007-08
DUKE
5-0 with a 227 average in five matches.
Event Opp. Result
Denny’s World Championship Walter Ray Williams, Jr. W, 208-180
Indianapolis, IN Ryan Shafer W, 202-165
65th Denny’s US Open, Doug Kent W, 234-160
New Brunswick, NJ Chris Loschetter W, 267-245
Mika Koivuniemi W, 224-216
RASH
Rash is 1-0 with a 369 average in one match.
Event Opp. Result
USBC Masters, Milwaukee, WI Steve Jaros W, 269-245
BARNES:
5-6 with a 219.64 average in eleven matches
Event Opp. Result
Etonic Championship, Cheektowaga, NY Mike Wolfe L, 235-236
Lake County Indiana Classic, Merrilville, IN Wes Malott L, 228-268
CLR Windy City Classic, Vernon Hills, IL Brad Angelo L, 151-162
Lumber Liquidators Championship, Baltimore Devaney/Warren/Williams Jr. L, 248-258/257/196
2008 Motel 6 Dick Weber Open Mike Scroggins L,171-226
Fountain Valley, CA
2008 H&R Block Tournament of Champions
Las Vegas, NV Ryan Shafer W, 257-205
Michael Haugen, Jr. L, 214-215
2008 Bayer Classic, El Paso, TX Koivuniemi W,240-198
Tommy Jones W, 241-158
2008 Don Johnson Buckeye State Classic
Columbus, OH Mika Koivuniemi W, 222-213
Ken Simard W, 209-197
JAROS
2-1 with a 271.33 average in three matches.
Event Opp. Result
USBC Masters, Milwaukee, WI Walter Ray Williams, Jr. W, 279-254
Patrick Allen W, 290-233
Sean Rash L, 245-269
FINALISTS VS. EACH OTHER ON TV
DUKE VS.
Barnes:
- Is 2-1 in three matches
o Lost to Barnes 207-278 at the 1999 PBA Oregon Open in the title match.
o Defeated Barnes 236-228 at the 2000 MSN Open in the title match.
o Defeated Barnes -247-217 at the 2003 PBA Greater KC Classic in the title match
Jaros
- Is 2-0 in two matches
o Defeated Jaros 279-236 at the 1993 Greater Detroit Open in the title match.
o Defeated Jaros -276-266 at the 2000 Brunswick Prosource Don Carter Classic in the title match.
RASH VS.
Jaros
- Is 1-0 in one match
o Defeated Jaros 269-245 at the 2007 USBC Masters in the title match.
BARNES VS.
Duke
- Is 1-2 with a 241 average in three matches
o Defeated Duke 278-207 in the 1999 PBA Oregon Open in the title match.
o Lost to Duke 228-236 in the 2000 MSN Open in the title match.
o Lost to Duke in 217-247 the 2003 PBA Greater KC Classic in the title match.
Jaros
- Is 2-0 with a 223.5 in two matches
o Defeated Jaros 234-227 at the 2006 Dexter Tournament of Champions in the title match.
o Defeated Jaros 215-213 at the 2006 Dydo Japan Cup in the title match.
JAROS VS.
Barnes
- is 0-2 in two matches
o Lost to Barnes 227-234 at the 2006 Dexter Tournament of Champions in the title match.
o Lost to Barnes 213-215 at the 2006 Dydo Cup in the title match.
Duke
- Is 0-2 in two matches
o Lost to Duke 236-279 at the 1993 Greater Detroit Open in the title match.
o Lost to Duke 266-276 at the 2000 Brunswick Prosource Don Carter Classic in the title match.
Rash
- Is 0-1 in one match
o Lost to Rash 245-269 at the 2007 USBC Masters in the title match.
CAREER ROLL-OFF RECORDS
(One ball, sudden-death format to break ties)
Duke 7-3-2
Rash 2-2-1
Barnes 4-5-4
Jaros 0-2-2
PBA PERFECTION
2008 PBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 300 Games (3) – Jason Belmonte (Rd. 3 qualifying), Dino Castillo (Rd. 3 qualifying), Tom Baker (Round of 32, Game 6)
During the 2007-08 season, there were 101 perfect games in 21 tournaments for an average of 4.81 per tournament.
Season 300 Games # of Tournaments Avg. per Tournament
2007-08 101 21 4.81
2006-07 119 21 5.67
2005-06 86 22 3.91
ALL-TIME PBA 300 GAMES ON TV (LUMBER LIQUIDATORS PBA TOUR) – 18
Name Opponent (score) Date Tournament City
1. *Jack Biondolillo Les Schissler (216) April 1, 1967 Akron OH
2. John Guenther Don Johnson (189) Feb. 1, 1969 San Jose, CA
3. Jim Stefanich Glenn Carlson (243) Jan. 5, 1974 Alameda, CA
4. Pete McCordic Wayne Webb (249) Jan. 31, 1987 Torrance, CA
5. @# Bob Benoit Mark Roth (255) Jan. 23, 1988 Grand Prairie, TX
6. # Michael Aulby David Ozio (279) July 31, 1993 Wichita, KS
7. Johnny Petraglia W.R. Williams Jr. (194) March 5, 1994 Toledo, OH
8. Butch Soper Bob Benoit (236) July 12, 1994 Reno, NV
9. @C.K. Moore Parker Bohn III (192) Feb. 2, 1996 Austin, TX
10. Bob Learn Jr. Johnny Petraglia (279) April 6, 1996 Erie, PA
11. Steve Hoskins W.R. Williams Jr. (234) Oct. 15, 1997 Rochester, NY
12. Parker Bohn III Chris Sand (246) May 9, 1998 Reno, NV
Michael Mullin (191)
13. ►Steve Jaros Ricky Ward (200) Feb. 13, 1999 Chattanooga, TN
14. Mike Miller Danny Wiseman (266) June 20, 1999 Reno, NV
Tim Criss (224)
15. ►Norm Duke W.R. Williams Jr. (213) Jan. 5, 2003 Tacoma, WA
16. Mika Koivuniemi Jason Couch (248) Dec. 7, 2003 Windsor Locks, CT
17. @Tony Reyes Parker Bohn III (215) Nov. 5, 2006 Taylor, MI
18. Ryan Shafer Jeff Carter (228) March 18, 2007 Indianapolis, IN
# - Title match @ - Won first title same show
**TELEVISED 300 GAME BONUS**
- Any finalist rolling a 300 game this week in the championship round will earn a $10,000 bonus, compliments of the PBA.
ALL-TIME LUMBER LIQUIDATORS PBA TOUR “7-10 SPLIT” CONVERSIONS ON TV – 3
1. Mark Roth (1980, Alameda, CA)
2. John Mazza (1991, Sunrise, FL)
3. Jess Stayrook (1991, Tucson, AZ)
2007-08 STATISTICS
FINAL 2007-08 PBA WORLD POINT RANKINGS
1. Walter Ray Williams Jr. 258,326.5
2. ►Chris Barnes 237,768.2
3. Wes Malott 231,148.5
4. Mika Koivuniemi 207,641.5
5. Mike Scroggins 187,837.5
6. Patrick Allen 184,085
7. Tommy Jones 175,429
8. Chris Loschetter 171,165
9. Rhino Page 167,921. 7
10. ►Sean Rash 164,349
---
19. ►Norm Duke 130,578.5
20. ►Steve Jaros 129,197
FINAL 2007-08 MONEY LEADERS
1. ►Norm Duke $176,855
2. Mika Koivuniemi $159,580
3. ►Sean Rash $151,500
4. Walter Ray Williams Jr.$144,220
5. ►Chris Barnes $142,410
6. Wes Malott $108,900
7. Patrick Allen $107,680
8. Tommy Jones $103,505
9. Michael Haugen Jr. $101,820
10. Mike Scroggins $100,400
---
►Steve Jaros $89,855
2007-08 AVERAGE LEADERS (min. 200 games)
1. Walter Ray Williams Jr. 228.34
2. ►Chris Barnes 225.18
3. Wes Malott 223.77
4. Rhino Page 223.42
5. Patrick Allen 222.19
6. Mike Scroggins 221.89
7. Mika Koivuniemi 221.69
8. Pete Weber 221.16
9. Michael Haugen Jr. 220.89
10. Tommy Jones 220.27
---
12. ►Norm Duke 218.76
15. ►Sean Rash 217.96
19. ►Steve Jaros 217.37
MOST TOP 8 FINISHES IN 2007-08
1. ►Chris Barnes 10
Wes Malott 10
Walter Ray Williams Jr. 10
4. Pete Weber 8
5. Patrick Allen 7
Mika Koivuniemi 7
7. Rhino Page 6
Mike Scroggins 6
9. Parker Bohn III 5
Mike DeVaney 5
Chris Loschetter 5
MOST TV APPEARANCES IN 2007-08
1. ►Chris Barnes 9
2. Walter Ray Williams Jr. 8
3. Wes Malott 6
Mika Koivuniemi 6
Mike Scroggins 6
6. Patrick Allen 5
Rhino Page 5
8. Pete Weber 4
300 GAME LEADERS IN 2007-08
1. Walter Ray Williams Jr. 6
2. Michael Fagan 4
Rhino Page 4
Mike Scroggins 4
Jack Jurek 3
Chris Loschetter 3
Bill O'Neill 3
►Sean Rash 3
7. 19 tied with 2
ALL-TIME LUMBER LIQUIDATORS PBA TOUR CHAMPIONS
Pos. Name Titles
1. Walter Ray Williams Jr. 44
2. Earl Anthony 41
3. Mark Roth 34
Pete Weber 34
5. Parker Bohn III 31
---
6. ►Norm Duke 29
ALL-TIME PBA MONEY LEADERS
Pos. Name Earnings
1. Walter Ray Williams Jr. $3,993,186
2. Pete Weber $3,230,394
3. Parker Bohn III $2,694,717
4. ►Norm Duke $2,602,414
5. Brian Voss $2,373,828
A L L - T I M E W O R L D C H A M P I O N S H I P W I N N E R S
Name Tournament Place City, State
Don Carter 1960 PBA National Championship Imperial Lanes Memphis, TN
Dave Soutar 1961 PBA National Championship Eastgate Coliseum Cleveland, OH
Carmen Salvino 1962 PBA National Championship Boulevard Lanes Philadelphia, PA
Billy Hardwick 1963 PBA National Championship Garden City Lanes Garden City, NY
Bob Strampe 1964 PBA National Championship Garden City Lanes Garden City, NY
Dave Davis 1965 PBA National Championship Continental Lanes Detroit, MI
Wayne Zahn 1966 PBA National Championship Garden City Lanes Garden City, NY
Dave Davis 1967 PBA National Championship Madison Square Garden New York, NY
Wayne Zahn 1968 PBA National Championship Madison Square Garden New York, NY
Mike McGrath 1969 PBA National Championship Garden City Bowl Garden City, NY
Mike McGrath 1970 PBA National Championship Garden City Bowl Garden City, NY
Mike Limongello 1971 PBA National Championship Paramus Bowl Paramus, NJ
John Guenther 1972 PBA National Championship Henrietta Lanes Rochester, NY
Earl Anthony 1973 PBA National Championship Hilander Bowling Palace Okla. City, OK
Earl Anthony 1974 Brunswick PBA Natl Championship Brunswick Wonderbowl Downey, CA
Earl Anthony 1975 PBA National Championship Brunswick Wonderbowl Downey, CA
Paul Colwell 1976 PBA National Championship Leilani Lanes Seattle, WA
Tommy Hudson 1977 Columbia PBA National Championship L eilani Lanes Seattle, WA
Warren Nelson 1978 MGM PBA National Championship MGM Grand Lanes Reno, NV
Mike Aulby 1979 Showboat PBA National Championship Showboat Lanes Las Vegas, NV
Johnny Petraglia 1980 PBA National Championship Sunnybrook Lanes Detroit, MI
Earl Anthony 1981 Toledo Trust PBA NatlChampionship Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Earl Anthony 1982 Toledo Trust PBA Natl Championship Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Earl Anthony 1983 Toledo Trust PBA Natl Championship Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Bob Chamberlain 1984 Toledo Trust PBA Natl Championship Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Mike Aulby 1985 Toledo Trust PBA NatlChampionship Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Tommy Crites 1986 Toledo Trust PBA Natl Championship Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Randy Pedersen 1987 Toledo Trust PBA Natl Championship Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Brian Voss 1988 Trustcorp PBA Natl Championship Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Pete Weber 1989 Trustcorp PBA Natl Championship Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Jim Pencak 1990 Society Bank National Championship Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Mike Miller 1991 PBA National Championship Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Eric Forkel 1992 PBA National Championship Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Ron Palombi 1993 Bud Light PBA National Championship Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
David Traber 1994 PBA National Championship Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Scott Alexander 1995 PBA National Championship Ducat's Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Butch Soper 1996 PBA National Championship Ducat's Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Rick Steelsmith 1997 PBA National Championship Ducat's Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Pete Weber 1998 PBA National Championship Ducat's Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Tim Criss 1999 PBA National Championship Ducat's Imperial Lanes Toledo, OH
Norm Duke 2000 PBA National Championship Southwyck Lanes Toledo, OH
Walter Ray Williams Jr. 2001 PBA National Championship Southwyck Lanes Toledo, OH
Doug Kent 2002 PBA World Championship Southwyck Lanes Toledo, OH
Walter Ray Williams Jr. 2003 PBA World Championship Taylor Lanes Taylor, MI
Tom Baker 2004 PBA World Championship Taylor Lanes/EMU CC Taylor/Ypsilanti, MI
Patrick Allen 2005 Denny’s World Championship Taylor Lanes/EMU CC Taylor/Ypsilanti, MI
Walter Ray Williams Jr. 2006 Denny’s World Championship Woodland Bowl Indianapolis, IN
Doug Kent 2006-07 Denny’s World Championship Spectrum Lanes/DeVos Wyo./Grand Rapids, MI
Norm Duke 2007-08 Denny’s World Championship Woodland Bowl Indianapolis, IN
THIS WEEK IN THE LUMBER LIQUIDATORS PBA TOUR NOTES
ROLLING STRONG, KICKING OFF
The PBA is celebrating its 50th anniversary during the 2008-09 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season. The PBA continues “Rolling Strong” as it kicks off its 50th season with the PBA World Championship in Wichita. This event is the first Major of the 2008-09 season.
THE PBA IN WICHITA
The PBA World Championship marks the first time Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour has held an event in Wichita since the 2002 PBA Wichita Open. Wichita has a rich bowling history with numerous talented bowlers coming out of the Wichita State University Bowling team program, whose men’s team won the 2008 Men’s Intercollegiate Team Championships.
THE PBA AT NORTHROCK LANES
Northrock Lanes has hosted 12 PBA Tour events:
2002 PBA Wichita Open - Dave D’Entremont defeated Chris Barnes 202-179
2000 Wichita Open - Ryan Shafer defeated Bob Learn Jr. 217-205
1999 Brunswick ProSource Open – Rick Lawrence def. Parker Bohn III 248-221
1998 Brunswick Circuit Pro Bowling Classic – Norm Duke def. Ryan Shafer 245-195
1997 Wichita Open – Brian Voss def. Parker Bohn III 226-201
1996 Kingpin Classic – Jess Stayrook def. Butch Soper 228-214
1993 Wichita Open – Mike Aulby def. David Ozio 300-214
1992 Wichita Open – Mike Miller def. Ron Williams 202-198
1991 Wichita Open – Chris Warren def. Eric Forkel 238-210
1990 Wichita Open – Amleto Monacelli def. Walter Ray Williams Jr. 222-203
1989 Wichita Open – Amleto Monacelli def. Tony Westlake 204-196
1970 Centennial Open – Skee Foremsky def. Dave Davis 232-195
WICH OLD WICH
Wichita is the most populous
city in the
U.S. state of
Kansas, and the county seat of
Sedgwick County. The 2006 estimated population of 361,420 makes it the 51st largest city in the U.S.
[
Wichita was incorporated in 1870, based on the success of businessmen who came to hunt and trade with native populations. Its position on the
Chisholm Trail made it a destination for cattle drives headed north to access railroads to eastern markets.
In 2008, MSN Real Estate ranked Wichita 1st on its list of most affordable cities to live in.
PBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
- This is the 50th World Championship event.
- This marks the first time the World Championship has been held in Wichita.
- Prior to 2002, the World Championship was known as the PBA National Championship.
- In 1967, Dave Davis became the first two-time National Champion after winning his first in 1965. In 1970, Mike McGrath became the first bowler to win the PBA National Championship in consecutive years.
- Earl Anthony dominated the event in the 1970s and ‘80s, winning the event six times. He won three consecutive National Championships from 1973-75 and again from 1981-83. He is the only bowler to win the event three years in a row.
- The first PBA National Championship was held in Memphis, Tenn., and was won by Don Carter.
- Toledo, Ohio, hosted the PBA National Championship for 22 consecutive years from 1981-2002.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Wichita resident Sean Rash returns home in his third season as an exempt bowler. After becoming the first bowler in Tour history to win a title after qualifying for an event through the PBA Tour Qualifying Round, Rash went on to win four career Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour titles, including one major. Rash won the first tournament of the 2007-08 season (also a Major) – the USBC Masters – and looks to continue that streak by winning the first tournament of the 2008-09 season.
THREE-PEAT
Defending champion Norm Duke is looking to make PBA history today by becoming the first person to win three straight Majors. In the 2007-08 season, Duke rallied from injuries to perform one of the greatest late-season runs in PBA history, winning the final two Majors of the season. His victories at the Denny’s World Championship and 65th Denny’s U.S. Open secured a three-season exemption on the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour and Brought his career titles to 29,
The last player who successfully defended the PBA World Championships was in 1983 when Earl Anthony defeated Mike Durbin, 210-183 to win not two but three straight PBA World Championships (1981-1983). Anthony is the only bowler in PBA history to win the event three years in a row. Not only did Anthony win the PBA World Championship from 1973-1975, but he tied his own record when he won three straight PBA World Championships from 1981-1983.
MELTING POT
The PBA World Championship featured bowlers from 12 countries around the globe, making it one of the most internationally mixed competitions of the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season. Before the 2007-08 season, only PBA members were allowed to compete in the World Championship. This change has allowed for international players to compete this week.
- Australia: Stephen Cowland (finished 126th), Jason Belmonte (finished 10th)
- Argentina: Lucas Legnani (finished 53rd)
- Canada: Art Oliver, Jr. (finished 158th)
- Colombia: Clara Guerrero (finished 130th)
- Finland: Mika Koivuniemi (finished 8th)
- Iceland: Stefan Claessen (finished 141st)
- Malaysia: Shalin Zulkifli (finished 101st)
- Mexico: Enrique Calvo (finished 102nd); Humberto Vazquez (finished 188th)
- Poland: Marek Pzezpolewski (114th)
- Puerto Rico: Frankie Colon, Jr. (114th), Luis Rodriguez (109th)
- Thailand: Yannaphon Larpaharat (finished 49th)
A FINNISH FINISH
Mika Koivuniemi is the only international player to make it past the Super 16 this week, though he lost in the Round of 8. He defeated all-time Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour titlist Walter Ray Williams Jr. 4-2 in the Round of 16.
LADIES ROOM
Though the PBA Women’s Series does not kick off until next week’s Pepsi Viper Championship in Omaha, Neb., a number of women entered the field for this week’s World Championship. They are:
- Lindsay Baker (Amherst, N.Y.) – High finisher (69th)
- Clara Guerrero (Columbia) – 130th
- Brenda Mack (Indianapolis) – 150th
- Stefanie Nation (Arlington, Tex.) – 128th
- Olivia Sandham (Wichita, Kan.) – 91st
- Katie Verbil (Wichita, Kan.) – 178th
- Felicia Wong (Wichita, Kan.) – 104th
- Shalin Zulkifli (Malaysia) – 101st
- Ricki Williams (Wichita, Kan.) – 148th
THE 300 CLUB
Three bowlers bowled perfect games this week:
Dino Castillo – Qualifying Round – Block 3
Jason Belmonte – Qualifying Round – Block 3
Tom Baker – Round of 32 – Match Play Game 6
DOWN TO THE WIRE
This week’s play has been filled with some close calls and near-misses.
· Jason Sterner, John Nolen and Jeff Carter tied for the 52nd spot forcing a one-game roll-off with two advancing to Friday’s semifinals. In a very close match, Sterner struck out in the 10th, shooting 239 and Carter threw the first strike in the 10th to shoot 231, both advancing over Nolan’s 222.
· Tommy Delutz Jr. (Flushing, N.Y.) and Randy Weiss (Columbia, S.C.) tied for the 40th spot, forcing a one game roll-off, in which Delutz Jr. came out victorious shooting 234-160.
· Chris Collins and Michael Fagan tied during the first game of the Round of 32 match play at 223. In the one-game roll-off, Collins won 10-8.
· Fagan tied again, this time with Doug Kent in Game 5 of the Super 16. The first ball ended in a tie, then Fagan pulled out the win 20-17.
A UNIQUE PATTERN
This week marks the only time that the World Championship oil pattern will be used for the duration of the 2008-09 season.
THE CAMERA LOVES HIM
Today marks the 100th singles television appearance of Norm Duke (he has one doubles appearance).
DUKE TROOP
The Duke Troop was out in full force during the Round of Super 16, chanting the ever-familar “DUKKEEEE!” after every shot. Duke’s fans had a lot to cheer about during Game Three, when Duke nearly reached perfection shooting 288 after leaving a 4, 7 spare in the 11th frame.
SHOCKER SHOWDOWN
If Chris Barnes and Sean Rash advance to today’s final, it will be an all-Wichita State alumni final.
COMEBACK KID
Chris Barnes came from behind to win each of his match play rounds this week.
JUST LIKE SECRETARIAT
If reigning 2007-07 PBA Player of the Year Chris Barnes wins this tournament, he will become the 6th PBA player in history to win the Triple Crown (the World Championship, the Tournament of Champions and the US Open). He won the Tournament of Champions in 2006 and the US Open in 2005.
MOST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP/NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES
No. Name Titles Years
1. Earl Anthony 6 73, 74, 75, 81, 82, 83
2. Walter Ray Williams Jr. 3 01, 03, 06
3. Pete Weber 2 89, 98
Mike Aulby 2 79, 85
Dave Davis 2 65, 67
Doug Kent 2 02, 07
Mike McGrath 2 69, 70
Wayne Zahn 2 66, 68
SUNDAY’S FINALISTS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
Name Finish Year Place
Norm Duke 2nd 1991 Toledo, OH
4th 1997 Toledo, OH
1st 2000 Toledo, OH
1st 2008 Indianapolis
Sean Rash Is making his first World Championships finals appearance
Chris Barnes 2nd 1999 Toledo, OH
5th 2000 Toledo, OH
3rd 2007 Grand Rapids, MI
Steve Jaros Is making his first U.S. Open finals appearance
FORMER CHAMPS IN THIS WEEK’S FIELD
Name Year(s) Won ‘08-09 Finish
Patrick Allen 2005 18th
Tom Baker 2004 17th
►Norm Duke 2000, 2007-08 ?
Doug Kent 2002, ‘07 12th
Randy Pedersen 1987 56th
David Traber 1994 59th
Pete Weber 1998, ’89 15th
Walter Ray Williams Jr. 2006, ’03, ’01 19th
PBA HALL OF FAMERS AND NATIONAL/WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Back in the day, winning a PBA National Championship almost guaranteed a bowler a spot in the PBA Hall of Fame as the first 18 winners of the PBA National Championship went on to enter the PBA Hall of Fame until Warren Nelson’s win in 1978. Overall, 31 of the 48 winners have ended up in the PBA Hall of Fame while three others will most likely enter the Hall someday (►Norm Duke, Doug Kent and Randy Pedersen). Below is a list of PBA Hall of Famers who have won a World/National Championship.
Don Carter (1960)
Dave Soutar (1961)
Carmen Salvino (1962)
Billy Hardwick (1963)
Bob Strampe (1964)
Dave Davis (1965, 67)
Wayne Zahn (1966, 68)
Mike McGrath (1969, 70)
Mike Limongello (1971)
John Guenther (1972)
Earl Anthony (1973-75, 1981-83)
Paul Colwell (1976)
Tommy Hudson (1977)
Mike Aulby (1979, 82)
Johnny Petraglia (1980)
Brian Voss (1988)
Pete Weber (1989, 98)
Walter Ray Williams Jr. (2001, 03, 07)
Tom Baker (2004)
YOUNGEST TO WIN PBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Name Age Year
Mike Aulby 19 years, 83 days 1979
OLDEST TO WIN PBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Name Age Year
Tom Baker 49 years, 192 days 2003-04
300 GAMES IN MAJOR FINALS
With just 18 televised 300 games ever bowled in Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour history, it’s well documented how difficult the feat is. What’s even rarer is a televised 300 game in a Major final. It’s only happened three times in the history of the PBA:
No. Name Opponent Event
1. Jack Biondolillo Les Schissler 1967 T of C
2. Johnny Petraglia Walter Ray Williams Jr. 1994 National Championship
3. Parker Bohn III Chris Sands 1998 ABC Masters
MOST CAREER MAJOR TITLES
No. Name Number Majors Won
1. Earl Anthony 10 (6 NC, 2 Masters, 2 TOC)
2. Mike Aulby 8 (3 Masters, 2 NC, 1 US, 1 TOC, 1 TPC)
Pete Weber 8 (4 US, 2 NC, 1 TOC, 1 TPC)
4. Walter Ray Williams Jr. 7 (3 NC/WC, 2 US, 1 Masters, 1 TPC)
5. Don Carter 6 (4 All-Stars, 1 Masters, 1 NC)
6. ►Norm Duke 5 (2 NC/WC, 1 Masters, 1 TOC, 1 US)
7. Del Ballard Jr. 4 (2 US, 1 Masters, 1 TOC)
Jason Couch 4 (3 TOC, 1 TPC)
Dave Davis 4 (2 NC, 2 TOC)
Marshall Holman 4 (2 TOC, 2 US)
Dave Husted 4 (3 US, 1 TPC)
Doug Kent 4 (2 Masters, 2 WC)
Dick Weber 4 (4 All-Stars)
CHRIS PAUL CELEBRITY BOWLING INVITATIONAL KICKS OFF PBA ESPN TELECASTS
Viewers enjoyed a unique treat on ESPN during the first telecast of the 2008-09 season as they watched recent Olympic gold medalists and NBA stars Chris Paul, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade headline pairings with stars of the PBA in the inaugural Chris Paul PBA Celebrity Invitational presented by the brands of Ebonite International. James, along with PBA bowler Jason Couch, won the Invitational by defeating No. 1 seed Chris Paul and 2007-08 PBA Player of the Year ►Chris Barnes 214-195 in the championship match.