PBA NEWS

Same location, same opponent, different circumstances. Same result.
For the second consecutive year, Norm Duke defeated Ryan Shafer to a win a title at Woodland Bowl, but this one meant so much more.
Duke, who came into the week on the verge of losing his Denny's Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour exemption, defeated Shafer, 202-165 last Sunday to win the Denny's World Championship for his third career Major and 27th title overall.
The win gives Duke a much-needed two-season Tour exemption. The veteran has struggled through various injuries this season and came into the week 51st in the PBA World Point Rankings with just five events remaining. The top 39 via the point rankings earn exemptions at season's end.
Suffering from the flu all week, Duke showed his usual flair for the dramatic, gutting it out to advance to the final round, which moved him up to 37th in the point rankings. His win, however, means he doesnt have to worry about points for the next two years.
The Denny's PBA Tour this week moves to Columbus, Ohio for the 2008 Don Johnson Buckeye State Classic, Feb. 25-March 2 at Sequoia Pro Bowl. The live ESPN-televised finals take place Sunday, March 2 at 12:30 p.m. ET