2010 PBA World Series of Bowling Q & A

The 2010 Professional Bowlers Association World Series of Bowling provides a unique opportunity for PBA members to compete at the highest level. With a new format this season, PBA is providing answers to some commonly asked player entry questions. Check back with pba.com for additional developments and information about WSOB in the days and weeks to come.

Q. What are the dates for the WSOB events and where are they conducted?

A. The 2010 WSOB will be conducted Oct. 24-Nov. 6 at the South Point Bowling Center in Las Vegas.

Q. What is the breakdown of events during the run of the WSOB and how do they relate to the PBA World Championship?

A. Beginning Monday, Oct. 25, and over a span of five consecutive days, WSOB players will bowl 12 games on the Cheetah, Viper, Chameleon, Scorpion and Shark patterns, respectively, with the top 16 from each daily event advancing to match play during the second week. The finals for each animal pattern event will be taped by ESPN over two days (Nov. 5-6) for airing beginning Nov. 28.

The combined pinfall for 60 games across all animal pattern events will determine the standings for the PBA World Championship. The PBA World Championship will also incorporate a unique television format where the top eight qualifiers will advance to a live three-day television finale to be aired Jan. 14, 15 and 16 from South Point.

As a special WSOB feature, the top six U.S. and top six international finishers after the 60 games will square off in a U.S. vs. The World made-for-TV match.


Q. What is the WSOB and World Championship prize fund?

A. In all, the WSOB will award six PBA Tour titles and pay $635,000 in prize money. The top 16 players in each animal pattern event will earn prize money with the winner of each earning $15,000, a PBA Tour title and a berth in the Tournament of Champions.

The PBA World Championship will pay one in four based on 216 entries with a $2,000 low-to-cash. (Prize ratio is 1 in 3 up to 160 entries; 53 places will be paid for a field of 161-215). First prize in the World Championship will be $50,000.


Q. Do I have to be a PBA member to enter the WSOB?



A. You must be a “Full PBA Member” to enter the WSOB and “Standard Members” will have to upgrade to full status. However, the WSOB is also open to all Japan Professional Bowlers Association (JPBA), Korean Professional Bowlers Association (KPBA) and international World Tenpin Bowling Association (WTBA), non-U.S. members. If a prospective entrant does not fall into any of the above categories, he/she must become a PBA member at any time prior to entering the WSOB.



Q. How do I become a PBA member?



A. To obtain PBA membership information contact PBA at (206) 332-9688 or visit http://www.pba.com/Join/



Q. What is the entry fee for the WSOB?



A. For a $750 entry fee, bowlers are entered in six events including the PBA World Championship. In previous seasons, the entry fee alone for the PBA World Championship had been $500 for PBA members and $600 for non-members.



Q. I’m a Full PBA Member and I’m ready to enter. What is the entry process?



A. Members can enter on-line by clicking on the members’ login link on the pba.com and then Tournaments/Enter New Tournament and select World Series as the region. An entry form may be downloaded by logging onto the membership site where the entry form is the very first link on the opening page. Entrants also can request an entry form by calling (206) 332-9688. Entries may be scanned and e-mailed back to PBA, faxed to (206) 332-9722, or mailed to the PBA office.



Q. Is there a qualifying process for WSOB events?



A. No. There are no TQRs, just one even playing field with wall-to-wall competitive bowling at the highest level. If you aren’t a member but believe in your game, the WSOB is your reason to join the PBA.



Q. What is the philosophy behind this year’s WSOB concept and schedule?



A. The WSOB was designed to be the ultimate destination event for all PBA members. Multiple titles are up for grabs, a huge overall prize fund, nine nationally-televised shows. Also an affordable entry fee and accommodations all in one city for a short amount of time make it an affordable experience for entrants.



Q. Are there any special hotel rates for WSOB players?



A. Yes. WSOB host hotel South Point is offering a special $49 plus tax ($78 plus tax weekend) member room rate for the World Series. For room reservations and more information about the South Point Hotel, Casino and Bowling Center, visit www.southpointcasino.com or call 1-866-796-7111. The promotional code is ‘World Series of Bowling.’



Q. When will the tapings of the finals take place and when will they air?



A. Bowling fans will be able to attend the tapings of the finals for all the animal pattern events and the U.S. vs. The World match Nov. 5-6. The final rounds of the PBA World Championship will be televised live by ESPN Jan. 14, 15 & 16 from South Point Bowling Center marking the first time that a Tour event has been televised over multiple days similar to PGA and USTA events.



The taped shows will air on ESPN as follows: Cheetah Championship, Nov. 28; Viper Championship, Dec. 5; Chameleon Championship, Dec. 12; Scorpion Championship, Dec. 19; Shark Championship, Dec. 26; U.S. vs. The World match, Jan. 9.



The telecasts of the PBA World Championship final rounds will be the first live shows of the 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season.



Q. What equipment will I be allowed to use?



A. For a complete list of eligible equipment visit http://www.pba.com/resources/equipmentSponsors.asp?Type=1



Q. What’s the best way to follow WSOB action?



A. PBA.com and PBA.com’s Xtra Frame video service will provide comprehensive coverage of WSOB throughout its 14-day run. Xtra Frame schedule and subscription information may be found by visiting http://xtraframe.pba.com/.