Dates, Contenders Set For PBA King Of The Lanes

When it was announced the PBA King of the Lanes was returning in July, it was assumed reigning king Wes Malott would be back to defend his crown.

Malott will indeed be back, but he will face a monumental test from established pros, rising stars, hall of famers and PWBA players if he wants to keep his perch.

The PBA announced the field of contenders along with broadcast details Thursday for another prime-time special event. The King of the Lanes will take place July 20-22 with six hours of live shows on FS1 (United States) and FloBowling (international).

During the original run of the PBA King of Bowling in 2009, Malott had an undefeated five-day run as the king and bowled two televised 300 games during that stretch. There have been other iterations of the King series and Malott has successfully defended his crown each time.

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The first King of the Lanes show, which will air July 20 at 8 p.m. Eastern, will feature bowling legends Norm Duke and Walter Ray Williams Jr. facing off in the contenders match for the right to take on Malott.

On the second show (July 20, 9 p.m. Eastern), Anthony Simonsen and EJ Tackett will battle in the contenders match taking on the reigning king, which will be either Malott, Duke or Williams.

Bill O’Neill will face Sean Rash in the contenders match on the third show (July 21, 7 p.m. Eastern) for the right to challenge the king. On the fourth show (July 21, 8 p.m. Eastern), Jakob Butturff and Clara Guerrero will face off as contenders.

The final night of broadcasts will see Kris Prather take on Gazmine Mason on July 22 at 8 p.m. Eastern for the right to battle the king. The final contenders match will showcase Kyle Troup against Pete Weber on July 22 at 9 p.m. Eastern.

All matches will be traditional 10-frame bowling games to determine winners.

The PBA King of the Lanes will be the back portion of a six-day stretch of live televised bowling. The PBA Tour Finals will take place July 18-19 on CBS Sports Network (United States) and FloBowling (international).

PBA King of the Lanes 

All times Eastern

Monday, July 20

King of the Lanes 1 – 8-9 p.m.Contenders match: Norm Duke vs. Walter Ray Williams Jr.
King match 1: King Wes Malott vs. contenders match winner

King of the Lanes 2 – 9-10 p.m.
Contenders match: Anthony Simonsen vs. EJ Tackett
King match 2: Winner from King 1 match vs. contenders match winner

Tuesday, July 21

King of the Lanes 3 – 7-8 p.m.Contenders match: Bill O'Neill vs. Sean Rash
King match 3: Winner from King 2 match vs. contenders match winner

King of the Lanes 4 – 8-9 p.m.
Contenders match: Jakob Butturff vs. Clara Guerrero
King match 4: Winner from King 3 match vs. contenders match winner

Wednesday, July 22

King of the Lanes 5 – 8-9 p.m.
Contenders match: Kris Prather vs. Gazmine Mason
King match 5: Winner from King 4 match vs. contenders match winner

King of the Lanes 6 – 9-10 p.m.Contenders match: Kyle Troup vs. Pete Weber
King match 6: Winner from King 5 match vs. contenders match winner