As a bowler, I for one really liked the format on Sunday. a few adjustments to it, like more continuos bowling during the first two matches like they used to when they showed two matches at a time, to help speed things up a bit. Then go to the standard one frame then two, then two, etc.. for the final match. It seems as though too many times, the number one seed during step ladder finals, or the bowler who wins match number one, has an unfair disadvantage going into the title match because of sitting out the past match. This way, if you lead the tourney, you have a better chance of watching the transition, and are able to stay on top of the shot. I also think that with this format, there should be no practice balls in between matches, since every player just got done bowling on the pair.

It just seems really fair to me. What are your thoughts?
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Tommy Gollick
Storm Regional/Pro Shop staff
Red Crown Pro Shop Harrisburg, PA
stormbowling.com

Sponsors want our attention.  Only between games & they just might not sponsor.  "It's all about the Benjamins".  Format was different though, that's for sure.  Like the Plastic ball tourny, once a year is cool.
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"The last time I saw a mouth like that, it had a hook in it." Rodney Dangerfield

I completely disagree with phoneman. A pocket seven ten, or bad rack after you have used two re-racks, says you bowl the best you can no matter what. Anything can happen when using a round object to knock down pins 60 feet away. They still have to bowl their best every shot. The principle is still the same, one other bowler, or three other bowlers, you still have to bet one man. That does not change.

As far as trying so hard during the week, being the number one seed pairs you up against number 32, and being number one seed guaranties at least second place money during step ladder finals. Also points for exemptions are at risk.
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Tommy Gollick
Storm Regional/Pro Shop staff
Red Crown Pro Shop Harrisburg, PA
stormbowling.com

You can end up finishing third/fourth (same money) in bracket finals as number one seed, which is what they seem to primarily be using.
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Tommy Gollick
Storm Regional/Pro Shop staff
Red Crown Pro Shop Harrisburg, PA
stormbowling.com

Edited on 3/10/2009 12:40 PM

Tommy you make a good point but I counter.  

If your head to head opponent is locked on and shoots 260 then you have to be locked on.  With 4 bowlers in the first match it was almost a gaurentee that one of the bowlers would not shoot a good game (Rhino).  There fore you did not have to shoot your best to move on.  You could have moved on with a 212 (Mika).  He was not forced to bowl his best.  I agree that happens in the head to head matches also but there is a better chance for 1 of 4 bowlers to bowl bad and miss on either equipment or line.  Or as you say just get a couple of bad breaks.

I disagree, I thought the format was terrific. However, I think in match play they should bowl 3 games, not 2. 3 games makes more sense to me. But I loved the format, I hope they use it a few times next season.

I like the different formats.  The biggest weakness in the telecasts is that
they sometimes bowl through the commercials.  I don't like it.

I'm really tired of the live bowling through the commercials. I really wish the PBA would get 2 hours of airtime so we wouldn't have to worry about it.

I also think it's pathetic that as soon as the show started they went to commercials ( the same stupid ones ) then had more of them during live bowling. Seriously, what the hell.