quote:

---

RENO, Nev. - The USBC Open Championships is built on 104 years of history and tradition and exemplifies integrity and competition, while providing its participants with a unique and enjoyable experience.

Challenging lane conditions always have been a staple at the Open Championships and have added to the prestige that comes with beating out more than 60,000 competitors for a title on the tournament lanes.

Beginning with the 2008 event in Albuquerque, N.M., the tournament officially will be USBC Sport Bowling certified for the first time.

Bowlers already know the conditions they face at the tournament each year are fair, but demanding, with an emphasis on shot making and spare shooting. But what they don't know is that based on revised Sport Bowling parameters unveiled in 2006, tournament conditions in recent years would have conformed to Sport requirements, thus making them Sport veterans.

"Sport Bowling lane conditions appear regularly at many of USBC's national events for adult and youth bowlers, so it's only natural that we incorporate the same challenge into what has become the biggest bowling tournament in the world," USBC Chief Officer for Tournaments and Events Roseann Kuhn said. "The conditions at the Open Championships have always been challenging, so there won't be a noticeable change on the lanes, but I think the Sport label will bring additional prestige to a tournament title."

As part of the change, all USBC Sport members competing in the Open Championships will be eligible for Sport awards. Tournament participants will have the opportunity to upgrade their memberships on-site prior to competing in the tournament, while any bowler who is not a Sport member, but rolls an honor score, still will be eligible for traditional USBC awards.

Bowlers also will have a second opportunity to test their skills on a Sport Bowling certified lane condition in 2008 at the special side tournament that will be conducted on a 12-lane setup adjacent to the 48 lane installation being used for the Open Championships.
The event will feature a unique two-game format, similar to the satellite events that were part of the 2000 Open Championships in Albuquerque and the 2003 tournament in Knoxville, Tenn. Competition will be divided into two average-based divisions with daily and optional year-long prize funds.

"With the growing popularity of PBA Experience leagues and the number of USBC bowlers who are Sport members, it only makes sense to designate a tournament that already complies with Sport rules as a Sport certified event," USBC Chief Executive Officer Roger Dalkin said. "This is all part of our new vision that focuses on growing the sport of bowling."

Presenting sponsors for the 2007 USBC Open Championships are Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Sands Regency Casino and Hotel, official brackets sponsor and supporting sponsors Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa and Harrah's Casino and Hotel.

---