They’re back, and the poor pins at Lihue Lanes are trembling in fear. The Professional Bowlers Association is returning to Kaua’i’s premiere bowling facility for the 3rd Annual Rice Shopping Center West Region Open from Sunday through Monday. Host and
They’re back, and the poor pins at Lihue Lanes are trembling in fear.
The Professional Bowlers Association is returning to Kaua’i’s premiere bowling facility for the 3rd Annual Rice Shopping Center West Region Open from Sunday through Monday.
Host and Lihue Lanes Manager Darryl Izumo, who will also be competing in the tourney, welcomes patrons to come watch the bowlers practice on Sunday, from 2-4 p.m., and then take part in programs from 5-7:30 p.m. The tourney’s qualifying round start Monday at 9 a.m., and the top 12 players will compete for the first prize of $2,000 on Tuesday at 10 a.m.
The PBA West Region is comprised of professional bowlers from Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and Hawaii.
Among the greats who will be competing is Robert Smith, who’s 17th on the PBA Point Rankings list. Smith is known for his 34mph ball with an impressive 27 revolutions per shot (he has one of the highest rev rates on the tour), a part of the reason he banked the 2000 US Open. He swept both Hawaii regional events, winning at Lihue and Pearl Harbor.
Also on the list, National touring player Tony Reyes, National champion Alvin Lou, 2000 West Region Bowler of the Year Gene Bruihl, regional champions Bob Laster, Curtis Woods, Rick Francis, Marv Seargent, Bob Markiewicz and Doug Wilcox.
There will also be Hawaii bowlers on hand in Izumo, Scot Mitamura and Chad Pojas will also compete in the tourney.