Women Masters event begins

The U.S. Bowling Congress Open Championships completed its 154-day run at Cashman Convention Center on Friday, but the temporary bowling facility is busy again this week with the World Women's Championships.

More than 230 bowlers representing a record 46 countries begin singles competition at 1:30 p.m. today, with doubles, trio and team competitions running through Saturday. The Masters event -- for top 16 in all-events -- is set for Sunday.

The tournament, which is held every two years, was last held in the United States 14 years ago when it was at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno.

The American women last won the team gold medal 22 years ago. This year marks the first time professionals are allowed to compete, and Team USA is loaded with Henderson's Wendy Macpherson, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Liz Johnson, Kim Terrell-Kearney, Lynda Barnes and Stefanie Nation. They have combined for more than 60 professional titles.

Go to 2009wwc.com for information.

• OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS -- The 106th edition of the USBC Open Championships that began on Feb. 21 featured three major scoring records while 13 first-time champions joined five repeat winners of coveted "Eagle" trophies.

The hottest bowler was Ron Vokes of Racine, Wis., who logged 30 consecutive strikes -- including a 300 game -- to post an 857 series and then added a 767 in team and 697 in doubles for a record 2,321 all-events total in the unlimited Regular division.

With a month remaining in the tournament, it appeared Southern Nevada bowlers would win the team and all-events titles in the Classified division for bowlers averaging 180 or less.

But a protest led tournament officials to disqualify the team of Bruce Burkey, Rich Hunter, Oscar Jimenez, Robert Yadao and Bob Godden, who were leading all events. It was determined Godden and Yadao did not properly submit scores and prize money won in tournaments the previous year.

Their appealed was denied late last week.

Contact reporter Jeff Wolf at jwolf@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0247.