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PHIL GULICKIt won't be bought by PBA; founder says he'll look for new investors and at options for 2004.
The Professional Women's Bowling Association canceled the remainder of its schedule Monday, citing a lack of operating funds.
PWBA founder and chairman John Sommer said he will continue to pursue new investors and explore all options for the 2004 season.
Despite speculation that the Professional Bowlers Tour would buy the PWBA, a PBA announcement Monday involved only format and financial changes for this season and next.
Earlier this year, the Women's International Bowling Congress extended financial support to the PWBA, sustaining the tour through Sept. 1.
The 2003 PWBA campaign, four tournaments shy of its 13-event season, was highlighted by increased television ratings for the fifth consecutive year, two titles by Tiffany Stanbrough of Oklahoma City, a WIBC Queens championship for Wendy Macpherson of Henderson, Nev., and a U.S. Open victory by Kelly Kulick of Union, N.J.
Seven different bowlers took home championships. Carolyn Dorin-Ballard of North Richland Hills, Texas, who won her 20th title by claiming the Greater Cincinnati Open, led the tour in the three major statistical categories: earnings ($53,750), competition points (5,330) and average (215.22).
The PWBA is based in Rockford, Ill., and was founded in 1981 as the Ladies Professional Bowler's Tour. It made a number of stops in Clearwater during the 1980s and 1990s.