Cindy Hall will take advantage of a recent ruling allowing her a chance to qualify.
By PHIL GULICK
Published April 9, 2004
TAMPA - Clearwater's Cindy Hall will attempt to enter the PBA southern region tournament at Tampa's Florida Lanes today, trying to break into the PBA's previously all-male field. Southern region director Harry O'Neale probably will accept Hall's entry.
Last week, PBA commissioner Fred Schreyer announced that, for the first time, women would be allowed to compete in region events beginning immediately. It won't be known until all entries are in if other area women will try to qualify.
"I'm excited to hear that the PBA is giving women the same shot that men currently have," Hall said.
"I don't have delusions of becoming a professional bowler, but I'm glad to hear that I'll be able to compete in the regional event. It's a good PR move for the PBA."
Hall averages 230 in league play and has rolled two 800 series, a 300 game and three 299s.
"We have had requests from women over the past year to participate in our regional tournaments," Schreyer said. "We thought about it for a long time and concluded, why not?
"We currently allow nonmembers to participate in our tournaments on a regular basis, and we felt that if a woman can meet the same criteria, she should be allowed to compete and become a member."
The Florida Lanes' field will practice starting at 1 today, with the pro-am at 3. Two squads roll eight qualifying games starting at 8 a.m. Saturday with the field cut to 16 qualifiers. They return at 8 a.m. Sunday for best-of-five eliminations then best-of-three games until the final pair rolls best-of-three for the title.
The winner earns about $2,500. Entry fee for PBA members is $195, nonmembers $250.
