Community

Down at the lanes

By DEREK J. LARIVIERE, Times Correspondent
Published October 2, 2007

Five to watch

1. Ed Oakes: A resident of Winter Park, Oakes took first place in last season's Port Richey Open, defeating Shawn McKee in the championship final.

2. Jason Hurd: Hurd is currently second on the tour in points and made the playoffs at the Spring Hill Open in July.

3. Erik Ramos: Also a resident of Winter Park, Ramos has improved dramatically this year on his way to being third in the point standings. He won the Marion, N.C., Open in May.

4. Kip Roberts: The current South Region points leader has made 11 finals matches in his 18 events entered, averaging a 210 along the way.

5. Ronnie Horton: If he enters, Horton is one of four multiple-time winners on the regional tour in 2007.

Local favorites

1. Jason Mahr: After finally breaking through for a professional championship at the Spring Hill Open in July, the Spring Hill resident has looked more comfortable than ever on the lanes.

2. Rich Garner: The Port Richey native had made the eight-man playoff in three consecutive pro events prior to missing the cut at the Spring Hill Open.

3. Pete Dohan: Dohan also earned his spot in the Lane Glo North sweeper, but the 2003 champ most likely would have competed in the event regardless. He has been in five events already this season.

4. Mark Every:The only house bowler to qualify for the Open through the Lane Glo North sweeper held Sept. 16 at the center, Every will be carrying the torch for Lane Glo.

5. Tom Bosquez Sr.: Out of Hudson, Bosquez has competed in four events on the South Region schedule in 2007 and has been strong at times.

Possible national contenders

1. Walter Ray Williams Jr.: The Babe Ruth of bowling is a resident of Ocala and has been known to make an appearance at regional events from time to time, as he has five other times this year, winning two events.

2. Patrick Allen:After recently moving to Wesley Chapel, the left-handed Allen made the finals of the Spring Hill Open in July. There, he lost a close match to Mahr.3. Ken Simard: The South Region points champion last season, Simard has won three of the tour's 20 events in 2007, earning a national exemption along the way.

4. Ritchie Allen: A South Carolina native, Allen has won two national PBA titles in his career, one at the 2002 Dallas Open and the other at 2006 Motel 6 Phoenix Classic.

5. Jason Couch: Recovering from knee surgery, Couch may or may not be healthy in time for this South event, but if he does make the trip from his residence in Clermont, other contenders will have to watch out.

Past champions

2006: Ed Oakes, Winter Park

2005:Jason Couch, Clermont

2004:Jason Couch, Clermont

2003: Pete Dohan, Tampa

2002: Stoney Baker, Canton, Ga.

19th annual PBA South New Port Richey Open

Where: Lane Glo North Bowl, Port Richey

When: Saturday and Sunday

Schedule: The registered bowlers will compete in two shifts on Saturday with the eight-game qualifying score advancing 16 onto the Sunday playoff.

Who: While four (Mahr, Dohan, Every and Justin Veitch) have been cemented into the field, many eventual contenders are not assured to be on hand. Approximately 100 are expected to register.

Admission: Free for all spectator events

Entry fee: $275 for non-PBA members

Port Richey Open No-TapPBA Pro-Am

Where: Lane Glo North Bowl, Port Richey

When: Friday

Details: This event gives regular house bowlers, regardless of average or skill level, the opportunity to meet and compete with some of the best in the sport. The house bowlers will be paired with three different pros in three separate nine-pin no-tap games. With handicap taken into account, the scores will be added in the end, crowning a winner at the end of the weekend.

Schedule: Juniors, 7 p.m.; adults and seniors, 9 p.m.

Entry fees: Juniors, $10; seniors, $15; adults, $20

The 19th annual PBA South New Port Richey Open is this weekend at Lane Glo Bowl North in Port Richey. Here's your guide to the action.

[Last modified October 1, 2007, 20:31:38]