For the first time, one or more PBA members from Argentina, Bermuda, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, Ireland and Puerto Rico will compete in a field along with representatives from Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, England, Finland, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Sweden, Venezuela and the United States.

PBA World Series of Bowling will award five PBA Tour titles: Cheetah, Chameleon, Scorpion and Viper Championships plus the PBA World Championship. The field will be limited to 240 PBA members on a first-come basis.

The commissioner of the PBA Tom Clark was asked a few questions about the upcoming World Series of Bowling. “One of the most exciting sporting events I ever attended was the 2008 WTBA World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand,” PBA Commissioner Tom Clark said. “The final team match between the USA and Korea ended in a remarkable tie in regulation, forcing a pulsating roll-off. The pressure to perform – for teammates, for country – under difficult conditions was palpable. It’s what makes bowling an incredible sport. The USA, featuring for the first time a ‘Dream Team’ group of PBA pros, won that day, but bowling was the true victor.

“The PBA prides itself on featuring the greatest players in the world, and witnessing the talent on display that entire week in Thailand made it clear to me all of the best players in the world were not regular participants in the PBA,” he continued. “I needed to make a greater effort to bring these players from around the globe to compete on our stage. With advice from international players like Jason Belmonte, Osku Palermaa, Dom Barrett, Martin Larsen and pioneers such as Mika Koivuniemi and Tim Mack, the PBA forged ahead with a plan to create an environment more conducive and inviting.

“The PBA World Series of Bowling was born. In the previous 50-year history of the PBA only three international players had won titles, but at the WSOB the past four years we have seen players from over 20 countries compete and new PBA champions emerge from Korea, Colombia, England, Australia and Finland. WSOB-V, featuring the PBA World Championship, returns this October in Las Vegas.

“The PBA is better for embracing the global game. It is more colorful, diverse, with more talent than ever before. The respect for players from around the world has soared in the USA, and we are proud of our players traveling to international events, spreading the PBA’s message."

“I want to thank the WTBA and its players for showing us the way and for your dedication to the sport,” he concluded. “We all know that bowling provides some of the most compelling, thrilling moments in all of athletics. I know the international players will add excitement to the World Series again in 2013, and I hope all of the players enjoy the competition in Las Vegas.”