Last year was a breakout year for a lot of International players. International players ended up winning 7 of 8 titles last year to dominate the American field. So what should we expect this year coming from the PBA? More breakout moments for International players? Will the U.S. players step their game up after last year? This is something that will keep me locked in to the PBA this year just because I always want to see the best bowler in the world. The joy of bowling is, you never truly know who is going to shine! I mean, yes I still expect to see Sean Rash and Jason Belmonte making shows just because they are that good! Honestly though, there are so many bowlers in leagues or small towns that are good but never gave the PBA a shot. So in my eyes it is always nice to see someone new making it to the show or winning their first title!

What does it take to make it into the PBA? A lot of practice! Start with smaller tournaments and build up from there. If you are consistently winning local tournaments then jump to PBA Regionals and hopefully from there your success only continues! You can also give the Masters a try or the U.S. Open a try as well. I personally enjoy the Masters and the U.S. Open due to the qualifying games that are involved. Then Match play, which I have made at the Masters only to get whooped by Liz Johnson! Hey just because she is a female doesn’t mean she couldn’t beat you as well(Ha Ha)!

My expectations this year are not too high for American players. I still see Jason Belmonte making shows and winning titles. His style is too good not to make a show or win a title. He makes the two-handed release look so effortless. Trust me, I have given it a try myself and yeah I did get a lot of revs on the ball but I had no speed behind it. With Jason having the speed plus the revs, the pins stand no chance! The other two-hander, Osku Palermaa is another bowler that just shatters pins, so I expect him to make a show or two this year as well. Kamron Doyle made history last year by being the youngest bowler to cash in a U.S. Open(Age 14). Do I expect anything from him this year? Hard to say but I am sure his name may pop up! One thing I do expect this year is a lot of players paying their tribute to the Great Tony Reyes! Bowling sure is competitive but as bowlers we always have respect for one another and by paying tribute to Tony Reyes it will truly be amazing to witness.

What I do know is that I will be watching the TV Shows this year on the PBA! Hopefully I get to see a few of my friends on the show and maybe see them win a title! Keep an eye on the U.S vs International battle that will be going on in the PBA this year. There was some trash talking before the season kicked off so we shall only see what happens during the year. Best of Luck to all the bowlers competing this year! Remember to enjoy the game of bowling and Practice, Practice, Practice!