The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) are set to join forces for the annual Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles tournament, kicking off this Thursday. Tournament not only showcases top-tier bowling talent but also supports a vital cause, breast cancer research.
The PBA/PWBA Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles tournament was founded by PWBA Hall of Famer Donna Conners in honor of former PWBA member Luci Bonneau, who battled breast cancer. Conners continues to direct the tournament, ensuring it remains a significant event for both the bowling community and cancer research fundraising.
The event will begin with practice sessions throughout Thursday, culminating in the an exciting "Beauties vs Beasts" match in the evening. This pre-tournament competition pits the top five male and female bowlers from last year's qualifiers competing together in mixed teams.
This year's PWBA representatives at the "Beauties vs Beasts" event include England's Verity Crawley, Ukrainian Dasha Kovalova, and three Americans - Stephanie Zavala, Bryanna Coté, and Carlene Beyer. Representing the PBA are four Americans - EJ Tackett, Tommy Jones, Austin Boulds, Matt Kuba, and Englishman Dominic Barrett.
The main event kicks off on Friday. Each team will bowl seven games to advance to the nexr round. Each advanced team will then bowl four more games to narrow the field to the top 12 for round-robin match play.
Defending champions Danielle McEwan and Anthony Simonsen will aim for back-to-back victories after a remarkable run last year from a 30th place semifinal start to ultimate triumph.
