The premier event for elite women bowlers, the United States Bowling Congress Queens presented by Tri-Properties, will feature a $200,000 guaranteed minimum prize fund and $30,000 first-place prize in 2006. The Queens will be conducted June 17-21 at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev.
Thanks to the presenting sponsorship of Reno's Tri-Properties, women bowlers will be able to compete for a share of the increased prize fund which also will guarantee $1,200 for bowlers finishing in 49th through 64th places.
"We are proud to offer a prize fund that will enhance the prestige and tradition of the USBC Queens," said USBC Chief Tournament Officer Roseann Kuhn. "It is our hope that this announcement will encourage more top women athletes to compete for the honor of being a Queens champion."
The age requirement to enter the Senior Queens sponsored by Storm, which is conducted concurrently with the regular Queens, also has been lowered from 55 to 50 years of age, effective for 2006.
Queens and Senior Queens minor format changes also were announced. In both events there will be a cut to a third round of qualifying regardless of the number of participants. In the Queens, if there are 400 or less participants, the first cut will be to the top 100. If there are more than 400 participants, the first cut will be to the top 25 percent of the field. In the Senior Queens, if there are 200 or less participants, the first cut will be to the top 50. If there are more than 200 participants, the first cut will be to the top 25 percent of the field.
Women bowlers who hold USBC adult membership are eligible to enter the Queens and Senior Queens.
The entry fee for the Queens and Senior Queens is $300 and $165 respectively for those who enter by May 5 and $350 and $200 for those who enter after that date.
Queens and Senior Queens entry forms will be available online
here by Nov. 15 or by calling (800) 514-2695, ext. 3173.