GREENDALE, Wis. - The Women's International Bowling Congress announcedtoday that the 2002 WIBC Championship Tournament entry closing date has been extended to Feb. 15.

WIBC decided to extend the entry closing date to allow bowlers more time to gather teams and to send in reservation forms for the tournament in Milwaukee. The deadline has been extended from Jan. 25.

"With the holidays upon us, bowlers will have additional time to makesome decisions and enter the tournament," said WIBC Executive Director Roseann Kuhn. "I sincerely hope bowlers take advantage of this extra time, get their teams together and travel to Milwaukee, the home of WIBC. It's going to be a great tournament! "

The 83rd WIBC Championship Tournament takes place April 13 - June 10, 2002 (unless extended). More than 42,000 women bowlers are expected to take part in the tournament, which is the largest sporting event in the world for women.

Reservations are accepted through the tournament phone line at (414) 423-9006, via fax at (414) 421-9789, online at WIBC tournament.com or regular mail sent to WIBC Championship Tournament, Box 78870, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0870 . Phone reservations take precedence over email, fax or mail reservations.

The WIBC is the world's oldest and largest women's sports membership organization with nearly 1.4 million members. WIBC's mission is, "To identify and fulfill the needs of women bowlers."