SEATTLE -- For the 22nd consecutive year, the PBA will return to Toledo, OH where the world’s best bowlers will compete for the first place prize of $120,000, the biggest in the history of professional bowling. ESPN will broadcast the PBA World Championship finals live on Sunday, March 3, from 12:30 - 2 p.m.(ET).

The tournament is the third major since the PBA implemented the new format, the fifth major of the 2001-2002 PBA season and the first major to include single elimination match play. In its 43-year history, the annual tournament has been known as the PBA National Championship. This year the triple crown event changes its status to reflect the international presence of the PBA and makes its debut as the 2002 PBA World Championship.

Walter Ray Williams Jr. will defend his 2001 PBA National Championship and past winners Norm Duke, Tim Criss, Pete Weber, Rick Steelsmith, David Traber and Eric Forkel will compete to reclaim their titles. Entries for the tournament are up more than 120% over last year and include Chris Barnes, Jason Couch, and Ohio natives Jimmy Johnson (Columbus), Brian Kretzer (Dayton), Don Genalo (Perrysburg) and Jeff Lizzi (Sandusky). Hall of Fame legends Dick Weber and Carmen Salvino, a 1962 PBA National Champion, will also be vying for a share of the $410,000 total prize money.

Fans can participate in Pro-Am competition which open tournament festivities Sunday, February 24. This is an excellent opportunity for fans to compete alongside the pros, as well as get autographs and photographs with the stars of the PBA Tour.

Anyone interested in attending Pro-Ams or the event during tournament week should contact Southwyck Lanes at (419) 865-8815.