PBA goes one-on-one with Kirk von Krueger

This week, the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) sat down with Kirk von Krueger, Director of the Denny's PBA Tour, to discuss changes and upgrades to the 2007 Denny's World Championship.

The 2007 Denny's World Championship, the third of four Major events on the Tour schedule, takes place March 18-25 at Spectrum Lanes in Wyoming, Mich., and DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Mich. The event is open only to PBA members and offers a $50,000 top prize along with a four-season Tour exemption.

Q: Why should PBA members enter the 2007 Denny's World Championship? What are the benefits?

Kirk von Krueger (KVK): Not having to worry about making it out of the Denny's PBA Tour Qualifying Round combined with the prospect for a great payday makes this a 'must bowl' event. The Denny's World Championship boasts the largest prize fund for a members only open field tournament. As a benefit of membership every PBA member in good standing is eligible to compete.

Q: What changes have been made to the 2007 Denny's World Championship and how will those changes benefit the players?

KVK: We have leveled the playing field by completely eliminating the seeding advantage exempt players received from the PBA World Point Rankings. This year we will reward those who perform the best by seeding the top eight bowlers after qualifying directly into the Round of Super 16. This is a significant change from last season's format where the top four from qualifying and the top four from the PBA World Rankings were seeded.

Q: Which bowlers will be required to participate in Pro-Ams for the 2007 Denny's World Championship?

KVK: We're keeping Pro-Am requirements the same as last year meaning only cashers will be required to bowl. We recognize that when you place a Pro-Am at the end of an event, it's not very cost efficient to require bowlers who have not cashed to stick around for a couple of extra days. If you cash, but miss the cut to match play, you only have to wait one extra day to bowl a Pro-Am which is much less of an inconvenience.

Q: What will be the benefits of having Spectrum Lanes and DeVos Place in the city of Grand Rapids host the 2007 Denny's World Championship?

KVK: Having an arena final gives us another chance to showcase our sport in a larger and more exciting venue. DeVos Place is an absolutely beautiful facility, a first-rate venue and will be a great host. As always, the opportunity to showcase one of our Majors in an arena venue is exciting.

Spectrum Lanes will also be a great host for the preliminary rounds. Mike Eaton and Spectrum Lanes have been successful hosts of Denny's PBA Tour standard events for many years and have also hosted arena events in the past. Mr. Eaton is looking forward to the opportunity to host the Denny's World Championship and showcase one of the jewels in our Triple Crown of bowling.

Q: Is there anything else PBA members should know about the 2007 Denny's World Championship?

KVK: The PBA World Championship has a long, proud history as one of the most prestigious events on the Denny's PBA Tour. The list of champions and PBA Hall of Famers who have won this event is astounding. It should be seen as an honor not only to win this event, but also to compete among the greatest bowlers in the world. Having a PBA membership card is something bowlers can be proud of and they are encouraged to show that pride by bowling in the only members-only event on the Denny's PBA Tour.