PBA Regional Players Championship on the horizon

With the Regional Players Invitational (RPI) points list meaning more than ever this season, bowlers are encouraged to enter the Regional Players Championship (RPC) to earn valuable points toward a berth in the RPI and an exemption for the 2009-10 Denny's PBA Tour season.

The 2008 RPC takes place May 23-26 at Stardust Bowl II in Merrillville, Ind., with a $10,000 top prize and a berth in the 2008-09 PBA Tournament of Champions on the line. Additionally, the winner will receive an automatic berth in the 2008 RPI. The first Major of the 2008-09 PBA Regional Tour schedule also offers more points than standard PBA Regional Tour events, giving bowlers the opportunity to get a leg up on the rest of the field in the RPI point rankings.

The top 25 bowlers on the RPI points list in each of the seven PBA regions (through September 2008) will earn an invitation to the 2008 RPI. The top five from each region – plus the winner of the 2008 RPC – will receive airfare and accommodations for the event in December. The normal $150 entry fee will still be required for those players, but they will not have to pay an additional fee to be eligible for an exemption.

The RPC will once again precede the Denny's PBA Tour Trials, which takes place May 7-June 1 at Stardust Bowl II. The top seven bowlers after five days and 45 games will earn exemptions for the 2008-09 Denny's PBA Tour season.