The International Mini is a new major bowling event including scratch and handicap competition which will be hosted by Sunset Station's Strike Zone Bowling Center in Las Vegas, January 28 through February 5. Guaranteed top prizes will pay $30,000 for the winner, $15,000 for second and $10,000 for third place.

The International Mini is replacing the popular February Mini-Eliminator (The Mini-Eliminator will return in the summer) because it is teaming up with two other tournaments being held at Sunset Station at the same time.

What is being promoted as "the greatest two weeks of bowling" The International Mini will follow the USBC Masters (Jan. 22-29) and run concurrently with the WTBA 2012 International Open.

Over $500,000 in prize money will be paid out including $100,000 in top prizes.


Bowlingdigital will cover the WTBA International Open and The International Mini live from Sunset Station's Strike Zone Bowling Center in Las Vegas, Nev. commencing Saturday, Jan. 28 all the way through to the finals on Feb. 5, 2012.


The International Mini, presented by Brunswick, is a 4-game qualifier by division. One in 8 bowlers each day, per division, will advance to the finals and cash for a minimum of $750. Bowlers can guarantee themselves larger payouts by earning byes which will offer guaranteed prizes of up to $2,000.

The finals of the International Mini will feature a 1-game elimination format by division with the winners of each division guaranteed $10,000.

One of the biggest changes for past Mini-Eliminator bowlers will be the eligibility and divisions. The International Mini will have three divisions.

• The Gold Division will include PBA, PWBA, PBA Sr., and EBT national title holders, current and former PBA exempt players, current national team members, bowlers age 49 & under averaging 230 or higher, and anyone that has won a single scratch prize of $10,000+ the past 5 years. (Women and Super Seniors (60+) in this division will receive 6 bonus pins per game.)

• The Silver Division will welcome all Women and Seniors averaging 210 or higher that have not won a national title, bowlers that have earned a single handicap prize of $10,000 or more the past 5 years, and bowlers age 49 & under that have a 3-year winter league composite average of under 230. (Women and Super Seniors (60+) in the Silver Division will receive 6 bonus pins per game.)

• The Bronze Division is handicap (90% of 210) and allows amateur bowlers averaging 210 or under to compete together. If you have ever been a professional bowler, or a current member of a national team, or have won a single handicap prize of $10,000 or more the past 5 years you may not compete in the Bronze Division.

There is going to be plenty of action at Sunset Station's Strike Zone (pictured right) during the week of January 28 through February 5. The center will be split into 3 sections;

• 32 lanes will be for the International Mini,
• 32 lanes will be for the WTBA International Open (a 6-game qualifier with a $20,000 top prize)
• and in between the two events will be 6 lanes for the Brunswick Practice Range.

The money will be flowing at Sunset Station Strike Zone. The three event promoters are creating a no-cost-to-enter all-events $30,000 prize fund featuring a 20 person prize list and a $10,000 top prize. Bowlers competing in all three events, and staying a minimum of three nights at Sunset Station, can earn a share of this extra money.

There are two 6-game sweepers being offered on Monday and Tuesday evenings (January 30 & 31) and is opened to anyone bowling in any of the three tournaments. Sweeper entry fees are $150 prepaid and will pay $2,000 first with only 60 entries. One in 4 bowlers will cash in each sweeper for a minimum prize of $200.

There will also be plenty of side action at Sunset Station. During all International Mini squads and sweepers a Strikes For Cash jackpot, starting at $3,050, will be offered. Brackets and game pots will also be available. The popular eliminator pot will run every squad paying out cash to 1 in 4 entrants.

The International Mini is sponsored by Sunset Station, Brunswick Bowling and Kegel and is certified by the United States Bowling Congress.

Sunset Station is offering all tournament bowlers discounted room rates. Midweek rates are only $55 per night plus tax while weekend rates range from $70 to $99 per night plus tax. Bowlers must request the International Mini room block to receive these low rates. Rates are guaranteed until December 27th and are subject to availability. To reserve your room please call 1.888.786.7389.

For more information on The International Mini, and other events running at the same time, please click here or call the tournament office at 1.877.900.MINI.
For more information on the WTBA 2012 International Open please download the tournament brochure (pdf file) here.
For more information on the USBC Masters click here
For more information on Station Casinos click here.

 

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