The 122nd edition of the USBC Open Championships officially began Saturday atthe National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada. More than 11,000 teams will compete during this year’s USBC OpenChampionships. Competition will run for 128 consecutive days and conclude onJuly 19. The USBC Open Championships traditionally begin with a ceremonial first ball,a custom that dates back to 1951 under the title “Joe Bowler.” Last year, the event introduced the “Josephine Bowler” distinction, continuingthe long-standing tradition with a new name. This year, Vicki Larsen of Caldwell, Idaho, was selected as the 2026“Josephine Bowler” and delivered the ceremonial first shot to officially openthe tournament. Larsen rolled a nine count, leaving only the 10 pin standingto start the 122nd edition of the USBC Open Championships. Saturday also featured the traditional Mass Ball Shot, where one member fromeach team rolls a ball at the same time to officially mark the start ofcompetition. USBC Open Format Bowlers at the USBC Open Championships will compete in team, doubles andsingles events. Each participant bowls three games in each discipline, for atotal of nine games. Competition is divided into Regular, Standard andClassified divisions based on average. Titles will also be awarded in all-events, which combines the nine-gametotals. Early Leaders After the first day of competition, Storm Bowling of Fort Worth, Texas, leadsthe Regular Team division with 2,857. The team rolled games of 934, 932 and991. In the Standard Team division, Maple Family Centers 1 of Rockville Centre, NewYork, and Plaza Lanes of St. Charles, Missouri, are tied at 2,640. Hoosier Connection #2 of Brownsburg, Indiana, leads the Classified Teamdivision with 2,352. The first doubles and singles squad of the 2026 USBC Open Championships willbegin Sunday at 7 a.m. Pacific Time.

The finalists have been determined for the 2026 Intercollegiate SinglesChampionships following four sectional qualifying events held across the U.S. The national Intercollegiate event will feature 24 women and 24 men competingfor individual titles from April 13-18 at The Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley inGreen Bay, Wisconsin. Sectional qualifying took place Friday in Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania andTennessee. Each competitor bowled six games. The top four women and top four men at eachlocation earned automatic spots, with additional qualifiers determined byfield size. In the men’s division in Illinois, Leland Jones led with 1,476. Tyler Closefollowed with 1,362, Nate Trentler had 1,350, and Andrew Allen posted 1,314.Connor Rogus finished with 1,312, Ryan Wenman had 1,310, while Jacob Holsteand Camryn Stefanini tied with 1,301. In Texas, Daryus Alo led with 1,393. Dmitri Richardson recorded 1,375. KaedenWhite and Bobby Habetler tied at 1,371. Brandon Handog had 1,351, and BrandonCaruso finished with 1,346. In Pennsylvania, Malakai Pettrie led with 1,317. Severo Gordon posted 1,284.Brody Wildenmann and Hayden Tarris tied at 1,272. David Schaberg also advancedwith 1,271. In Tennessee, Brady Lauber led with 1,413. Landin Jordan followed with 1,401.Joe Woods-Weisman had 1,354, Camden Malott posted 1,343, and Evan Flathrecorded 1,341. On the women’s side in Illinois, Brianna Rogers led with 1,321. Hope Bunkfinished with 1,320, Emily Newbauer had 1,274, and Katarina Hagler posted1,237. Savannah Swiatocha and Karleigh Lemond tied at 1,223. Haylee Batesfinished with 1,222, and Dannielle Henderson had 1,207. In Texas, Sara Duque led with 1,354. Ashtyn Woods recorded 1,310, DeniseBlankenzee had 1,304, Payton Hartgrove posted 1,300, and Kaylin Wahlmeierfinished with 1,291. In Pennsylvania, Kenzi Nieman led with 1,271. Sara Ritchie followed with1,269. Leah Brazier posted 1,254, Elizabeth Springsteen of Muskingum had1,227, Addysen Case of McKendree recorded 1,221, and Amelia Adams finishedwith 1,208. In Tennessee, Kaitlyn Stull led the field with 1,419. Emma Yoder posted 1,359,Gianna Brandolino had 1,355, Bricey Caudill recorded 1,340, and SaphyreNofuente finished with 1,339. After the Singles event is complete, the Team sectional competition willfollow, with total pinfall from 64 Baker games determining which programsadvance to the Intercollegiate Team Championships. The team finals will also be held in Green Bay from April 15-18. Visitbowl.comfor more information. bowl.com

CBS Sports Network will broadcast major women’s, collegiate and youth bowlingevents in 2026 as part of a 10-event television schedule. The broadcast calendar includes collegiate national championships, two livePWBA majors and four Junior Gold Championship finals. The USBC Intercollegiate Championships, taped April 18 in Green Bay,Wisconsin, will air as follows: Tuesday, April 21 – 7 p.m. ET – Intercollegiate Singles Championships(Women)Tuesday, April 28 – 9:30 p.m. ET – Intercollegiate Singles Championships(Men)Tuesday, May 5 – 7 p.m. ET – Intercollegiate Team Championships (Women)Wednesday, May 13 – 7 p.m. ET – Intercollegiate Team Championships (Men) Two PWBA majors will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network: Tuesday, May 19 – 6 p.m. ET – USBC Queens, Las VegasTuesday, June 16 – 7 p.m. ET – U.S. Women’s Open, Indianapolis The season will conclude with coverage of the USBC Junior Gold Championshipsfrom Minneapolis, taped July 18. The finals will air on consecutiveTuesdays:Tuesday, July 21 – 7 p.m. ET – Junior Gold Championships(U12)Tuesday, July 28 – 7 p.m. ET – Junior Gold Championships (U14)Tuesday,August 4 – 7 p.m. ET – Junior Gold Championships (U16)Tuesday, August 11– 7 p.m. ET – Junior Gold Championships (U18)In December, CBS and PBA announced, taht the PBA World Series of Bowling XVII will also be broadcasted on CBS and CBS Sports. In addition, all four championship rounds of PBA50 WSOB title events will air live on CBS Sports. In December, CBS and PBA announced, taht the PBA World Series of Bowling XVII will also be broadcasted on CBS and CBS Sports. all four championship rounds of PBA50 WSOB title events will air live on CBS Sports

The Philippine Bowling Federation has announced the selective adoption of the78D minimum hardness requirement for urethane bowling balls. The decision was released through an official technical bulletin. The federation stated that the measure is part of international alignment andpreparation for high performance competition. At the same time, it confirmedthat the application of the urethane standard will be limited to specificelite divisions. The 78D urethane requirement will apply to the Philippine International Open,the Philippine Open, and PBF Circuit Stops. Within these events, the rulecovers Class O and Mixed Open Masters divisions. The new rules of urethane use will also apply to selected youth elitedivisions. These include the Collegiate Division and the Majors Division whenconducted under Youth Quarterly Tournaments, Youth Annual Tournaments, and theNational Youth Championships. All other divisions are excluded from this regulation at this time. Under the equipment standard, only urethane bowling balls manufactured with aminimum hardness of 78D will be permitted in the covered divisions. Thefederation referenced the current USBC National Tournament Ineligible BallList for technical guidance. However, the official hardness measurement takenduring event inspection will determine compliance. Random hardness checks may be conducted at the discretion of the TournamentDirector or Technical Delegate. Any ball measuring below 72D during inspectionwill be declared non compliant and removed from competition. The policy will take effect beginning with the next PBF Circuit Stop qualifiedtournament following the GMTBC Open. All covered events conducted after thatdate must comply with the new urethane requirement.

Bowling lanes may soon be painted purple again. In response to the latesturethane equipment rule changes, Hammer Bowling is releasing an updatedversion of one of the most successful bowling balls ever made. The Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane 78D is set to launch on March 19, 2026,marking a new - harder - chapter for the famous Purple Hammer line. The newversion is designed to comply with current equipment rules. The ball also keeps Hammer’s thick-shell urethane construction, which has beenpart of the brand’s urethane designs for years. The original Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane became one of the most influentialbowling balls of the last decade. Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane Earlier versions of the ball changed when - and more importantly how much -urethane was used in modern bowling. Its continuous motion, strong response tosurface changes, and exceptional pin carry allowed players to score well on awide range of patterns, from very short to very long ones. In manyinternational tournaments, the game became closely associated with one ball -the Purple Hammer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bowling News • Reviews • Tips (@bowlinglife.eu) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bowling News • Reviews • Tips (@bowlinglife.eu) Largely because of this ball, organizations such as the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), International Bowling Federation (IBF), European Bowling Federation (EBF), and even the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA)introduced new or updated bowling ball hardness regulations. United States Bowling Congress (USBC) International Bowling Federation (IBF) European Bowling Federation (EBF) Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) The new Purple Hammer 78D will officially release on March 19, 2026, and itwill certainly attract attention. The only question now is whether it can comeeven close to matching the success of its predecessor.

One of bowling’s most recognizable equipment brands is coming to an end. Astatement published by the Columbia 300 confirmed that the brand will beretired. The move ends a line that has been part of bowling for more than six decades. A Long History in Bowling Columbia 300 was founded in 1960 and quickly became one of the major names inbowling equipment. Over the years, the company released many popular bowlingballs and helped shape modern bowling technology. For many bowlers, Columbia300 became known for reliable equipment used in leagues, tournaments, and proshops around the world. In the statement published on the brand’s website, the company thanked thebowlers and partners who supported the brand throughout its history. “Columbia 300 holds a special place in the history of the bowling industry andin the hearts of countless bowlers around the world,” the statement said. Several Ownership Changes Like many bowling companies, Columbia 300 went through several ownershipchanges over the years.In the early 2000s, Columbia Industries expanded its lineup by purchasingthe Track and Dyno-Thane brands.In 2007, Columbia Industries and its brands were acquired by EboniteInternational. From that point, Columbia 300 products were produced underEbonite in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.Another major change came in 2019 when Brunswick Bowling Productspurchased Ebonite International and all of its brands. Since then,Columbia 300 bowling balls have been manufactured in Brunswick-ownedfacilities. Like many bowling companies, Columbia 300 went through several ownershipchanges over the years. In the early 2000s, Columbia Industries expanded its lineup by purchasingthe Track and Dyno-Thane brands. In 2007, Columbia Industries and its brands were acquired by EboniteInternational. From that point, Columbia 300 products were produced underEbonite in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Another major change came in 2019 when Brunswick Bowling Productspurchased Ebonite International and all of its brands. Since then,Columbia 300 bowling balls have been manufactured in Brunswick-ownedfacilities. No New Columbia 300 Releases According to the statement, Columbia 300 will no longer appear in futureproduct catalogs starting with the 2026–2027 season. The brand will also nolonger appear at trade shows or industry events. Existing Columbia 300 bowling balls will remain available while supplies last. The Columbia 300 White Dot line has already been discontinued, although somepro shops and retailers may still have remaining inventory. Warranty and Support Will Continue Bowlers who already own Columbia 300 equipment will still receive fullsupport. Existing product warranties will continue to be honored. If a directreplacement is no longer available, a similar product from another brand inthe same company family will be offered. Technical support will also remain available for Columbia 300 products,including help with ball reaction, layouts, and general product questions.

Tenpin Bowling New Zealand, the governing body of New Zealand bowling, hasconfirmed changes to its equipment rules following therecent update from the International Bowling Federation. recent update from the International Bowling Federation New Zealand will adopt the 78D urethane hardness standard for all TBNZSanctioned Events. The rule will take effect from March 23, 2026, after theTBNZ National Team Championships, leaving some time for athletes to adjusttheir equipment. From that date, urethane bowling balls used in New Zealand sanctioned eventsmust be manufactured with a minimum hardness of 78D and must comply with theupdated IBF guidelines. Balls that appear on thelist of non-eligible equipmentwill not be permitted in ranked events. list of non-eligible equipment In line with IBF policy, random hardness checks may be conducted during competition. If a ballmeasures below 72D during inspection, it will be considered non-compliant andremoved from play. BF policy The regulation will apply to all future TBNZ Sanctioned Events after theeffective date. However, the new directive does not apply to league bowling.League competitions will continue to operate under existing USBC conditions,where equipment must be listed on the currentUSBC Approved Ball list. USBC Approved Ball list

The Czech Bowling Association has announced new rules for the use of urethanebowling balls. The decision follows recent equipment changes approved by theInternational Bowling Federationand theEuropean Bowling Federation. International Bowling Federation European Bowling Federation Under the new rule, only urethane balls with a minimum manufacturing hardnessof 78D will be permitted in domestic competitions. This applies to all eventsorganized by the Czech Bowling Association and tournaments included in theofficial sports rankings. The decision takes effect on April 1, 2026. A list of balls that do not meet the required specification is availablehere. here In theofficial announcement, released on March 3, the association stated that the change is intended toprepare Czech players for international competition, as the upcoming eventssuch as the European Championship of Champions, the European Women’sChampionship, and the IBF Youth World Championships will apply the sameurethane regulations under EBF and IBF rules. official announcement "<...> in the interests of fair play and with regard to the nationalteam, we decided not to delay. The goal is for Czech players to train andcompete under the same conditions that await them at the autumn EuropeanChampionship of Champions (ECC) or other international events such as thisyear's European Women's Championship or the U21 World Championship. The newban will already apply at all of these events. Any postponement would only bea waste of time from a preparation perspective," association officialssaid. During all events organized by the Czech Bowling Association, hardness checksmay be conducted. While manufacturing hardness must meet the 78D requirement,the measurement limit used during competition will be 72D, in line with IBFstandards. If a ball measures below 72D during inspection, it will beconsidered non compliant and play with that ball will be voided. The Sportsand Technical Commission will carry out random inspections, with detailedchecks planned for the Czech Individual Championships. On February 27, the International Bowling Federation announced new regulationsfor the use of urethane bowling balls in its events. Soon after, the EuropeanBowling Federation confirmed that it would apply the same rules in itscompetitions.

Tenpin Bowling Australia has officially adopted the new urethane regulationintroduced by the International Bowling Federation. In a statement published on March 2, TBA confirmed that it willimmediately apply the 78D urethane hardness standard for all TBA NationalRanked Events. The decision follows the recent IBF directive regarding updated specifications for urethane bowling balls. statement published on March 2 IBF directive regarding updated specifications for urethane bowling balls Under the new rule, urethane balls used in TBA National Ranked Events must bemanufactured with a minimum hardness of 78D. In addition, the equipment mustbe approved under the updated IBF guideline. TBA has provided access to a list of bowling balls that are no longer permitted at Ranked Events. a list of bowling balls that are no longer permitted at Ranked Events In line with IBF policy, random hardness checks may take place duringcompetition. Any ball that measures below 72D during testing will beconsidered non-compliant and removed from play. The regulation takes effect starting with the Kegel QLD Open at Caboolture andwill apply to all future TBA National Ranked Events. Kegel QLD Open at Caboolture TBA also confirmed additional changes for Ranked Events in 2026. Athletes arelimited to a maximum of six bowling balls, which must be listed on aregistration form submitted at check-in. Also, cleaning or resurfacing of equipmentis not allowed after the first ball of a squad has been thrown. The new urethane rule does not apply to league bowling. Equipment used in league playmust only appear on the current USBC Approved Ball list. USBC Approved Ball list For tournaments outside the TBA National Ranked Event structure, organizersmay choose to adopt the 78D urethane requirement during the accreditationprocess.

The Spanish Bowling Federation has announced a new urethane regulation thatwill take effect next season. In an official statement released on March 2, the Spanish Bowling Federation confirmed that it will follow recent decisions made by the International Bowling Federation and the European Bowling Federation regarding urethanebowling balls. official statement released on March 2 International Bowling Federation European Bowling Federation The IBF has introduced a rule that only urethane balls manufactured with aminimum hardness of 78D and approved by the USBC will be allowed intournaments organized by the IBF. This regulation has been applied immediatelyat the international level. The EBF has aligned with this decision. The European federation will enforcethe same urethane rule in its tournaments after the European Youth Bowling Championships in Berlin. European Youth Bowling Championships in Berlin The Spanish Bowling Federation confirmed that it will apply this urethane rulebeginning with the next season. The regulation will take effect on August 1, 2026, unless a specificchampionship states otherwise in its own rules. The federation also noted thata more detailed communication will be issued before the regulation is fullyimplemented. For reference, the IBF has published a list of non-permitted urethane ballsbased on the updated specifications. The list is available through officialIBF and USBC documentation.

Erik Howard of Louisville, Kentucky, has joined one of bowling’s rarest clubsafter rolling a perfect 900 Series. The series is officially recognized by the United States Bowling Congress. The 23-year-old two-handed lefty achieved the milestone on February 25 duringleague play at Kingpin Lanes, the same center where he also works. With this performance, Howard becomes only the 43rd bowler ever to record a 900 Series.Howard began bowling at a young age. He grew up in a bowling family and wasintroduced to the sport by his grandfather. For many years he competed as aone-handed bowler before switching to a two-handed style in 2020. Since then,he has continued to develop his game and compete in local and regional events. Howard has posted multiple 300 games in recent years and had previously bowledan 820 and an 847 in sanctioned competition. The achievement also sets a new high mark for the city and the state ofKentucky. No previous USBC-certified 900 Series had been recorded in thestate. The first USBC-certified 900 Series was recorded in 1997. Two USBC-verified900 Series performances were recorded last year. Desron Weatherspoon ofBuffalo, New York, achieved the milestone on January 18, 2025, and AndrewGranite of Elverta, California, followed on November 10, 2025.

In partnership with theBowling Pro-Motion Tour, PBA France will officially launch in September. The new circuit willoperate as an official PBA regional series. Bowling Pro-Motion Tour The competition will be played on official PBA animal oil patterns. Thesepatterns are used on the PBA Tour and are designed to test players ondifferent lane conditions throughout the season. According to the sources, the top players from PBA France events will earnspots in the World Series of Bowling. In addition to qualificationopportunities, players will receive other valuable benefits connected to theseries. Organizers plan to release more detailed information about the structure,format, and schedule of PBA France in March. PBA France will become the fourth international PBA regional and the secondone in Europe. PBA Regionals are held across the United States and in severalinternational locations, includingSweden, Japan and China. Sweden