The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) has announced a major equipment rule change, confirming that slow oil-absorbing high-performance urethanebowling balls are now disallowed in all tournaments hosted by MTBC and itsstate affiliates in Malaysia. has announced a major equipment rule change The decision takes effect immediately and applies to all MTBC-sanctionedcompetitions across the country. According to the MTBC, the ruling followed an extensive review process thatincluded discussions with technical experts, coaches, and elite athletes. MTBCalso considered global trends, local lane conditions, and research conductedby the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). In its official statement that was shared on Monday morning, the MTBCexplained that the move is intended to protect competitive integrity andsupport long-term athlete development within Malaysia. The MTBC stated that slow oil-absorbing urethane equipment can alter laneconditions more quickly than intended, which may affect fairness for playersusing different styles and equipment types. MTBC also highlighted concerns related to equipment governance andenforcement. The governing body noted that changes in urethane balls over timecan make it difficult to distinguish natural wear from intentionalmodification, creating challenges for consistent tournament control. MTBC added that the situation will continue to be monitored and may bereviewed again in the future. In September 2025 USBC announced, that beginning January 1, 2026, slowoil-absorbing high-performance balls will face strict new limits atnational tournaments. In some events, they will be banned entirely; in others, only modelsmanufactured at a minimum 78D hardness will be allowed. In September 2025 USBC announced, that beginning January 1, 2026, slowoil-absorbing high-performance balls will face strict new limits atnational tournaments

The 2026 USBC Team USA Trials concluded on Tuesday night at Gold Coast BowlingCenter in Las Vegas, as Round 5 brought five days of competition on fivedifferent oil patterns to an end. The final round was contested on a 40-foot condition and proved decisive indetermining the overall standings in both the men’s and women’s divisions. Based on ranking points accumulated across all five rounds, the top four menand top four women earned automatic spots on Team USA for the 2026 season. In the men’s division, Ryan Barnes delivered the top score of Round 5. Barnesposted a six-game total of 1,313, highlighted by games of 257 and 279. Thestrong finish helped last year’s Team USA Trials champion secure second placein the overall standings after five rounds. Derrick Lewandowski finished second on Day 5 with a total of 1,296, whileKaven Massey placed third at 1,283. Matthew Mesecher followed with 1,279, andPerry Crowell rounded out the men’s top five for the final round with 1,270.Bryce Oliver remained close behind, finishing sixth, but that was enough forhim to claim the first place in the overall standings. With finishing 7th in Round 1, 10th in round 2, 26th in round 3, 8th in round4 and 6th in round 5, Oliver accumulated 57 points and became the 2026 USBCTeam USA Trials champion. Last year's winner Ryan Barnes finished second with63 points, followed by Julian Salinas in third with 66. Cameron Crowe placedfourth overall with 75 points, while Dawson Peterson completed the men’s topfive with 94. Teuber Makes History in Women's Trials In the women’s division, Victorya White led Round 5 with a total score of1,290. McKenzie Mattice finished second at 1,259, followed by Bryanna Cotéwith 1,248. Jordan Snodgrass placed fourth with 1,242, while Gianna Brandolinocompleted the women’s Day 5 top five with a score of 1,239. After all five rounds were completed, Elizabeth Teuber claimed the top spot inthe women’s overall standings. Teuber’s consistency across all five roundsproved decisive, as she finished the trials with only 47 points.Kaitlyn Stull secured second place with 62 points, followed byBryanna Coté in third with 71. Avery Domaguin finished fourth with 72, whileGianna Brandolino rounded out the women’s overall top five with 73. But this wasn't all for Teuber. The conclusion of the Team USA Trials also alignedwith the finals of the 2026 U.S. Amateur Championships. In the Amateurstepladder finals, Teuber made history by becoming the first bowler to winboth the Team USA Trials and the U.S. Amateur in the same night. Entering the U.S. Amateur Finals as the top seed, Teuber defeatedsecond-seeded Kaitlyn Stull 215–210 in the championship match. In the men’s U.S. Amateur Finals, Bryce Oliver also reached the title match asthe number one seed. However, Dawson Peterson claimed the championship with a221–210 victory, preventing Oliver from completing a double win on the finalnight. All 2026 USBC Team USA Trials results can be foundhere. here

Day 4 of the USBC Team USA Trials was completed on Tuesday at Gold CoastBowling Center, with both the men’s and women’s fields producing standoutperformances. In the men’s division, 2024 PBA Cheetah Championship winner Deo Benarddelivered the top performance of Round 4. Benard rolled a six-game total of 1,554, the highest score of the day amongthe 175 competitors. Second place in the men’s standings for the day went toSpencer Robarge, who finished with 1,468. Jacob Bockstie placed third with1,455, followed by Derrick Lewandowski with 1,452. Bruno Brandao completed themen’s top five with a total of 1,447. Luke Switalski, who led the men on Day 3, scored the only perfect game of theround. Cameron Crowe leads the overall standings after four rounds with 43 points.Bryce Oliver follows with 51 points, ahead of Julian Salinas at 57. Defendingchampion Ryan Barnes sits fourth with 62 points, while Jacob Bockstiecompletes the top five with 80 points. On the women’s side, Gianna Brandolino moved to the top of the standings forthe day. Brandolino posted a six-game total of 1,441 to lead the 132-playerwomen’s field. Avery Domaguin followed closely with 1,430. Elizabeth Teuber finished thirdwith 1,415, while Maggie Thoma placed fourth with 1,401. Melia Mitskavichrounded out the top five with 1,398. After four rounds, the overall standings are determined by ranking pointsearned each day. Elizabeth Teuber continues to lead the women’s standings with22 points. Kaitlyn Stull follows with 42 points, ahead of Avery Domaguin with45. Breanna Clemmer sits next with 67 points, while Bryanna Coté and GiannaBrandolino are tied with 68 points as the field heads into the final day. Full results can be foundhere. here Round 5, the final qualifying round of the USBC Team USA Trials, will bebowled on Wednesday. At the conclusion of play, the top four men and top four women based onranking points will earn automatic spots on Team USA for the 2026 season.

Trevor Roberts has announced a change in his bowling ball sponsorship as heprepares for the upcomming PBA Tour season. Roberts confirmed through social media that he has signed a new deal with Motiv Bowling. confirmed through social media “I’m excited to announce that I have signed with MOTIV Bowling.” Roberts saidon social media. Earlier in January, Motiv also confirmed new signings with Nate Purches andNick Pate.In his announcement, Roberts thanked his previouspartners for their support over the past few seasons. Nate Purches Nick Pate announcement “I want to thank Brunswick and Turbo for everything they’ve done for me thelast few years!” Roberts wrote. 29-year-old joined the PBA Tour in 2016. He finished in the top ten three times during the last PBA Tour season. Motiv later confirmed that Roberts will represent the brand in the PBA LeagueBattle of the Brands for the first time next season.

Nate Purches has announced a change in his bowling ball sponsorship as heprepares for the upcomming PBA Tour season. Purches confirmed through social media that he has signed with Motiv, ending a four-yearpartnership with Brunswick and DV8. In his message, Purches thanked the Brunswick brands and several team membersfor their support during his first years on tour. He noted that the decisionto change brands was not easy, but explained that the move presents a newopportunity. "This will be a new chapter in my bowling career and I can’t wait to see whatthese pages have in store for me!” Purches wrote. Purches is the winner of the 2024 PBA Rookie of the Year award and owns twocareer titles on the PBA Regional Tour. He also came close to earning his first national PBA title at the 2025 Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in Sweden. 2025 Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in Sweden

Day 3 of the USBC Team USA Trials concluded on Monday at Gold Coast BowlingCenter, with a longer 44-foot oil pattern in play for both divisions. The newcondition once again reshuffled the standings as competitors faced a differentchallenge from the previous rounds. In the men’s division, Luke Switalski recorded the top score of the day. The18-year-old two-hande finished his six-game block (208, 202, 247,250, 258, and248) with a total of 1,413 pins, the highest mark among the 175 men competingin Round 3. Logan Beasley followed closely with a total of 1,401, finishing second on theday. The remaining top five positions in the men’s standings for Day 3 wereclaimed by Cameron Crowe with 1,391, David Cole with 1,356, and Julian Salinaswith 1,355. In the men’s overall standings aftert three rounds, Salinas sits in firstplace with 29 points. Crowe follows in second with 37 points, while BryceOliver finished the top 3 with 43 points. Dawson Peterson and defendingchampion Ryan Barnes share the  fourth place with 50 points with two daysof competition remaining. Kayla Sommer's Show in Round 3 After the men completed their games, the women took to the lanes on the same44-foot pattern. Kayla Sommer delivered the strongest performance of the dayin the women’s division. The 24-year-old left-hander posted a six-game totalof 1,442 (232, 239, 225, 201, 247, and 298), finishing well ahead of the restof the 132-player field. Keira Magsam placed second with a total of 1,398. Bryanna Coté continued herconsistent run with a third-place finish at 1,392. Elizabeth Teuber andElizabeth Drescher rounded out the women’s top five with totals of 1,382 and1,341. After three six-game blocks, Elizabeth Teuber holds the overall lead with 19points. Keira Magsam and Kaitlyn Stull shares the second with 32 points,Breanna Clemmer is close behind with 33 points, and Maranda Pattison rounds upthe top 5 with 42 points. The USBC Team USA Trials will continue with two more riounds sqheduled onTuesday and Wednesday. At the end of the final round, the top fourage-eligible men and top four age-eligible women based on ranking points willearn automatic spots on Team USA for the 2026 season.

Nick Pate has started the 2026 season with a change in equipment and an earlytournament win. The 31-year-old professional bowler announced at the beginning of January thathe has signed with Motiv Bowling, ending a four-year partnership withBrunswick. Pate shared the news on his social media. “I am really excited to announce I signed with MOTIV Bowling!” He also thankedhis former sponsor and the Motiv team for the opportunity. Just three days later, Pate captured his first title using his new equipment. He won the Kingpin Scratch Open in Wilson, North Carolina, marking his firstvictory since joining Motiv. “First win with MOTIV Bowling under the belt and let me tell you it feelsamazing!” he wrote. Pate joined the PBA in 2018 and has built a strong resume in both domestic andinternational competition. He owns two titles on the PBA Regional Tour and has represented Team USA fivetimes, in 2017 and from 2019 through 2022. Together with Team USA, Pate hasearned five gold medals and two silver medals.

Day 2 of the USBC Team USA Trials continued on Sunday at Gold Coast BowlingCenter, with a new oil pattern creating fresh challenges for the field. In the women’s division, Jordan Snodgrass took the top posiotion of the Round2 on the 38-foot pattern in Round 2. Snodgrass posted a total of 1,406 pins insix-game block, giving her the highest score among the 132 competitors in thewomen’s field. Hope Gramly scored 1,373 total to finish in second, while Kaylee Back recorded1,359 to finish in third. Bryanna Coté totaled 1,353, and Ashlin Tevescompleted the top five with 1,339. Full results of the round can be found here. here. Elizabeth Teuber, who finished seventh in Round 1 and eighth in Round 2,currently leads the overall standings with 15 points. Haley Swindle is closebehind with 16. Hope Gramly is in third with 22, while Avery Domaguin andKaylee Back rounds up the top 5 with 22 points both. Full standings after two rounds can be found here. here A Surprise in Men's Competition In the men’s division, Connor Ecker delivered the strongest performance ofRound 2. Ecker opened his set with a high three-game series (265, 277, 245)and closed with three more solid games to finish with a six-game total of1,440. His score was the best posted among the 175 athletes. KC Campbell followed closely behind with 1,433 to finish in second place,followed by Ryan Powers with 1,420. Patrick Hanrahan rolled 1,415, whileDaniel Springer finished with 1,412 to round up the top 5. Full results of the round 2 in men's competition can be found here. here After two rounds of competition, the overall lead in the men’s standings isshared by Bryce Oliver and Patrick Hanrahan with 17 points each. DawsonPeterson sits next with 19, followed by Julian Salinas with 24, and defendingchampion Ryan Barnes with 29. Overall standings after round 2 can be found here. here USBC Team USA Trials Points System The Team USA Trials use a ranking points system, where bowlers earn pointsbased on their finishing position each day. The lowest total number of pointsafter five rounds will determine the Team USA Trials champions in bothdivisions. At the end of Round 5 on Wednesday, the top four age-eligible men and top fourage-eligible women in the USBC Team USA Trials standings will earn automaticspots on Team USA for the 2026 season.

Richard Teece has announced a change in his bowling ball sponsorship as thenew year begins. 36-year-old Englishman has confirmed that he is leaving Storm Bowling afterfive years with the brand and joins Brunswick. Teece shared the news through a post on social media, where he explained thatthe decision marks the start of a new chapter in his career. He reflected onhis time with Storm and the moments he experienced during that partnership. “After 5 incredible years, I’ve made the decision to switch bowling ballcompanies from Storm Bowling to Brunswick Bowling. I’m extremely grateful toStorm and everyone involved for the support over the years.” During his time with Storm, Teece won the Weber Cup and appeared on three PBAmajor television shows. Teece joined the PBA Tour in 2013. He won a PBA Tour title at the 2017 PBAShark Championship in Las Vegas. In 2024, he was recognized with the Steve Nagy Sportsmanship Award.

Eight-time Colombian national champion Rocio Restrepo has confirmed a newbowling ball sponsorship ahead of the 2026 season. After more than a decadewith Storm Products, she will compete using equipment of another brand. Restrepo shared the news through a social media at the start of the new year.In the message, she reflected on her long relationship with her previoussponsors and signaled that a change was coming for the upcoming season. shared the news through a social media “As we kick off 2026, I'm grateful to the Storm and Roto Grip family for 11incredible years,” she wrote. Shortly after the post was published, both brand representatives and Restrepoconfirmed that she will be signing with Hammer for the 2026 season. Restrepo has been competing on the PWBA Tour since 2015. She is a four-timePWBA Tour champion, with victories at the 2016 PWBA Greater Detroit Open, the2016 PWBA St. Petersburg-Clearwater Open, the 2017 PWBA Sonoma County Open,and the 2018 PWBA Twin Cities Open. Restrepo has also had a long and successful international career. At just 15years old, she became the youngest bowler to win a medal at the WorldChampionships in 2003. Over her career, she has earned six medals at the WorldChampionships and one medal at the Youth World Championships. Restrepo’s move to Hammer follows another recent signing in the women’sprofessional ranks. Earlier this week, it was announced thatStephanie Zavala also signed a deal with Hammerafter spending five seasons representing 900 Global. Stephanie Zavala also signed a deal with Hammer

On January 1, Roto Grip officially announced the Transformer bowling ball,introducing the new Morph-Wing core. According to Storm ProductsInc., the parent company of Roto Grip, the core was designed to change itsbehavior significantly based on drilling, with mass displacement that canalter core numbers. SPI marketed the Transformer as a ball capable ofproducing distinctly different flare characteristics and on-lane motiondepending on how the ball is drilled. One day later, Radical Bowling published a post on its social media thatquickly drew attention. The post shared dictionary-style definitions ofinnovation and imitation, followed by the question, “What’s next afterdrilling numbers.” While the message did not mention any company, product, or release by name,the bowling community immediately connected the Radical post to the release ofthe Roto Grip Transformer because of its timing and context. This reaction also brought broader attention to the ideas being discussed andhow they fit into the longer history of bowling ball design. The concept being discussed is not new. The ability to significantly changeball motion through drilling, ranging from layouts that create a perfectlysymmetric ball with a 0.000 intermediate differential to layouts that producevery high intermediate differential values, has been used for many years. This approach has appeared not only in the Roto Grip Transformer and earlierRadical Bowling releases such as the Radical Bigfoot and Radical Evil Eye, butalso in other products well before that. For example, the Radical The Fix, that's been released in 2016, featured the Shapeshifter core, which wasdesigned to produce either symmetric or asymmetric reactions depending on thelayout. Track also explored similar ideas with the Alias release in 2018,among other examples. Amid the discussion, some industry experts emphasized that the focus shouldnot be on who is copying whom. Roland Hickland Jr., CEO of Creating the Difference, addressed the broader topic of how bowling ball ideas develop overtime. Creating the Difference “Where confusion tends to happen is people equating 'similar idea' with'copying,'” Hickland said. “In ball design, ideas evolve. What matters isexecution, constraints,measurable outcomes and how much of the variability isintrinsic to the core versus induced by drilling.” In a broader sense, both brands appear to be using a similar marketingapproach by highlighting how a single bowling ball can produce differentreactions and lane motion depending on how it is drilled and where it fitswithin a player’s arsenal. Radical’s Evil Eye was released in late October 2025, and roughly two monthslater Roto Grip introduced the Transformer with a comparable focus onpost-drilling versatility. This timing, however, is not unusual within the bowling industry, wheremanufacturers release multiple balls each month and new products often arriveclose together in terms of specifications, concepts, and intended laneconditions. Nevertheless, the situation once again highlights how closely new bowling ballreleases are followed.

Stephanie Zavala has announced a new equipment partnership for the 2026 seasonand beyond. The announcement was made through Zavala’ssocial media. After spending the past five seasons representing 900 Global, the29-year-old right-hander has decided to make a change signing a multi-yeardeal with Hammer. social media “New year - same me. But this toolbox has a bigger Hammer in it,” Zavalawrote. “Thank you 900 global for the last five years! This was not a decisionthat was made lightly.” Zavala explained that her time with 900 Global played a major role in herdevelopment and success on tour, but confirmed that she felt ready to begin anew chapter. She described the move to Hammer as both a step forward and areturn to familiar ground, noting that she competed with EBI equipmentthroughout her college career and signed her first professional contract in2018. “One chapter might be ending but the book is far from finished,” Zavala said.“I have accepted my first multi year deal with Hammer I couldn’t be moreexcited to be welcomed into this family with open arms.” The move came as a surprise even to Zavala’s closest circle. Zavala shared avideo on social media showing friends and family reacting to the unexpectedagreement with Hammer. Zavala has been a consistent presence at the top level of women’s professionalbowling since joining the PWBA Tour in 2021. She has captured six PWBA titles to date, including a major (2022 PWBA TourChampionship in Dallas). Her résumé also includes wins at the 2025 PWBACleveland Open, the 2023 PWBA BowlTV Classic, and three titles during herbreakout 2021 season. In addition to her success on tour, Zavala has represented Team USA on fouroccasions, competing in 2017 and again from 2022 through 2024.