non other according to Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) tournament director Harry O'Neal, Jr.

On offer is the first ever PBA Regional Classic featuring some of the sport's top veteran bowlers along with rising young stars.

A purse in the region of $15,000 is up for grabs, including $4,000 for the winner of the event, which started yesterday with a pro-am tournament and continues today and tomorrow with tournament play and a final roll-off (9 a.m.

start both days).

"I would say they'll (public) see some of the best bowling in their lives,'' said O'Neal matter of factly. "We have some who have been among the top bowlers on the circuit for years combined with some new on the scene.

"I would say that things are shaping up quite good for this weekend, we have about 38 competing, with the biggest name being Sam Zurich, a three time winner on the tour, counting triumphs in Buffalo, Las Vegas and Newark. He also has 35 perfect scores.'' The tournament lost a large drawing card when Hall of Famer George Pappas was forced to withdraw, however O'Neal was still confident of the event's success.

"Those that are here love it so far and are already talking about coming back next year,'' said O'Neal as he and tournament director Quinton Hayward applied the finishing touches to what they hope to make an annual affair.

"What we want to do is to ensure everyone has a good time.'' While Zurich was singled out as the favourite, O'Neal was quick to note the abundance of quality athletes in the field.

Included among those were Florida's Don Best, who won last week's main event in Ocean Spring, Mississippi, five time tour winner Brian Brazau, also of Florida and Tony Franklin, yet another Floridian.

Nine states in all are represented.

Not to be cast away out of hand are the 10 Bermudians who get the chance to test their mettle against the pros, with the likes of Dean Lightbourne, Chris Leverock, Mike McCallan and Hilton Hayward among the group.

This is only the second regional tournament to be staged outside of the continental US, the only other being played in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Harry O'Neal