Professionals hope to strike top prize at local bowling alley

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Some of the best bowlers in the country are in Wilmington this weekend for the PBA Xtra Frame Wilmington Open.

PBA officials said this is the first visit to Wilmington by the Professional Bowlers Association’s Xtra Frame Storm Cup Tour. Spectaculars filled Ten Pin Alley Saturday for the qualifying games.

Jimmy Grago has been a professional bowler since 2008. His family owns Ten Pin Alley and says the opportunity to host a national competition at his home base is a great experience.

“The feeling is surreal, it really is,” Grago said. “It’s an amazing feeling. We have also wanted to do something like this and for us to actually get something to come here is a wonderful feeling.”

The top bowler will walk away with the $10,000 grand prize.

Saturday, May 27
9 a.m. – A Squad, six qualifying games
2 p.m. – B Squad, six qualifying games

Sunday, May 28
9 a.m. – Squad B, six qualifying games
2 p.m. – Squad A, six qualifying games
Top 16 after 12 games advance to match play

Monday, May 29
9 a.m. – Top 16, 12 games modified round robin match play
Top four after 24 games advance to stepladder finals
3 p.m. – Top four stepladder finals