Then in June, ABC, which had been carrying professional bowling for 36 years, dropped its telecasts because of poor ratings.

"This event will permanently change the way people think about professional bowling," he said.

He also had a long-term assignment covering professional bowling, mainly for the Professional Bowlers Association.

After being eliminated in the 2005 Denny's World Championship, Webb quit the PBA Tour and professional bowling as a whole.

Sport Bowling conditions are similar to those used at some major championships of professional bowling, particularly the U.S. Open.

The JPBA sanctions tournaments and other functions related to professional bowling for both men and women.

The emblem is highly regarded in Japan as a symbol of professional bowling.

This show covered the history of women professional bowling in Japan, and ended with a pro versus tarento match.

As Mr. Bohn sees it, professional bowling has several obstacles to overcome.

"A League of Ordinary Gentlemen," an affectionate though unconvincing documentary, struggles to present professional bowling as a simpler, nobler pastime from a simpler, nobler time.