Seniors begin championship chase today

As many as 300 bowlers from across Missouri are expected today for the start of the Missouri Seniors Doubles and Singles Tournament at West Park Lanes in Cape Girardeau.

The event, hosted by the Cape Girardeau Women's Bowling Association for the first time in several years, will be held over three weekends. Events begin at 10 a.m. today and Sunday and again Oct. 12 and 13. The final round will be Oct. 19.

"It's a privilege to host it because there's a lot of competition among groups across the state to get events like this one," said Sheila Allen of the Cape Girardeau group. "Each site has to bid on the event and we were fortunate enough to get it here this year."

About 700 bowlers are in the Cape Girardeau association, and of those there are 169 age 55 and older who could compete in this weekend's events. Allen estimated that about 50 bowlers from the local group might register.

"But don't let the word 'senior' fool you into thinking this will be a dull event," Allen said. "Some of these bowlers average 190 or 200, so they're coming here to win."

Door prizes will be awarded to competitors in the handicap-style event. Opening ceremonies will open the event at 9:30 a.m.