Bowlers Journal International - November 2008 - (Page 65) ProBowling Results, Schedules and More PBA SEASON KICKOFF.. Chris Paul Does Not Win the Chris Paul Invitational LeBron and Couch score an upset on the lanes. THE EVENT’S NAMESAKE had to be considered the favorite to win the Chris Paul PBA Celebrity Invitational, presented by the brands of Ebonite International, which paired PBA bowlers with Paul and other NBA stars. For one thing, he’s the best bowler in the NBA. For another, he was teamed with reigning PBA Player of the Year Chris Barnes. But there’s an old saying that applies to unexpected outcomes in all sports: “That’s why they play the game.” Not surprisingly, Chris and Chris were top seeded for the stepladder finals of the doubles event, which meant they needed to win only one match on the telecast that was taped in September for airing on Oct. 19 to kick off the PBA’s new season on ESPN. The match play began with Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Mitch Beasley defeating Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) and Tommy Jones, 199-141. Durant and Beasley then made it two straight with a 190-178 win over Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies) and Doug Kent. In the semifinal, LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Jason Couch eliminated Durant and Beasley, 175-132. And then in the title match, James and Couch surprised Paul and Barnes, 214-195. Chris Paul is the NBA’s #1 bowler, but he came up a bit short in his own event. LeBron James (left) and Jason Couch celebrate their success on the lanes. “It was great bowling with (James),” Couch said. “I was pumped. I’m a huge NBA fan.” Proceeds benefited Paul’s CP3 Foundation charities in New Orleans and Winston-Salem, N.C. www.bowlersjournal.com November 2008 | Bowlers Journal International 65 http://www.bowlersjournal.com
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