2026 PWBA Bowlers Journal Rockford Open
The 2026 PWBA Bowlers Journal Rockford Open opened the PWBA season with a familiar mix of history, pressure, and high-level shotmaking at The Cherry Bowl in Rockford, Illinois. The event ran from April 29 through May 2 and featured qualifying, match play, and a stepladder finals round to crown the champion.
Malaysia’s Sin Li Jane claimed the title by climbing the stepladder as the No. 4 seed and then beating Lauren Russo, Olivia Farwell, Jade Côté, and New Hui Fen on her way to the championship. Her victory gave her her sixth PWBA title and her second straight win at The Cherry Bowl, where she also won the 2024 edition.
Championship Match
The title match was one of the best of the week, with Sin Li Jane and New Hui Fen both handling the pressure well. Sin finished with five straight strikes to close out the match and seal a 257-234 win, while New needed a big 10th frame to keep pace but left the door open with a wrap 10 pin.
Sin said she focused on making good shots, adjusting her ball choices, and staying present one frame at a time. That calm approach carried her through four stepladder matches and helped her post a 986 total across the finals, good for a 242 average.
The Rockford Open once again showed why it remains one of the most respected events on the PWBA schedule. The 45-foot oil pattern and the transition during qualifying forced players to make constant adjustments, reward spare shooting, and stay patient as conditions changed.
A few notable storylines stood out:
- Sin Li Jane rebounded from a titleless 2025 season to open 2026 with a win.
- New Hui Fen reached the final as the No. 1 seed and continued her rise among the PWBA elite.
- Olivia Farwell and Jade Côté made strong championship-round runs and added depth to the field.
Rockford is more than just a season opener. It carries history, momentum, and a reputation for separating complete players from the rest of the field. Sin’s victory also immediately shifts the tone of the 2026 PWBA season, giving her early momentum in the title race and Player of the Year conversation.