Be Like Mike!

Mike Mineman knew coming into the 2007 Bayer Classic that Emerson Lanes might contain some magic. After watching Sean Rash become the first-ever non-exempt bowler on the Denny’s Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour to win a title in the building last year, Mineman knew there might be something special about the center.The right-hander from Belleville, Ill., wasn’t the only bowler to think so as a Denny’s PBA Tour record 114 bowlers entered Wednesday’s Tour Qualifying Round. Mineman finished fifth in Wednesday’s seven-game qualifying round and advanced to Thursday’s Round of 64, where he finished 12th.Mineman followed Thursday’s finish by knocking off 2005-06 PBA Player of the Year Tommy Jones and 16-year Tour veteran Mike Scroggins before eliminating Eugene McCune, four-games-to-one, Friday to advance to Sunday’s finals.“I was here for Sean Rash’s win last year. It was awesome. He paved the way and showed it’s possible. Mineman will face Dale Traber in one of two Sunday semifinals. The first semifinal will feature Mike Machuga taking Denny’s PBA Tour all-time titles leader Walter Ray Williams Jr. Williams owns 42 career titles compared to the other three bowlers’ combined one title. The four bowlers advance to tomorrow's live ESPN televised finals at 12:30 p.m. EST at Emerson Lanes. The winner will take home $25,000 and a one-season Denny’s PBA Tour exemption.