when they learned they'll be competing in next week's Professional Bowlers Association Southern Region tournament.

It took some behind the scenes maneuvering between organiser Mike McCallum and tournament director Harry O'Neale Jr., before Jones and Lightbourne put pen to paper and stated that this would be the only PBA-sanctioned pro tournament in which they would take part.

The pair are each former winners of the event -- Lightbourne won the inaugural tournament in 1995 and Jones performed the feat a year ago -- and PBA rules mandate previous amateur winners not be allowed to compete in the tournament unless they become professional.

Many former stars of the national circuit and other up and comers are scheduled to arrive on the Island early next week for what will be the third edition, starting January 31.

Following a series of pro-ams, the tournament commencing in earnest on Saturday with sectional round-robin play throughout the afternoon and night.

Sunday features a 16-member match play round, with five going through to the stepladder finals that will decide the winner.