Just a little confused with some of the names on top of the leader board after the 1st 7 games.  Parker Bohn III, Mike Scroggins, Patrick Allen, Walter Wray, etc.  is this not the same shot that typically lefties struggle on and the higher rev players score better?  I know these guys are capable and everything just saying the leader board is not what I am used to seeing for this pattern.  Is anyone there in Reno to see how the lanes are playing.  If I'm not mistaken it's typically a place that lefties score well at but even with a pattern that seems not to play as well for the lefties?  No, I'm not a lefty basher either.  Just stating what I have seen as somewhat of a trend.
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NC State Bowling Team
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I'm in Reno and it has been interesting to say the least.  The first few games of both blocks, very few splits across the board.  As the lanes break down the splits seem to increase.  Many of the bowlers would get a string started and as quickly as it started it was gone.

As for the lefties, Billy Oatman and Mike Scroggins on the same pairs - at one point Billy is -163 and Mike +130 (?) Mike was playing more inside and Billy outside.

I was in the right place at the right time to see Troy Wollenbecker shoot his 300 and the next game Richie Allen shoot 300.
 
It has not been uncommon to see a bowler shoot a 220 or better and move lanes and shoot in the 150s.  The guys at the top seemed to have done better dealing with the low games.  It has been an education in the improtance of a strong mental game.
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USBC Bronze Coach

"I cannot change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination." Jimmy Dean
Quaker 10/93 - 4/07
Quaker

Are the lanes playing pretty slick and where is the majority (top players) playing the lanes?
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If you are not using Storm, go kick yourself hard!!!

What I noticed was the righties doing one of two things - moving farther and farther left and sending it right or playing a straighter/tighter shot inside.  I haven't focused on anyone in particular, unless they had the front 6 or so to see if they'd get the 300.

As the lanes are breaking down the balls are flying, but if they get into the wrong part of the lane, the ball doesn't recover.  They could be stringing strikes, then get one out a little wider or not quite wide enough and split or washout.

Again, it seems the biggest factor is handling the adversity, the low games and grinding them out without getting upset.  I did see a few emotional outbursts such as kicking the seating and slamming a fist into the ball return.  Then there were the turn and smile at the lack of pins falling their way.  

I'm off to breakfast and the Stadium for the round of 32.

FYI I heard some talk there is concern the trucks for the telecast may not be able to make it.  The talk is of the Mother of Storms to be hitting the area.  It has been windy and for a while at least I80 and I think 385 (?) were closed to high profile vehicles due to the wind.  Now it is raining with snow expected later today through Sunday.  It could get interesting.
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USBC Bronze Coach

"I cannot change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination." Jimmy Dean
Quaker 10/93 - 4/07
Quaker

I heard on the weather channel that they are expecting anywhere from 5-10 feet of snow in the higher elevations and around the tahoe and northeast cal area.  Looks like it could be the storm of the century...lol.  Or the Day After Tomorrow movie could become reality and coming early.
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If you are not using Storm, go kick yourself hard!!!

Edited on 1/4/2008 2:46 PM

Thanks for the great reports ThongPrincess. Enjoy the rest of the tournament!

Hoping to see TJ finally break through "his slump" and make the show.
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B-Car