Just got back from the tournament. It seemed tougher than normal this year and I'm not sure exactly why. PLENTY of oil, though. I could have left 2 balls home this year that didn't even sniff a shot on the lanes, which surprised me.
Team - Tried starting out playing straight up 11-12 board but couldn't get comfortable. Four splits, including back to back 4-9 splits that ruined what I thought were decent shots. 1st game had 5 open frames, and it could not have been a worse start to the tournament. Shot 135! I can't believe it happened!
Moved left to playing around 3rd arrow with very little swing and finished 208 and 222. I used a Solid Zone at about 1200-1500 grit. It's an international ball that's a little stronger than the Wizard. Bowled the same squad as Steve Kloempken's all-star team that included Rhino Page as anchor. My stellar start meant I had ZERO fun in brackets, too.
Doubles - 9:20am (2nd) squad. You get 4 practice shots, so I moved way outside to going straight up 4 board and was surprised to find the pocket. First game was 200, so I felt like maybe I could stay out there and hopefully get some "carry" help. Two open frames and lots of spares for a 180. Then things started getting strange again with the splits on seemingly decent shots. My 3rd game had 5 opens again from 3 splits, 1 washout, and 1 idiot shot by the bowler. Punched out in the 10th for 152! I can't believe I'm actually typing this, but it happened.
Singles - Switched pairs and the next pair had a bit more carry-down. Game 1 had 7 spares and two open frames on another split and another idiot shot by me... 168! Game 2 had only 1 open but 6 spares for 185. I'm wishing the pain would stop, but had to bowl one more game just to see what depths I can sink into again. Another split to start and one other open for a 195. I was able finally to use my Blast Zone (4000 abralon) straight up 7 board and finished with a nice looking shot but the time was gone and my patience was, too. All events total was a whopping 1645!
At times carry was good, but overall, I left too many splits and flagged a few single pin spares to ruin any chance to a good showing this year. I must say that I still had a great time. The shot was demanding, and the tournament seemed to be running well. Hats off to Albuquerque for a good time even though I bowled like crap.
If I could bowl it again, I'd start way outside with my Solid Zone and just stay out there. Every where I tried playing the lanes there wasn't much room to miss, which is quite allright with me. Chalk this one up to experience and hope there's a silver lining somewhere.
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Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Amateur Staff
Edited on 4/21/2008 4:22 AM
