By Journal Times staff | Posted: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 12:00 am
It was quite a night at The Journal Times Match Game Bowling Championships Wednesday at Castle Lanes.
There were three 300s, two 800 series and a 290 game during the opening round of men's division finals.
Ron Vokes, who opened the night winning a roll off with Mike Vasey to make the final 16, was paired with Joe Arvai IV in the first game and put on an early show. Both bowlers rolled 300 games.
"I didn't want to lose to my doubles partner from the USBC (United States Bowling Congress), so we tied," Arvai said.
The two battled throughout the night with Arvai, who rolled an 813 series over his first three games, leading the tournament through four games. Vokes stayed close and held the lead in games five through seven, but Arvai rolled a 289 in the final game for a 2,213 eight-game total.
"I tried a surface change on a ball and it worked for almost five games," Arvai said. "I had a smooth back so it broke out more."
Arvai was pleased with his 300, but remained focused throughout the night.
"It was great to start that way, but I realized I had seven more games to go," Arvai said. "It can get away from you real quick."
Despite leading after the first night, Arvai is cautious about looking too far ahead.
"It's a good start, but the scores are high," Arvai said. "It's definitely not over. We've got eight more games to go."
Joe Crocco was second after eight games with a 2,136 total. Crocco benefited from a new ball and a conversation with Lennie Boresch. Crocco and Boresch discussed a couple drill patterns in the new ball and surface issues which led to a steady evening.
"I'm in a good position," Crocco said. "I had good ball reaction and a good feel. I just picked up a new ball this afternoon. … Everything worked out for the best."
Joe Thoennes is third with a 2,131 eight-game total. Vokes, who slowed down a little at the end of the night, is fourth with a 2,091 total.
Other highlights Wednesday night included:
- Jerry Riemer rolled a 300 game in his seventh math of the night and sits in seventh place (2,000).
- Brian Candido rolled a 290 in his fourth game which was in the middle of an 813 series.