TOURING PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

champs Kevin Saunders and Jenny Phandanouvong

Kevin Saunders and Jenny Phandanouvong captured $2,000 scholarships each as winners of the JBT Touring Players Championship, hosted by Glenfair Lanes.

The event brings together the best of the best from all five JBT Conferences for three grueling days of competition on four very difficult lane pattern, putting a premium on shotmaking and mental toughness.

The scratch division opened with Pacific Northwest All-Star Team member Cameron Weier defeating So Cal Bowler of the Year runner-up Devin Bidwell 217-181.   Stephen Gaucin, Saturday's 10-game qualifying round leader, then ran off a late five-bagger to beat Weier 219-190.  The tough Texan then defeated California's Matt Jones 197-170.  Jones had earlier fired the event's only 300 game, again proving his both-handed style is just as effective on brutal conditions, but struggled in the semifinal, and Gaucin was off to the finals.

Kevin Saunders, Arizona co-Bowler of the Year, had controlled the action all day long on Sunday en route to the top seed, and it was no surprise to observers of our Tour to see these two bowlers square off for our most prestigious title.  In the finale, Saunders continued the precise shotmaking that got him to the top seed, while Gaucin suddenly began to struggle.  The end result was a 209-173 win for Kevin, good for his 11th career title, and $2,300 in scholarships after all added bonuses.

The handicap division semifinals opened with Oregon's Patrick Hickok defeating Arizona All-Star team member Eric Vitzthum 203-178.  Hickok remained in control in round two, knocking off 10 year-old Taylor Knight in round two 244-163.  Patrick made it three in a row in the semifinals, knocking off NM-TX Most Improved bowler Billy Read 213-208 to advance to the title match.  The match had an incredibly dramatic finish, as Billy suffered opens in the ninth and tenth, allowing Hickok to strike out to win.  After striking in the ninth and tenth, the lane broke down, and Patrick had to wait through the repair to throw the deciding shot, which he executed flawlessly to win the game.

Top seed Jenny Phandanouvong had been at or near the top of the leaderboard all weekend long.  She had led one JBT event before, this spring at Buena, and stated before this title match that she had learned from that experience how to handle the title match pressure.  She proved she indeed had in the title match, rolling a confident game, while Patrick's pace finally slowed down a bit.  The end result was a 204-182 victory for Phandanouvong.  Her first JBT title came with a $2,200 payday after all bonuses.

115 bowlers from eight states shared in an eeeeeenormous $18,130 scholarship prize fund.   Buca di Beppo also provided food for a fantastic Saturday night banquet in which an additional $2,000 in scholarships and merchandise were handed out.  Thanks to Liz Piper and Rachel Carr for helping plan and coordinate the banquet, and to La Quinta North Phoenix for being great hosts.  What an amazing experience for all involved- thanks to everyone for attending, and to Glenfair for another terrific hosting job.  Every point mattered in getting there, as will every point will count towards the 2008 TPC when the new season starts soon-- don't miss it!!!

  Kevin and a big check

Jenny and a big check

Jenny and runner-up Patrick Hickok

just a small little trophy