酒井　武雄

Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif., held on to her lead to claim the top seed for the televised finals in the Empire State PWBA Classic at Bowlers Club in Latham, N.Y. Saturday night. Barrette continued her march to the top by compiling a 19-5 won-lost record and averaging 233.33 overall.

Barrette is fourth on the PWBA all-time career earnings list with $947,993 just $52,007 shy of the million dollar mark.

After the first round, Barrette was situated in 12th place, moving up to 4th by round two, and 2nd place at the cut to the top twenty-four match play finalists. During match play, she maintained her hold on second for the fourth round and made her move to the top after the fifth round. Barrette will be looking for her first title of the year.

"I'd much rather be first or second for the show," said Barrette, "Sometimes those shootout matches can be pretty tough to get out of."

The other four athletes looking to take the title from the top seed are 2nd seed Maxine Nable, Australia, 3rd seed Wendy Macpherson, Henderson, Nev., 4th seed Michelle Feldman, Skaneateles, N.Y. and 5th Kim Terrell, Antioch, Calif.

The high scores throughout the field were plentiful, but Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif., threw some mighty games herself Saturday morning enabling her to move into the lead at the Empire State PWBA Classic at Bowlers Club in Latham N.Y. The two-time Robby Sportsmanship Award winner holds a 31-pin lead over Maxine Nable of Australia going into the final round of match play Saturday evening.

"The conditions this morning were more of a wet-dry," said Barrette, "I made some adjustments to play the lanes more direct and it really paid off."

Barrette, the wide hooking right-hander nicknamed "Boomer", put together five games over 245 this morning and at one point compiled a 278, 263 and 267 for an 808 three-game set. She has so far has put together a 12-4 won-lost record and is averaging 235.08 for the tournament.

Nable, the leader the previous two rounds, slipped to second place, with a 11-5 won-lost record and a 235.05 average, in spite of tossing some big numbers herself, including a 289.

The other bowlers in the top five working to make the last cut into tomorrow's TV finals are Wendy Macpherson, Henderson,Nev., in third, also with a 11-5 record; Michelle Feldman, Skaneateles, N.Y. holding down fourth place and a 9-6-1 record; and Liz Johnson, Cheektowaga, N.Y. in fifth place with a 11-5 record.

High scores were being shot throughout the morning squad with Tennelle Grijalva, Yorba Linda, Calif leading the onslaught with her second 300 game of the event. Also flirting with perfection were Macpherson and Feldman, both shooting 299.

The lone Albany area bowler, Linda Follett, had to withdraw from the event moments before the start of today's action due to a hand problem. Follett, part of outstanding group of local bowlers who competed this week, attempted to throw a few shots and made the decision to withdraw.

"I'm very disappointed," said Follett, showing her torn and blistered hand, "All I wanted to do was finish strong, but I just couldn't get a good release. I thought it would be better to give the alternate (Chele Schirmer, Bel Air, MD) a chance to bowl."

According to PWBA rules, if a player withdraws, the athlete finishing the tournament in 25th position takes her place with a loss of the withdrawing players' bonus pins as a penalty.

酒井　武雄

Maxine Nable, Australia, continued her hot pace to hold the lead at the Empire State PWBA Classic at Bowlers Club in Latham, N.Y. Friday evening. Nable won six of her eight head to head matches, averaging a 233.38 for the tournament and holds a 86-pin lead over second place Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif.

"I'm pretty happy with the way I'm bowling right now," said a smiling Nable, "Being the leader is a place I've not been in lately, so I'm not thinking about anything except winning matches."

Nable didn't pop for any large scores during the evening, but managed to bowl enough to win the majority of her matches with a high game of 248 and a low of 193.

16-year tour veteran Barrette won five of her matches this evening with a high game of 279 to hold on to the second spot and 92 pins ahead of third place Wendy Macpherson, Henderson, Nev.

"Experience does help in match play, I've been through it all and I keep a positive, open mind," said Barrette, "With the scoring high, as it's been this week, it's very important to keep winning your matches."

Rounding out the top five are Tammy Turner, Ogden, Utah, who went 5-3 in match play to hold down fourth place and just two pins behind her in fifth is Michelle Feldman, Skaneateles, N.Y.

Tennelle Grijalva, Yorba Linda, Calif., delighted the crowd this evening when she stroked the first 300 game of the tournament in her seventh game of the eight-game block.

One local Albany bowler, Linda Follett, survived the cut to match play starting the evening block in 23rd. She put together a 2-6 win-loss record for this evening and is currently in 24th place.

All she was waiting for was a little room to the right. Maxine Nable, a dynamic right-hander from Australia, powered her way into the lead at Bowlers Club in Latham, N.Y. going into match play at the Empire State PWBA Classic Friday morning.

"The right side of the lane had room for me to swing the ball", said Nable, who is averaging 235.27 for the event, "On tour we don't get to see that very much, but it's a type of condition that I do well on."

Nable made herself at home right from the start of the event. After the first round she was lurking in sixth place and made a move up to second place by the end of the second round. During her six-game block Friday morning, she averaged 243.66 to command first place.

"I've also been working on a few kinks in my game," added the high-revving Aussie, "I've been a little late in my timing so I've made a few adjustments in my pushaway to bring me back in better time."

Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif., also made her move closer to the top of the chart with a 231.27 average and is currently sitting in second place.

Tammy Turner, Ogden, Utah, the second round leader, slipped slightly to third place, while Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Richland Hills, Texas, and Tennelle Grijalva, Yorba Linda, Calif., round out the top five respectively.

One Albany area bowler survived the cut into match play and three others cashed as the strong contingent of Albany area bowlers continue to display their talents. Linda Follet, Albany, N.Y. moves into match play at 23rd place while Debbie Schoonmaker, Albany, N.Y., and Michelle Barker, Ballston Spa, N.Y. cashed in 29th and 30th place.

"It's always been my dream to bowl out here on tour and it's something I'd like to do in the future," said Follett, who maintains a full time job as a transportation manager. Her earnings will be put to good use when she gets married in October of 2004. "I hoped to cash and have a good time, but this is great! I was a little intimidated by these incredible bowlers, but the touring pros have all been wonderful and really made me feel at home."

持田　学

Tammy Turner, Ogden, Utah, free-wheeled her way into becoming the new leader at the Empire State PWBA Classic in Latham, N.Y. Thursday evening by banging out a six-game block bringing her twelve game total to 2857 and a 238.08 average overall.

Turner, the 1994 PWBA Rookie of the Year, had to take time off from the tour after undergoing back surgery in 1997 and is still on the comeback trail.

"I haven't won in six years, so, yes, I'm very antsy to win again," said Turner, "Right now, I'm happy I'm getting consistent, making the cuts, but I want to start making the show (TV finals) and giving myself a chance to win."

Moving up from sixth place was Maxine Nable, the hard-throwing righty from Australia. Nable averaged 239.16 this evening and tossed a high game of 266 bringing her an overall average of 231.08.

Rounding out the top five after twelve games are Tennelle Grijalva, Yorba Linda, Calif., who had eleven strikes in a row for a 290 game in the morning round; Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif., who jumped from 12th-place to 4th place; and Liz Johnson, Cheektowaga, N.Y. who bowled her very first 300 game in this bowling center as a teen in 1992 on the way to medalling in the Empire Games. Grijaalva is averaging 230.08, Barrette is at 229.58 and Johnson has a 227.0 average thus far.

Among the Albany area bowlers, two are still among the top 24 athletes.ﾊ Linda Follett, Albany, N.Y. is maintaining a 210.25 average and is tied for 20th place and Debbie Schoonmaker, also of Albany, N.Y. is averaging a 203.33 and is on the cut bubble in 24th place. Denise DeCarlo-Johnson, Delmar, N.Y. electrified the Albany crowd when she connected for the first nine strikes on her way to a 277 game.

Wendy Macpherson exploded into the first round lead of the Empire State PWBA Classic at Bowlers Club in Latham, N.Y., averaging a torrid 241.33 for six games Thursday morning. Macpherson, Henderson, Nev., maintains a 35-pin lead over second place Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Richland Hills, Texas.

Macpherson's total could have been even higher, as the Bowler of the Decade for the 1990's began her round with a "lowly" 191, then proceeded to put together a 278-277-254 for an 809 three-game total. She finished with a 226 and 222.

Dorin-Ballard, showing the high-level consistency that earned her the current PWBA Player of the Year honor, strung together a block of solid scores with a low game of 221 and a high game of 256 for a six game total of 1413 and a 235.50 average.

Tammy Turner, Ogden, Utah, Kim Adler, Cocoa Beach, Fla., and Marianne DiRupo, of Succasunna, N.J. round out the all-star top five. This current quintet of leaders holds 61 titles as a group. Third place Turner averaged 234.50, while Adler, in fourth, and DiRupo, in fifth place, pounded out 224.16 and 224.00 averages for the round respectively.

The Albany, N.Y. area has a strong contingent of local talent, competing in this week's event, with fourteen area bowlers in the field. Three are among the top 24. Debbie Schoonmaker, Albany, N.Y. is in 19th place and holds the highest position among the locals averaging 210.26. Linda Follett, Albany, N.Y., averaged 205.33 and currently sits in 22nd place, while right on her tail is Michelle Barker, of Ballston Spa, N.Y. in 23rd place with a 205.16 average.

持田　学

Tammy Turner, Ogden, Utah, free-wheeled her way into becoming the new leader at the Empire State PWBA Classic in Latham, N.Y. Thursday evening by banging out a six-game block bringing her twelve game total to 2857 and a 238.08 average overall.

Turner, the 1994 PWBA Rookie of the Year, had to take time off from the tour after undergoing back surgery in 1997 and is still on the comeback trail.

"I haven't won in six years, so, yes, I'm very antsy to win again," said Turner, "Right now, I'm happy I'm getting consistent, making the cuts, but I want to start making the show (TV finals) and giving myself a chance to win."

Moving up from sixth place was Maxine Nable, the hard-throwing righty from Australia. Nable averaged 239.16 this evening and tossed a high game of 266 bringing her an overall average of 231.08.

Rounding out the top five after twelve games are Tennelle Grijalva, Yorba Linda, Calif., who had eleven strikes in a row for a 290 game in the morning round; Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif., who jumped from 12th-place to 4th place; and Liz Johnson, Cheektowaga, N.Y. who bowled her very first 300 game in this bowling center as a teen in 1992 on the way to medalling in the Empire Games. Grijaalva is averaging 230.08, Barrette is at 229.58 and Johnson has a 227.0 average thus far.

Among the Albany area bowlers, two are still among the top 24 athletes.ﾊ Linda Follett, Albany, N.Y. is maintaining a 210.25 average and is tied for 20th place and Debbie Schoonmaker, also of Albany, N.Y. is averaging a 203.33 and is on the cut bubble in 24th place. Denise DeCarlo-Johnson, Delmar, N.Y. electrified the Albany crowd when she connected for the first nine strikes on her way to a 277 game.

Wendy Macpherson exploded into the first round lead of the Empire State PWBA Classic at Bowlers Club in Latham, N.Y., averaging a torrid 241.33 for six games Thursday morning. Macpherson, Henderson, Nev., maintains a 35-pin lead over second place Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Richland Hills, Texas.

Macpherson's total could have been even higher, as the Bowler of the Decade for the 1990's began her round with a "lowly" 191, then proceeded to put together a 278-277-254 for an 809 three-game total. She finished with a 226 and 222.

Dorin-Ballard, showing the high-level consistency that earned her the current PWBA Player of the Year honor, strung together a block of solid scores with a low game of 221 and a high game of 256 for a six game total of 1413 and a 235.50 average.

Tammy Turner, Ogden, Utah, Kim Adler, Cocoa Beach, Fla., and Marianne DiRupo, of Succasunna, N.J. round out the all-star top five. This current quintet of leaders holds 61 titles as a group. Third place Turner averaged 234.50, while Adler, in fourth, and DiRupo, in fifth place, pounded out 224.16 and 224.00 averages for the round respectively.

The Albany, N.Y. area has a strong contingent of local talent, competing in this week's event, with fourteen area bowlers in the field. Three are among the top 24. Debbie Schoonmaker, Albany, N.Y. is in 19th place and holds the highest position among the locals averaging 210.26. Linda Follett, Albany, N.Y., averaged 205.33 and currently sits in 22nd place, while right on her tail is Michelle Barker, of Ballston Spa, N.Y. in 23rd place with a 205.16 average.

It was a long time coming for Australian Cara Honeychurch. Appearing in her fourth televised final of the 2002 Professional Women's Bowling Association season, Honeychurch won the Greater Harrisburg Open on Sunday after a 195-148 victory over Kim Terrell, Antioch, Calif. Honeychurch took home a first place check worth $10,500.

"The first title of the year is the toughest to win," said Honeychurch. "I'm very relieved right now because I knew I had put myself in a good position to win and I did not want to give up that opportunity."

Honeychurch entered the championships as the tournament's top seed. The left-hander finished the 42-game prelims with a 15-8-1 record, a 229.26 average and a 10,094 pinfall.

Although her tournament week was filled with good fortune, Honeychurch got off a difficult start in her battle with Terrell. The eight-time titlest opened the match with a 7-10 split and then suffered a 4-6-7-10 split in the second frame.

Terrell, who bowled exceptionally in the opening shootout and semi-finals, also left an open frame in the first when she missed a 10-pin. Both players would mark in frames three thru five but in the sixth Terrell suffered a 7-10 split while Honeychurch continued to mark. A missed four-pin in the seventh by Terrell helped the Aussie to a 22-pin lead.

"I didn't really miss the pocket much in the finals but my angle of entry kept me from striking," said Terrell. "I thought I made a good shot when I missed the 10-pin. When I missed the four pin I was thinking too much about the 7-10 split."

Terrell's march to the finals came as a result of a 255-248-155 win over Anne Marie Duggan, Oklahoma City, Okla. and Kendra Gaines in the opening shootout. The 2002 Women's International Bowling Congress Queens tournament winner put on an impressive show when she notched a 10-strike game including six straight to finish the match. Duggan was equally magnificent striking nine times.

In the semi-finals Terrell bested her road roommate Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif 237-186.

Barrette led the tournament in rounds three and four. The 23-time titlest was making her 90th televised appearance of her career.

For her second place finish Terrell cashed for $5,800. Barrette earned $4,000 and Gaines and Duggan claimed $3,200 and $2,800 respectively.

Australian Cara Honeychurch landed the top seed at the Greater Harrisburg Open for Sundayﾕs 4:30 p.m. (eastern) ESPN stepladder finals. Honeychurch completed the 42-game prelims with a 15-8-1 match play record, a 229.26 average and a 10,094 pinfall.

"It's great a feeling to be the top seed in a tournament where the scores were very high," said Honeychurch. "Leanne Barrette bowled so well this week and made it very competitive to finish No.1"

Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif., who led the event in rounds three and four, finished the evening as the No. 2 qualifier after going 17-7-0 with 227.78 and 10,077. The 23-time titlest is making her 90th televised appearance of her career.

Throughout tournament's match play rounds Honeychurch and Barrette traded the lead 10 times. Last season Honeychurch and Barrette appeared in 23 televised finals combined and won a total of six titles. Honeychurch, who was named the Player of the Year Runner-Up, finished the year ranked second while Barrette ranked fourth. Both players are seeking their first championship in 2002.

Making her fourth consecutive finals appearance, Kendra Gaines, Sebring, Fla. closed out the week in the third position. A winner at the PWBA Women's Collegiate/Pro Doubles Challenge two weeks ago in Rockford, Gaines co-leads the tour in TV appearances with Honeychurch. Gaines' totals included 14-10-0, 222.57 and 9,768.

On making her fourth straight show Gaines stated, "I like it." I feel like I've been hitting my stride in the last few weeks. I've taken advantage of the opportunities that I've had and made the most of them."

Kim Terrell, Antioch, Calif. will also be bidding for her second title of the year. The fourth seed co-lead the tournament in match play records with 17-7-0 and posted marks of 220.09 and 9,754. Terrell helped kick off the PWBA schedule by winning the Women's International Bowling Congress Queens tournament.

Anne Marie Duggan, Edmond, Okla. grabbed the last spot in the TV finals going 12-10-2 with a 222.50 clip and 9,8735. Duggan was in danger of missing the top five in the last game of match play Saturday night but managed a 223-209 win over Gaines to help her edge out sixth place Michelle Feldman, Skaneateles, NY by 19 pins.

After trading spaces with Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif. four times during the fifth round Cara Honeychurch, Australia, reclaimed the tournament lead of the Greater Harrisburg Open at ABC West Lanes. The Aussie notched a 6-2 record (Ed. note - players earn 30 bonus pins for each match won during match play rounds) in the morning round while recording a 236.75 average and a 1,894 pinfall. For the tournament the lefty has registered an 11-5 mark with 230.05 and 8,152. She leads Barrette by 53-pins.

"Leanne is one of the best players on our tour and she is overdue for a title," said Honeychurch. "With the level of talent out here I try not to worry about what anyone else is doing. All I can do is concentrate on my own game. Worrying about anyone else is a waste of energy."

Following a Friday evening performance where she went 3-5, Barrette bounced back to go 7-1. Her 34 game totals include 10-6, 229.38 and 8,099.

Both Honeychurch and Barrette are members of the Ebonite Pro Staff. The twosome have monopolized the leaderboard all week with Honeychurch leading the tournament in the first two rounds and Barrette taking control in rounds three and four.

Last season Honeychurch and Barrette appeared in 23 televised finals combined and won a total of six titles. Honeychurch, who was named the Player of the Year Runner-Up, finished the year ranked second while Barrette ranked fourth. Both players are seeking their first championship in 2002.

Anne Marie Duggan, Edmond, Okla. moved into third place with tallies of 9-5-2, 224.32 and 7,897. The Professional Women's Bowling Association record holder for an eight-game series (2,097), Duggan produced the second highest pinfall of the eight-game block with a 1,768.

Marianne DiRupo, Succasunna, NJ maintained fourth place with a 4-4 record. Her tournament totals of 9-7, 224.32 and 7,897 give her a 102-pin lead over fifth place Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, N. Richland Hills, Texas.

Introduced as one of five nominees for the 2002 ESPY Award as "Best Bowler," Dorin-Ballard holds the last TV finals spot by 23 pins with a 9-7 record and 221.32 and 7,795.

Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif. maintained the top spot after 26 games at the Greater Harrisburg Open at ABC West Lanes. "Boomer" as she is sometimes called by her colleagues, went 3-5 (Ed. note - players earn 30 bonus pins for each match won during match play rounds) in the eight game match play block to increase her tournament total to 6,122 and 232.00.

"The last few weeks I've struggled a little in the first round of match play," said Barrette. "I didn't have my best round tonight but I got through without falling off the score sheet."

"I just tried to adjust as the lanes broke down. My carry is usually a little better in the morning round so tomorrow I'm just going to focus on what I have to do and hopefully put up some good scores."

Barrette, who last season appeared in 10 televised finals, ranks fifth all time in the Professional Women's Bowling Association in titles with 23. The former PWBA Player of the Year leads Australian Cara Honeychurch by 44 pins.

The 2001 Player of the Year Runner-Up, Honeychurch has flip-flopped with Barrette for the tournament lead throughout the week. The Aussie went 5-3 for the night and has tallied 228 and 6,078. Honeychurch co-leads the tour in championship round appearances with Kendra Gaines, Sebring, Fla. and Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, N. Richland Hills, Texas with three each.

Attempting to make her fourth consecutive finals, Gaines finished the night in the third slot with a 5-3 mark, 226.53 and 6,040. The former TEAM USA member ranks fourth this season in earnings ($18,920), second in competition points (3,216) and averages (215.55).

Marianne DiRupo, Succasunna, NJ moved up one spot to fourth with a 5-3 record and 225.26 and 6,007. A six-time titlest, DiRupo posted wins over two of the events top six in Marie Anne Duggan, Edmond, Okla. (237-184) and Honeychurch (226-204). Dorin-Ballard rounds out the top five after going 5-3 with 223.61 and 5,964.

Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif. showed why she is a 23-time titlest in round three of the Greater Harrisburg Open at the ABC West Lanes. The northern Californian completed her six-game block with a 248.83 average and a tournament-high 1,493 pinfall in taking over the top spot after 18 games of competition.ﾊ Barretteﾕs tournament totals of 236.61 and 4,259 lead Australian Cara Honeychurch by 27-pins. The five-time Women's International Bowling Congress All-American finished the morning session with a 782-series (220-273-289) in spite of a minor mishap with a thumb slug.

"On my second shot, in the tenth frame of the fourth game, my slug dropped into the ball. I was going to give up on the ball but I was getting such a good reaction with it that I wanted to keep using it," said Barrette.

"I used some sandpaper to sharpen up the edges of the thumb hole and I was able to get out of the ball cleaner. I used the same ball in the last two games and my carry was better."

Honeychurch, who led the field in the first two rounds, has chalked up 235.11 and 4,232. Entering the ensuing match play rounds the left-hander boasts the tour's best match play record with a 43-26-3 mark (.597 win pct.). The Aussie also led the 2001 match play stats with a 306-195-3 record (.610 win pct.).

Rookie of the Year Kelly Kulick, Union, NJ moved from sixth to third with the help of an opening 728-series (205-257-266). Seeking her first national title, the Morehead State grad has totals of 226.61 and 4,079. During the 2001 campaign Kulick was among the top 10 in 14 tournaments and appeared in the televised finals in nine times.

Kendra Gaines, Sebring, Fla. trails Kulick by one-pin with 226.55 and 4,078. Gaines is attempting to qualify for her fourth consecutive televised final. The Floridian ranks fourth this season in earnings ($18,920), second in competition points (3,216) and averages (215.55). Marianne DiRupo, Succasunna, NJ has a hold on the last championship round spot with 223.94 and 4,031.

Laura Lee Daniel, Corona, Calif. was the last athlete to qualify for match play in 24th with 209.11 and 3,764 while Brenda Norman, Indianapolis, Ind. was the last to cash at 202.61 and 3,647.

In an evening that the lanes were so sweet a dentist would have no problem finding a plethora of cavities, Australian Cara Honeychurch led the field at the Greater Harrisburg Open with a 240.33 average and a 2,884 pinfall.

"I didn't have as good a reaction tonight at the beginning of the round as I did during the day," said Honeychurch. "By the fifth game I changed balls to the Particle Vortex II and it gave me a great look the rest of the night."

Honeychurch extended her streak of 200-plus games to 12. The lefthander, who earlier in the day came four pins shy of a perfect game, completed the evening six-game block with a 289, missing a ten-pin on her 11th toss.

Trailing Honeychurch by 118-pins is Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif. A five-time member of the Women's International Bowling Congress, Barrette totals include 230.50 and 2,766. The 23-time titlest finished the 2000 Harrisburg Open as the runner-up to Dede Davidson.

"Tonight the lanes opened up a little bit more," said Barrette. "I saw a difference from the morning round after I moved in a little deeper and changed my angle a little bit."

Kendra Gaines moved up to third place with 228.83 and 2,746. Gaines is attempting to qualify for her fourth consecutive televised final. The Floridian ranks fourth this season in earnings ($18,920), second in competition points (3,216) and averages (215.55).

The greatest jump in the standings came from 22-year pro Cheryl Daniels, Detroit, Mich.ﾊ Daniels posted the top six-game block of the day with a 246 average. Voted into the WIBC Hall of Fame in May, Daniels went from 34th into a tie for tenth.

Finland's Pauliina Aalto moved into fourth place with a help of a 235.5 second round average. Her tournament totals of 225.91 and 2,711 were greatly assisted by a 299 score in her fourth game.ﾊ Marianne DiRupo, Succasunna, NJ rounded out the top five with 225 and 2,700.

Australian Cara Honeychurch leads an all-star cast of competitors among the top ten after one round of the Greater Harrisburg Open. Honeychurch notched a 242.33 average in her six-game block to end the first session with a 1,454 pinfall. The lefthander leads Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif. by 26-pins.

"Getting off to a good start is something I really wanted to do this week," said Honeychurch. "The last few weeks I've had to come from behind a little once match play started and I was hoping to position myself a little better for this tournament."

Starting off strong would be an understatement in describing the third-year pro's round. The southpaw got out of the gate with a 270 and then came within four pins of a perfect score in game two. Her 296, which resulted from the 2-4-6-10 split on the last toss, was the first round's top score. Honeychurch's 792 opening series (270-296-226) was part of six straight games with a score of 200 or more.

"In that second game I didn't throw the ball very well on that last shot, but I'll take the score."

Barrette, who ranks fifth all-time in titles in the Professional Women's Bowling Association, registered 238 and 1,428. The 23-time titlest closed out her morning with a 763 series (247-279-237). The last time the five-time Women's International Bowling Congress All-American competed at the ABC West Lanes she finished second to the 2000 champion Dede Davidson.

Rookie of the Year Kelly Kulick, Union, NJ, ranks third with 232 and 1,395 while Robby Award winner Liz Johnson, Cheektowaga, NY is in fourth with 227.33 and 1,364. Former PWBA Player of the Year Anne Marie Duggan, Edmond, Okla. sits in fifth with 222 and 1,332.

Area bowlers within the top 40 include Jackie Mitskavich, Dubois, Pa. (9th - 219.50, 1,308), Krissy Wright, York, Pa. (18th - 211.33, 1,268), Diane Jones, McKeesport, Pa. (32nd - 196.83, 1,181), Sherry Schulkins, Enola, Pa. (37th - 192, 1,152), Michelle Arrrington, Philadelphia, Pa. (38th - 189, 1,134) and Jan Gulick, Enola, Pa. (39th -- 188.66, 1,132).

It was a special day for the girl nicknamed Lil' Bit. Brenda Norman claimed her first-ever national title when she defeated Tiffany Stanbrough, Oklahoma City, Okla. 195-148 in the finals of the Greater Terre Haute Open. Norman took home a first-place check worth $10,500.

"I was very nervous," said Norman. "I didn't get off to the best start and Tiffany is a tough competitor. I just kept telling myself to make good shots and give myself a chance to win."

The seventh-year pro, who is a native of Indianapolis, Ind. became the seventh different player to win the event. The former University of Nebraska star won the championship in front of a large contingent of family and friends who made the one-hour drive to see her perform during the live ESPN telecast.

"It was great to be so close to home. Having so many fans cheer you on was a huge boost for me. It was very special to have my family and friends here to share this with me."

The top seed entering the championship bout, Norman got off to a difficult start by opening in the first two frames while Stanbrough threw back-to-back spares. However, just as Stanbrough looked to gain control of the tilt, Lil' Bit started to claw back with three straight strikes in frames four thru six. Stanbrough then opened in the fifth and sixth helping contribute to a 31-pin swing by the start of the seventh frame.

"When Tiffany opened two frames in a row I knew I got a break. From that point on I didn't want to take anything for granted."

Also seeking her first title, Stanbrough won over the Hoosier crowd in the three-way shootout when she upended PWBA Player of the Year Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, N. Richland Hills, Texas and Kendra Gaines, Sebring, Fla. 235-225-202. In the semi-finals the left-hander defeated the Player of the Year Runner-Up and defending champion Cara Honeychurch, Melbourne, Australia 197-179.

"Every time you bowl in the championships you can gain valuable experience and learn from it," said Stanbrough. "Today I came up just a little short but I feel good about the way I performed."

For her efforts Stanbrough cashed for $5,800. Third place Honeychurch won $4,000 while Dorin-Ballard and Gaines took home $3,200 and $2,800 respectively.

Indianapolis native Brenda Norman landed the top seeded position for the finals of the Greater Terre Haute Open at the Terre Haute Bowling Center. The seventh-year pro closed out the 42-game preliminaries with a 15-9-0 match play record (Ed. note - players earn 30 bonus pins for each match won during match play rounds), a 206.54 average and a 9,125 pinfall.

"After struggling in the morning I tried not over think what I had to do tonight," said Norman. "Toward the end of the night I really wanted to get the number one seed so I would only have to bowl one game in the finals."

Entering the her final match of the night of the night, Norman trailed Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, N. Richland Hills, Texas by 16-pins. In what seemed to set off a flurry of position changes among the top five, the right-hander defeated Dorin-Ballard 213-193 to stake her claim as the tournamentﾕs No. 1 qualifier.

Defending champion Cara Honeychurch, Melbourne, Australia, who was positioned 20th at the start of the match play rounds on Friday, clawed her way into the second slot after upending Kendra Gaines, Sebring. Fla. 245-210 in her last bout of the evening. Honeychurch finished the week with a tournament leading 16-8-0 record to go along with a 205.54 clip and a 9,113 pinfall.

Introduced last Tuesday as one of five candidates nominated for the 2002 ESPY Award for "Best Bowler", Dorin-Ballard fell back from first to third with her loss to Norman. The reigning Player of the Year went 13-11-0 with 207.16 and 9,091.

Making her third consecutive appearance in the televised finals, Gaines will head into the championships ranked fourth. The Floridian co-leads the tour in TV appearances with Dorin-Ballard and Honeychurch. Gaines' totals for the week included a 15-9-0 mark, 204.30 and 9,031. The former TEAM USA member is attempting to win her second straight tournament after claiming the title last week at the PWBA Women's Collegiate/Pro Doubles Challenge.

Similar to Honeychurch, Tiffany Stanbrough, Oklahoma City, Okla. had to come from behind to gain a spot in the Open finals. The left-hander needed to defeat Carol Gianotti-Block 235-224 in her last match to edge out the Australian for fifth place.

　　【PWBA】　PWBA Greater Terre Haute Open　【Round 5】

In what has shaped up to be one of the tightest races to the ESPN stepladder finals this season, Brenda Norman, Indianapolis, Ind. leads a group of at least 14 players with a realistic shot at competing in Sunday's championship round of the Greater Terre Haute Open at the Terre Haute Bowling Center. In spite posting a 2-6 record (Ed. note - players earn 30 bonus pins for each match won during match play rounds) in Saturday morning's eight-game match play block, the athlete nicknamed "Lil Bit" managed a 15-pin lead over Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, N. Richland Hills, Texas. Thru 34 games Norman is averaging 207.44 with a 7,323 pinfall.

"I had a tougher time today. I felt like I was fighting myself every game," said Norman. "I knew I had the lead so I was trying not to pressure myself but I never found my rhythm all morning."

Dorin-Ballard, who on Tuesday was introduced as one of five candidates nominated for the 2002 ESPY Award for "Best Bowler" has notched 207 and 7,308. The PWBA Player of the Year went 5-3 in match play and has been among the top four places throughout the entire week.

Tish Johnson, Northridge, Calif. celebrated her 40th birthday by moving into third place after going 5-3. Competing in her PWBA-record 222nd consecutive tournament, Johnson is the highest scoring left-hander in the tournament with 204.64 and 7,258.

"It would be a nice birthday present to make the show," said Johnson. "I really didn't bowl that well but I won some matches which helped me move up a spot."

A winner last week at the PWBA Women's Collegiate/Pro Doubles Challenge, Kendra Gaines, Sebring, Fla. sits in fourth place with 203.79 and 7,229. Gaines continues to be one of the hottest players on tour thru five weeks. The Floridian is attempting to make her third consecutive appearance in the championship round. Thus far this season ranks fourth in earnings ($16,120), third in competition points (2,591) and averages (220.22).

Rounding out the top five is Australian Carol Gianotti-Block with 205.61 and 7,216. With eight more games still to be played tonight at 4:30 p.m., Gianotti-Block must attempt to hold off nine other players who trail her by less than 180 pins.

Brenda Norman, Indianapolis, Ind. shot up the standings sheet during the fourth round of the Greater Terre Haute Open at the Terre Haute Bowling Center. The former University of Nebraska bowler went 7-1 in match play (Ed. note - players earn 30 bonus pins for each match won during match play rounds) to take over the tournamentﾕs top spot.

"Going 7-1 tonight was a big boost because the scores were not that high," said Norman. "I had some high scores but I also had some 190s. Luckily my spare shooting was pretty good and it helped me do just enough to win most of my matches."

Norman averaged 210.50 for her eight-game block with victories over three competitors in the tournament's top ten including Carol Gianotti-Block, Morley, Perth, Australia (188-181), Michelle Feldman, Skaneateles, NY (191-162) and Tish Johnson, Northridge, Calif. (222-137). For the tournament Norman has a 151-pin lead (211.38 and 5,706) over Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, N. Richland Hills, Texas.

Dorin-Ballard, who began the evening as the tournament leader, went 4-4 and has totals of 209.03 and 5,555. The 17-time titlest is attempting to make her second consecutive televised finals after finishing third last week at the PWBA Women's Collegiate/Pro Doubles Challenge. Last season the reigning Player of the Year appeared in a PWBA-record 18 telecasts.

Gianotti-Block trails Dorin-Ballard by 70-pins with 206.92 and 5,485. In spite of going 3-4-1 on the evening the Aussie moved up one spot from fourth to third.

After averaging 224.66 in the final six-game qualifying block on Friday morning, Johnson went 5-3 in the evening session to move into fourth place. Thru 26 games left-hander has tallied 203.80 and 5,449. Often called the "Iron Woman" of the PWBA, Johnson is competing in her PWBA-record 222nd consecutive pro tournament.

Kendra Gaines, Sebring, Fla. staked claim to the fifth position with a 4-4 mark and 5,430 and 204.23. Gaines has been one of the tour's top players in the first four weeks. The Floridian is coming off a victory at the PWBA Women's Collegiate/Pro Doubles Challenge. She has three consecutive top ten finishes and thus far this season ranks fourth in earnings ($16,120), third in competition points (2,591) and averages (220.22).

　　【PWBA】　PWBA Greater Terre Haute Open　【Round 3】

Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, N. Richland Hills, Texas, maintained her hold of the tournament lead after three rounds of competition at the Greater Terre Haute Open at the Terre Haute Bowling Center. The 17-time titlest and PWBA Player of the Year has completed 18-games with a 212.77 average and a 3,830 pinfall.

"Today the lanes played much tighter. I think most of the scores reflected that," said Dorin-Ballard.

In 2002 Dorin-Ballard ranks eighth in earnings ($8,785) and competition points (1,989) and fifth in averages (218.77).The five-time Women's International Bowling Congress All-American chalked up 199.5 and 1,197 in the six-game morning block. She leads Michelle Feldman, Skaneateles, NY by one pin.

Feldman, who is one of four PWBA'ers to have a title in 2002, finished qualifying with 212.72 and 3,829. The 26-year old has appeared in two televised finals in the last three weeks and has cashed in four of her last four events.

"I don't think anyone really had consecutive big games in this round," said Feldman. "Wood lanes are tougher to dial in as the week wears on."

Third place belongs to Indianapolis native Brenda Norman. Norman posted the high game of the round with a 279 notching nine strikes in a row before leaving a 10-pin on her first ball of the tenth frame.ﾊ The former University of Nebraska bowler has registered 15-of-18 games above 200.ﾊ For the tournament Norman has recorded 211.77 and 3,812.

Australian Carol Gianotti-Block ranks fourth with 211.50 and 3,807. The 1992-93 Australian Womenﾕs Sportstar of the Year notched the highest six-game total of the morning with 217 average. Gianotti-Block leads fifth place Wendy Mapcherson, Henderson, Nevada by 56-pins (208.38, 3,751).

Roth Wins First Senior Major of Career

Wolf and Roth Contend for the Title

Three Hall of Famers and 32nd Seed Advance to Semis

Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, N. Richland Hills, Texas took over the top spot of the leaderboard after 12 games of competition at the Greater Terre Haute Open at the Terre Haute Bowling Center. The PWBA Player of the year carved out a 219.41 average to increase her total pinfall to 2,633.

"Tonight I had a game plan," said Dorin-Ballard. "I know how my ball reacts here and I executed shots when I needed to. I've been working on my timing a lot lately and tonight I reaped the benefits of all the practice."

Dorin-Ballard, who on Tuesday was introduced as one of five nominees for the 2002 ESPY Award for "Best Bowler", holds a 29-pin lead over Michelle Feldman, Skaneateles, NY. The 17-time titlest moved from fourth to first with a help of an opening 730 series (214-237-279).

Feldman moved from seventh to second in round two starting the evening with games of 268 and 258. The ninth year pro is averaging 217 for the tournament. In 2002 she is one of four players to already have earned a title and ranks third in earnings ($18,180) and second in competition points (2,601) and averages (221.28).

Indianapolis native Brenda Norman is in third place, 20-pins behind Feldman. Norman used the six-game block to extend her streak of 200-plus games to 12. The former University of Nebraska bowler is averaging 215.33, 18 pins above her season average of 197.

"Tonight I just tried to stay consistent. I managed to hit the pocket most of the night and stay out of trouble," said Norman.

Norman leads Wendy Macpherson, Henderson, Nevada by 51-pins. The six-time Women's International Bowling Congress All-American closed out the evening with 211.08 and 2,533. Carol Gianotti-Block rounds out the top five with 208.75 and 2,505.

Tammy Turner, Ogden, Utah, is the first round leader at the Greater Terre Haute Open. The ninth year professional averaged 220.16 in her six game block to amass a 1,321 pinfall. Turner holds a 28-pin margin over Australian Maxine Nable, who tallied 215.50 and 1,293.

"Every lane was playing differently today which makes it tough to be consistent as you move from pair to pair," said Turner. "For me my release was fast and smooth most of the round and I had a good line on most of the lanes."

Turner completed the morning session with four games above 200 including the round's second highest score (279). The four-time titlest has been among the top 15 in her last three tournaments. She currently ranks 16th in earnings ($4,920) and averages (214.44) and 11th in competition points (1,805).

A three-time international champion, Nable seesawed from 256 to 169 in her first two games before settling down to average 217 for the remainder of the round. The Aussie is seeking her first national title this week. She is averaging 207.94 for the season with two cashes in her last four events.

Anne Marie Duggan, Oklahoma City, Okla. sits in third place, seven pins behind Nable with a 214.33 average. Duggan had the top series of the round with a 674 (199-253-222). PWBA Player of the Year Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, N. Richland Hills, Texas, is fourth with 213.50 and 1,281. Tuesday, Dorin-Ballard was one of five candidates introduced as a nominee for the 2002 ESPY Award for Best Bowler.

Indianapolis native Brenda Norman rounds out the top five with 213.16 and 1,279. Norman was the only competitor from round one to tally six consecutive scores of 200-plus.