onefrombills
02-22-2009, 09:41 PM
LAS VEGAS - While Australian bowling sensation Jason Belmonte continues to garner international media attention as the world's most successful two-hander on the lanes, Steven Vance of Norcross, Ga., is quietly making a name for himself at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships.
For the second consecutive year, Vance emerged as the early leader in Regular Singles, this time posting a 747 series on the first doubles and singles squad of the 2009 event at Cashman Center on Sunday. He also leads Regular All-Events with 1,872.
The 35-year-old two-hander wrapped up his 12th USBC Open Championships appearance with games of 257, 245 and 245, a vast improvement over his scores in team and doubles.
"Even though we usually bowl doubles and singles later in the day, this time we bowled the first squad, and at first, I cringed about bowling on the fresh condition again," said Vance, who had 578 in team and 547 in doubles. "I just tried to use the things I learned during team yesterday, and it worked. I remembered what the lanes did and what moves I made earlier, so I had a better plan heading into singles."
Vance, who decided to try the two-handed bowling style after seeing someone do it at a tournament more than a dozen years ago, is proud of the attention his unique style is getting, both inside and outside of the bowling industry, and sees it as a positive for the sport.
"Even if people are against it, there's always a little part of them that just wants to see what would happen if they tried it," said Vance, a pro shop operator. "Honestly, I think it could be a good thing for bowling. Anytime you can find something new that can bring attention to the sport, it is a good thing."
Presenting sponsors for the 2009 USBC Open Championships are the Coast Casinos in Las Vegas and the Eldorado Hotel Casino, Silver Legacy Resort Casino and Circus Circus in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider; Brunswick, capital equipment supplier; Storm Products, Inc.; Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel and Four Queens Hotel and Casino, the official brackets sponsors; Sapphire Gentleman's Club; Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino; MGM Mirage; Jerry's Nugget Casino and Fitzgerald's Casino and Hotel.
For the second consecutive year, Vance emerged as the early leader in Regular Singles, this time posting a 747 series on the first doubles and singles squad of the 2009 event at Cashman Center on Sunday. He also leads Regular All-Events with 1,872.
The 35-year-old two-hander wrapped up his 12th USBC Open Championships appearance with games of 257, 245 and 245, a vast improvement over his scores in team and doubles.
"Even though we usually bowl doubles and singles later in the day, this time we bowled the first squad, and at first, I cringed about bowling on the fresh condition again," said Vance, who had 578 in team and 547 in doubles. "I just tried to use the things I learned during team yesterday, and it worked. I remembered what the lanes did and what moves I made earlier, so I had a better plan heading into singles."
Vance, who decided to try the two-handed bowling style after seeing someone do it at a tournament more than a dozen years ago, is proud of the attention his unique style is getting, both inside and outside of the bowling industry, and sees it as a positive for the sport.
"Even if people are against it, there's always a little part of them that just wants to see what would happen if they tried it," said Vance, a pro shop operator. "Honestly, I think it could be a good thing for bowling. Anytime you can find something new that can bring attention to the sport, it is a good thing."
Presenting sponsors for the 2009 USBC Open Championships are the Coast Casinos in Las Vegas and the Eldorado Hotel Casino, Silver Legacy Resort Casino and Circus Circus in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider; Brunswick, capital equipment supplier; Storm Products, Inc.; Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel and Four Queens Hotel and Casino, the official brackets sponsors; Sapphire Gentleman's Club; Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino; MGM Mirage; Jerry's Nugget Casino and Fitzgerald's Casino and Hotel.