BRC KYRENE

champs Jakob Butturff & Kyle Ponzo

        Kyle Ponzo made personal history by winning his second career JBT title, but it was Jakob Butturff who rewrote the JBT record books, on an historic day of Arizona Conference action at BRC Kyrene Lanes.

        Two first time finalists opened the handicap division stepladder, with Justin Lawrence getting by Rachel Francone 207-186.  Lawrence then defeated birthday girl Rachael Berg 223-216.  Ponzo then stepped in and stopped Lawrence 240-218 to advance to the title game.

        Top seed Keith Fung had dominated most of the day, but engaged in a close battle with Ponzo in the championship game.  After a late washout seemed to seal Kyle's downfall, Keith left a washout of his own, and when he didn't convert, a shocked Ponzo claimed the 225-215 win, good for his second JBT win of the season.

        The scratch division used the endless tenth frame format, where if you strike on your final ball, you can continue as long as you keep striking.  It didn't come into play in game one though, as Eric Hatchett got by Austin Thompson 234-186.  Round two produced the most exciting match in endless tenth history, as Eric led Danny Varholdt 224-195 at the end of regulation, with both players striking.  Varholdt then threw the next three strikes to take the lead, but Hatchett answered with a strike. They went two more rounds before a 10-pin finally stopped Varholdt in a 244-235 thrilling final.  Derek Acuff then stopped Hatchett 225-195 to advance to the title game.

        Top seed Jakob Butturff is already having an historic season, but added yet more history by doubling in the tenth frame of game eight to finish out at +509, beating the previous record of +503 set in 2004 and tied just last week by Wesley Low.  With a win here, he'd also break the single-season titles record, topping Kyle King's 15 two years ago.  The match remained in doubt until a disastrous 3-7-9 in the tenth from Acuff, eliminating the endless tenth possibility and finalizing a 212-193 win for Jakob, and the record 16th title of the season, with plenty of season left.  His 22nd overall victory also ties Andrew Cain for 6th place on the all-time titles list- wow!

    Marguerite Evans claimed her first JBT Women's Series win, presented by Impact Bowling, with a 182-166 win over Bree Vargas.  She needs two more to guarantee a spot in the Girls TPC this summer.

     Thanks to the whole crew at Kyrene for a great job hosting us.  Want in on this fun and excitemet?  Check out our schedule and come on down, that's all there is to it!