Colorado bowler takes Classified Singles lead at 2017 Open Championships
June 06, 2017
LAS VEGAS - Patience and dedication proved virtuous for Robert Linder of Henderson, Colorado, as he turned in a career-best performance on his way to the lead in Classified Singles at the 2017 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships.
The 68-year-old right-hander rolled games of 210, 221 and 203 at the South Point Bowling Plaza for a 634 series, surpassing Nick Stenberg of Big Timber, Montana, who previously held the lead with 621.
Linder relied on his mechanics as he put together his consist effort Tuesday.
Stepping up in the 10th frame of his final game, he needed nine pins to secure the top spot in the standings and delivered a strike to put the finishing touches on his set.
"I trusted my approach and follow through and just let the ball roll down the lane," said Linder, who made his 21st USBC Open Championships appearance. "I didn't realize what I needed for the lead, but I was glad to hear the news."
Linder's career at the Open Championships began at the 1995 event in Reno, Nevada, and he's always strived to leave his mark at the tournament.
Alongside family and friends, he was excited to see everything come together as he recorded his second 600 series on the championship lanes.
"This means a whole lot to me," said Linder, who rolled a 602 series in doubles at the 1998 event, also in Reno. "I've been coming here for more than 20 years, and I finally accomplished something I've always wanted to do. It would mean a whole lot if it held up. I'd be honored to be a champion at this event."
Linder's big singles set also helped him move into the top 15 in Classified All-Events. He added sets of 511 in team and 482 in doubles for a 1,627 total, which is good for 13th place. Stenberg leads Classified All-Events with 1,733.
Classified Singles and All-Events features bowlers with entering averages of 180 and below.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships Facebook page.
The 68-year-old right-hander rolled games of 210, 221 and 203 at the South Point Bowling Plaza for a 634 series, surpassing Nick Stenberg of Big Timber, Montana, who previously held the lead with 621.
Linder relied on his mechanics as he put together his consist effort Tuesday.
Stepping up in the 10th frame of his final game, he needed nine pins to secure the top spot in the standings and delivered a strike to put the finishing touches on his set.
"I trusted my approach and follow through and just let the ball roll down the lane," said Linder, who made his 21st USBC Open Championships appearance. "I didn't realize what I needed for the lead, but I was glad to hear the news."
Linder's career at the Open Championships began at the 1995 event in Reno, Nevada, and he's always strived to leave his mark at the tournament.
Alongside family and friends, he was excited to see everything come together as he recorded his second 600 series on the championship lanes.
"This means a whole lot to me," said Linder, who rolled a 602 series in doubles at the 1998 event, also in Reno. "I've been coming here for more than 20 years, and I finally accomplished something I've always wanted to do. It would mean a whole lot if it held up. I'd be honored to be a champion at this event."
Linder's big singles set also helped him move into the top 15 in Classified All-Events. He added sets of 511 in team and 482 in doubles for a 1,627 total, which is good for 13th place. Stenberg leads Classified All-Events with 1,733.
Classified Singles and All-Events features bowlers with entering averages of 180 and below.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships Facebook page.