Florida bowler surges into lead in Classified Singles at 2019 USBC Open Championships
March 16, 2019
By Matt Cannizzaro and Makinzey Marracco
USBC Communications
LAS VEGAS - Robert McKinzie of West Palm Beach, Florida, was back in Las Vegas for his 11th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, and it ended in memorable fashion, as he earned himself a spot on the leaderboard as the Classified Singles leader.
The 43-year-old right-hander took the lead Friday night at the South Point Bowling Plaza with a great comeback performance on bowling's biggest stage. He rolled games of 189, 178 and 257 for a 624 series. Larry Meyers of Renwick, Iowa, previously held the lead with 612.
"It feels amazing," McKinzie said. "With 39 other friends here from across the country, I've never felt or experienced anything like this in my life."
McKinzie was joined on the lanes by a group of friends consisting of 39 other participants. Within that group was his wife, Wendy, and his doubles partner, Tina Sparby.
Even though they didn't have much luck in doubles, this still will be a year to remember for the whole squad. Last year, in Syracuse, New York, a member of their same large group moved into second place, and they now have even better news to return home with.
McKinzie's singles performance came after a slow start to his 2019 USBC Open Championships campaign. He opened the event with a 444 series in team and posted a 398 set in doubles.
After every frame of the final game, McKinzie and his friends cheered, as they knew he was on pace for a big finish. Once he threw the last ball, his threw his hands into the air, knowing he'd taken the lead.
The 2019 event marked McKinzie's eighth trip to Nevada for the Open Championships, and he lists Las Vegas and Reno as his favorite tournament destinations.
While he has won other bowling accolades, this year's singles set was the best of his tournament career. He topped his previous high score, which was achieved during his first Open Championships in Las Vegas in 2009, by 20 pins.
Classified Singles includes bowlers with entering averages of 155 and below.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships Facebook page.
USBC Communications
LAS VEGAS - Robert McKinzie of West Palm Beach, Florida, was back in Las Vegas for his 11th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, and it ended in memorable fashion, as he earned himself a spot on the leaderboard as the Classified Singles leader.
The 43-year-old right-hander took the lead Friday night at the South Point Bowling Plaza with a great comeback performance on bowling's biggest stage. He rolled games of 189, 178 and 257 for a 624 series. Larry Meyers of Renwick, Iowa, previously held the lead with 612.
"It feels amazing," McKinzie said. "With 39 other friends here from across the country, I've never felt or experienced anything like this in my life."
McKinzie was joined on the lanes by a group of friends consisting of 39 other participants. Within that group was his wife, Wendy, and his doubles partner, Tina Sparby.
Even though they didn't have much luck in doubles, this still will be a year to remember for the whole squad. Last year, in Syracuse, New York, a member of their same large group moved into second place, and they now have even better news to return home with.
McKinzie's singles performance came after a slow start to his 2019 USBC Open Championships campaign. He opened the event with a 444 series in team and posted a 398 set in doubles.
After every frame of the final game, McKinzie and his friends cheered, as they knew he was on pace for a big finish. Once he threw the last ball, his threw his hands into the air, knowing he'd taken the lead.
The 2019 event marked McKinzie's eighth trip to Nevada for the Open Championships, and he lists Las Vegas and Reno as his favorite tournament destinations.
While he has won other bowling accolades, this year's singles set was the best of his tournament career. He topped his previous high score, which was achieved during his first Open Championships in Las Vegas in 2009, by 20 pins.
Classified Singles includes bowlers with entering averages of 155 and below.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships Facebook page.