Iowa pair takes over top spot in Standard Doubles at 2023 Open Championships
March 07, 2023
Pictured above (from left): Matthew McConaughy and Derrick Tompkins
RENO, Nev. – As the leaderboard continues to take shape during the opening week of the 2023 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, sometimes you just need to take in the moment as you see your name at the top of the standings and in the spotlight.
Matthew McConaughy of Hudson, Iowa, and Derrick Tompkins of Clutier, Iowa, now hold the lead in Standard Doubles after posting 1,128 on Tuesday at the National Bowling Stadium, and whether they maintain the lead for a squad, day or until the final day on July 24, they made sure to enjoy the experience.
McConaughy, a 44-year-old right-hander, led the way Tuesday with games of 189, 235 and 176 for a 600 series. Tompkins, a 43-year-old right-hander, added 198, 167 and 163 for a 528 total.
Both bowlers marked in their final frame of the set to move past Constance Esters of San Pedro, California, and Lee Schreiner of Lawndale, California, who had taken over lead Monday night with 1,118.
McConaughy and Tompkins are brothers-in-law and have been bowling together for a majority of their careers at the USBC Open Championships. They usually bowl a little later at the event each year, so they went into this year’s appearance knowing they had a chance to set the pace.
“This actually is the earliest we’ve ever been,” said McConaughy, who made 21st consecutive tournament appearance. “We usually bowl in late March or early April. There were some work things and travel things, so we decided to bowl early this year.”
After some struggles Monday during the team event, McConaughy noted some adjustments to his equipment helped him feel comfortable in the early stages of doubles Tuesday.
“After yesterday, I couldn’t hook anything,” McConaughy said. “I couldn’t make the ball wrinkle. I made some surface adjustments this morning and had a decent look in practice. It gives you a little bit of confidence when you can see some shape and get an idea right away.”
For Tompkins, he usually only picks up a bowling ball for his annual appearance at the Open Championships. He enjoys the chance to make the trek to bowl and have some fun with his group. Leaving with the lead helped add something extra to the trip.
“I come out here for a vacation and to have some fun,” said Tompkins, who made his 20th appearance. “To leave with the lead is awesome. It makes the whole trip.”
They saw some friends from Iowa have some early success at the tournament during the 2021 event in Las Vegas, and they appreciate the chance to now start the waiting game to see where they end up at the end of the 143-day tournament in July.
“We had some buddies who bowl with Fran’s Pro Shop that set a bunch of numbers really early in 2021,” McConaughy said. “It was cool to see those guys at the top. Never in a million years did I think I’d come out here and take the lead in this place. It’s early, but you can’t win it if you don’t take the lead. We may have to sweat until July, or we may have to sweat until tomorrow. You never know.”
Tompkins finished his 2023 appearance with 541 in singles and 498 in team for a 1,567 all-events total. McConaughy had 485 in team and 481 in singles for 1,566.
The 2023 Open Championships kicked off March 4, and the tournament’s official opening ceremony will take place Saturday, March 11.
Standard Doubles features bowlers with combined entering averages of 311-350.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships page.
RENO, Nev. – As the leaderboard continues to take shape during the opening week of the 2023 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, sometimes you just need to take in the moment as you see your name at the top of the standings and in the spotlight.
Matthew McConaughy of Hudson, Iowa, and Derrick Tompkins of Clutier, Iowa, now hold the lead in Standard Doubles after posting 1,128 on Tuesday at the National Bowling Stadium, and whether they maintain the lead for a squad, day or until the final day on July 24, they made sure to enjoy the experience.
McConaughy, a 44-year-old right-hander, led the way Tuesday with games of 189, 235 and 176 for a 600 series. Tompkins, a 43-year-old right-hander, added 198, 167 and 163 for a 528 total.
Both bowlers marked in their final frame of the set to move past Constance Esters of San Pedro, California, and Lee Schreiner of Lawndale, California, who had taken over lead Monday night with 1,118.McConaughy and Tompkins are brothers-in-law and have been bowling together for a majority of their careers at the USBC Open Championships. They usually bowl a little later at the event each year, so they went into this year’s appearance knowing they had a chance to set the pace.
“This actually is the earliest we’ve ever been,” said McConaughy, who made 21st consecutive tournament appearance. “We usually bowl in late March or early April. There were some work things and travel things, so we decided to bowl early this year.”
After some struggles Monday during the team event, McConaughy noted some adjustments to his equipment helped him feel comfortable in the early stages of doubles Tuesday.
“After yesterday, I couldn’t hook anything,” McConaughy said. “I couldn’t make the ball wrinkle. I made some surface adjustments this morning and had a decent look in practice. It gives you a little bit of confidence when you can see some shape and get an idea right away.”
For Tompkins, he usually only picks up a bowling ball for his annual appearance at the Open Championships. He enjoys the chance to make the trek to bowl and have some fun with his group. Leaving with the lead helped add something extra to the trip.
“I come out here for a vacation and to have some fun,” said Tompkins, who made his 20th appearance. “To leave with the lead is awesome. It makes the whole trip.”
They saw some friends from Iowa have some early success at the tournament during the 2021 event in Las Vegas, and they appreciate the chance to now start the waiting game to see where they end up at the end of the 143-day tournament in July.
“We had some buddies who bowl with Fran’s Pro Shop that set a bunch of numbers really early in 2021,” McConaughy said. “It was cool to see those guys at the top. Never in a million years did I think I’d come out here and take the lead in this place. It’s early, but you can’t win it if you don’t take the lead. We may have to sweat until July, or we may have to sweat until tomorrow. You never know.”
Tompkins finished his 2023 appearance with 541 in singles and 498 in team for a 1,567 all-events total. McConaughy had 485 in team and 481 in singles for 1,566.
The 2023 Open Championships kicked off March 4, and the tournament’s official opening ceremony will take place Saturday, March 11.
Standard Doubles features bowlers with combined entering averages of 311-350.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships page.