New York bowler takes Standard lead at 2026 USBC Open Championships
May 02, 2026
RENO, Nev. – Michael Hunter of Liverpool, New York, delivered a breakthrough performance at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships on Friday, taking over the lead in Standard Singles while setting a new record in the division with a 768 series at the National Bowling Stadium.
The 45-year-old left-hander rolled games of 258, 244 and 266 to surpass the 763 posted by 2022 champion Sky Gettys of Thornville, Ohio. The Standard Division was introduced at the USBC Open Championships in 2017.
The lead in 2026 previously was held by Alan Allred of West Point, California, with 727.
“I’m ecstatic,” said Hunter, who made his fifth appearance at the Open Championships. “I’ve struggled here in the past, and this year, everything just lined up. I was able to find a good spot, make some adjustments and it all worked out.”
Hunter had 502 after two games, putting himself well within striking distance of the lead heading into Game 3.
“I started to think I might have a chance,” Hunter said. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in a position to shoot 800 even in league. When I saw the leading score was 727, I just told myself to stay clean and give myself a shot.”
He started the final game with strikes on nine of his first 10 deliveries to secure the lead and move into the tournament’s record book.
A key to the performance was his ability to make adjustments throughout the set, something he admitted had been a challenge in previous years.
“I realized a bad shot doesn’t always mean I threw it bad – something might have changed,” Hunter said. “I made a lot of adjustments. I threw three different balls, moved several boards with my feet and eyes and just kept working to stay in the right spot.”
Competing as one of the few left-handers in his group also added and extra layer of difficulty, but Hunter embraced the challenge.
“Being left-handed out there can be tough because you’re kind of on your own,” Hunter said. “But, I came with a great group of guys and was able to figure it out and stick to a plan.”
The performance marked a significant moment for Hunter, who had yet to find this level of success on the lanes at the Open Championships.
“I really just came out here hoping to be competitive,” Hunter said. “To be in this position now, it’s beyond words.”
With the lead secured and a record-setting score in place, Hunter now faces the long wait as the tournament continues through July.
“Ecstatic,” said Hunter of how it he would feel if his score remained at the top. “I never thought I’d be in this kind of position. Just knowing I made a plan, stuck to it, and for it to be successful, means everything.”
Hunter added 622 in doubles and 554 in team to also move into second place in Standard All-Events with 1,944. Tommy Tran of Port Arthur, Texas, leads in 2026 with 1,963.
Standard Singles includes bowlers with entering averages of 161-181.
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.
The 45-year-old left-hander rolled games of 258, 244 and 266 to surpass the 763 posted by 2022 champion Sky Gettys of Thornville, Ohio. The Standard Division was introduced at the USBC Open Championships in 2017.
The lead in 2026 previously was held by Alan Allred of West Point, California, with 727.
“I’m ecstatic,” said Hunter, who made his fifth appearance at the Open Championships. “I’ve struggled here in the past, and this year, everything just lined up. I was able to find a good spot, make some adjustments and it all worked out.”
Hunter had 502 after two games, putting himself well within striking distance of the lead heading into Game 3.
“I started to think I might have a chance,” Hunter said. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in a position to shoot 800 even in league. When I saw the leading score was 727, I just told myself to stay clean and give myself a shot.”
He started the final game with strikes on nine of his first 10 deliveries to secure the lead and move into the tournament’s record book.
A key to the performance was his ability to make adjustments throughout the set, something he admitted had been a challenge in previous years.
“I realized a bad shot doesn’t always mean I threw it bad – something might have changed,” Hunter said. “I made a lot of adjustments. I threw three different balls, moved several boards with my feet and eyes and just kept working to stay in the right spot.”
Competing as one of the few left-handers in his group also added and extra layer of difficulty, but Hunter embraced the challenge.
“Being left-handed out there can be tough because you’re kind of on your own,” Hunter said. “But, I came with a great group of guys and was able to figure it out and stick to a plan.”
The performance marked a significant moment for Hunter, who had yet to find this level of success on the lanes at the Open Championships.
“I really just came out here hoping to be competitive,” Hunter said. “To be in this position now, it’s beyond words.”
With the lead secured and a record-setting score in place, Hunter now faces the long wait as the tournament continues through July.
“Ecstatic,” said Hunter of how it he would feel if his score remained at the top. “I never thought I’d be in this kind of position. Just knowing I made a plan, stuck to it, and for it to be successful, means everything.”
Hunter added 622 in doubles and 554 in team to also move into second place in Standard All-Events with 1,944. Tommy Tran of Port Arthur, Texas, leads in 2026 with 1,963.
Standard Singles includes bowlers with entering averages of 161-181.
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.