Behind the Numbers Part 2 - 2010 Citizen Masters
by Mike Ryan
I would first like to talk about what a modified condition is so we are all on the same page. A modified oil pattern is nothing more than a house shot that has been altered in a small way to take some of the area we currently have on house conditions. That's it, nothing more. It is nowhere near a sport pattern or even a PBA pattern. A modified pattern will still give the same characteristics as you see every week in league bowling but you just can't miss your mark by a whole arrow and still strike. It is only meant to help preserve the game of bowling and reward bowlers making good shots and correct adjustments. Without a modified pattern, the qualifying cut would be so high that many bowlers would refuse to even enter the tournament.
There are still four bowlers looking to become the first to own three masters titles with Tom Charles, Ben Appleby, Greg Spinelli, and Mike Ryan. There are still seven bowlers that have one master's title looking to join the preceding four: Steve Suslik, Paul Samasuck, Tom Knapp, Tim Poormon, Pete Bommersbach, Rick Lambrecht, and Rick Liccion. There are three Runner ups that are still looking for their first title with Jim Relfe, Cory Slater, and Paul Roche. There are 34 bowlers that are looking for either title. Looking at the winner's bracket, one bowler is guaranteed to make the final 8 without a title with Darrin Emperato, Barry Marginean, Mark Sokernyk, and Dan Bibbens.
The chance for a title rematch still remains a possibility. So far, the best chance could be a match between 2002 Champion Rick Lambrecht and Greg Spinelli. They are both in the winner's bracket and could possibly meet in the first match on the final Saturday. All they have to do is remain unbeaten at Cedar House this weekend. What a great way to start the final weekend that would be. Also, we could see another match between 2007 Champion Rick Liccion and Jim Relfe. The road for that rematch is much tougher as one is in the winner's bracket and the other already has one loss.
We've had some really great matches over the weekend, a lot of great shots, splits converted, and come from behind wins. If you watched the Jeff Matty and Steve Walawender match, Jeff posted some huge numbers and nearly made it impossible to beat as he posted the second highest score of the day at 761. But I'm sure Jeff never took that deep breath until the match was over because Steve also threw some great numbers challenging Jeff all the way with a 705 series. With only a 31 pin lead after two, 503-472, we all know that it can change in a matter of two frames. Steve threw a great third game of 233 but Jeff kept his line and shot a 258 finale. Great match and we look forward to the next meeting. Jeff and I also had a re-match of our own on Sunday. It's really tough to bowl against your friends and team mates. The nice thing about it is that no matter who won, we would still be friends and be happy for the other. I was lucky enough to make a timely ball change in the second game to put a lot of pressure on Jeff and ultimately earn the win with 738-655. Jeff, I have a ton of respect for you and you are a champion in my books.
Some feature matches included Steve Suslik vs. Rick Chalupnicki. Kudos to Rick for coming in to Rainbow Lanes and taking out last year's champion. That victory alone should be worth 2 wins as Tiger knows that house better than anyone around. What an awesome match to watch as the two stayed right with each other throughout the match. Rick won the first game 229-210, Steve picked up five pins in the second game, 225-220, and also won the third game 193-183 but Rick stayed close enough for the three pin win. In a board member vs board member match, it was Rick Liccion eventually earning the victory. After the first game Rick came out with a commanding lead by 53 pins but JT Locastro wasn't letting that get the best of him. He came back the second game 221-194 and cut the deficit in half to 26. In the third game, JT was charging hard and they were even going into the tenth when a pocket 8-10 shattered his bragging rights at the next meeting. Final score, 622-597. In a nail biter, there was a great match between Greg Spinelli and Mike Maltese. Mike took the early lead in the first game, winning 191-169. Greg bounced back 226-193 to take the lead by 11. As they both battled in the third game, I saw a flurry of strikes by Mike (as I usually do in pressure situations by Mike in our Tuesday night Turner Lumb Memorial League). Mike left a stubborn 4 pin in the ninth frame to keep the match close. Mike ended up winning the third game 238-228, but it wasn't enough as Greg held on for a 1 pin victory. Greg's game is looking pretty solid this year with earning another victory on Sunday against Nick Kilmer, 623-560. Another 1 pin match was between Ben Appleby and Mike Suarez. Mike started right out firing strikes at Benny and winning the first game, 235-195. After the second game, Ben shaved 8 pins off the lead, and trailed by 32. The last game, Ben caught a few key strikes late in the match and needed a double to shut out Mike in the tenth. Ben put the first one down but then left a 10 pin to open the door. Mike then got up and fired three straight strikes for the one pin victory, 589-588. There's a victory that you won't forget.
On Sunday, there were some other great matches. Bruce Freeman bowled his first ever 700 series on games of 233-223-257 for a 713 series and a victory over Brian Parry. 2009 Bowler of the Year, Jeff Lumb bowled against teammate and friend Paul Samasuck. Paul came out with a quick lead in the first game by 48 pins. Jeff cut the lead by 6 pins in the second game. Still trailing by 42 pins, Jeff put some pressure on Paul by winning the third game 226-205, but it wasn't enough as Paul won the match 606-585. The most exciting match of the day came from Rick Lambrecht and Cory Slater. Rick averages about 240 at Cedar House and Cory has a lot of game that he brings to the table. Rick came right out the first game winning 243-216. He continued firing strikes in the second game by having a huge 299 game but only to find that Cory stayed right with him by shooting a 278 game. With Rick up 542-494, Cory never gave up and started his charge for a huge upset but fell short late in the match and won the third game 235-200 but losing the match 742-729. There were many more great matches over the weekend and I hope you were able to watch them.
For this upcoming weekend, a bowler in currently in the loser's bracket must win the next five matches to make it to the final 8. A bowler currently in the winner's bracket could only bowl two matches to make it to the final 8. Here are some interesting match ups for Saturday: Steve Suslik vs Wayne Bibbens. How can you not follow Tiger anywhere he goes? If he was on a reality show, he would have the ratings for sure. He is very exciting to watch. Leftie vs leftie. Not only that, but they have three titles between them. Get the marshmallows out for this one, it could be a barn burner. Tim Poormon vs Dustin Shaw. Dustin has a sweet release but this is Tim's house. Pete Bommersbach vs Jon Swanson. I overheard someone say that Pete is like a Cheetah, he just sits back and watches his prey and then swipes their feet from underneath them. Jon's game could be a perfect line all weekend long. Jeff Matty vs Dick Bobbett AND Chuck Ostrander vs Paul Roche. These guys like to stand left and then stand even more left. I think we will see some gutter lofting in the third game. Robert Smith would even be impressed. Chris Fleming vs Rick Lambrecht. Chris is showing a lot of heart out there and has a calm presence with a fired up release but Rick…Cedar House…hmmm, I think Norm Duke would have a run for his money.
This is a big weekend coming up as we narrow down to the final eight. We will see some upsets and large victories. We will see come backs and one pin victories. Make sure you bring the right equipment and make the right changes in order to get that extra carry. One wrong move and you could be collecting your check early. Come and support your bowlers and help them get into that final weekend. Get that picture and bio in the Citizen. Get JT to pull you aside for a quick quote. Get that crowd roaring this weekend because that's all what makes the Masters so great. Good luck to everyone this weekend.