The Epic Battle took place after Tong Nguyen (7-Titles, 3 at Skyway) and John Nissen (5-Titles) each knocked out the guys looking for their first wins (Rob White & George Ureche). Tong and John both have been going through a dry spell that's lasted for months. They took vastly different routes getting to the Final match. Tong took advantage of the new "Qualifying by Squad" format, by making it in the very 1st squad on Saturday, while John struggled through several squads Saturday before he qualified. The Battle began with Tong taking the lead early, but a split quickly put him behind. Then John had a split in the 8th frame and Tong took the lead back by stringing 3 straight strikes. But when Tong could only spare in the last two frames, John came back again with a double to win Title #6, by just 6 pins. John had only cashed once in his last 17 entries and his frustration was showing on Saturday. Before the 1st squad, John had commented on how bad he'd been bowling for the last few months. Ironically, I told him, "You never know when you'll break out of a slump". He sure picked a good time to get hot, winning $1,913.00 this week, which pushes his career earnings on the Tour, to an enviable $19,000.00.

Tong actually started breaking out of his slump a few weeks ago, with his first high cash since January. He attributes his improvement to getting his head shaved (not recommended). The 2nd place finish still came with a very healthy payday, worth $950.00. Finishing tied for 3rd, were two Tour Members who are continuing recent 'Hot Streaks'. Rob White and George Ureche both have been frequently on the Cash Lists, each taking home $420.00 for their efforts this weekend.


NEXT WEEK at HiLine: BIG Progressive Pot at $2,216.00 & Jackpot at $4,170.00.


EQC CHAMPIONSHIP results:
Sweet 16: Mholee Divina 253 d. Patrick Robbins 165, Tong Nguyen 286 d. Ray Israel 218, George Ureche 215 d. Alex Jazbec 182, Marielyn Oriza 228 d. Jon Schneider 188, Mickie Springer 220 d. Sue Packman 202, Rob White 194 d. Chim Saechao 163, John Nissen 221 d. Willie Downing 193, Bernadette Alford 201 d. Santos Saloy 200. Elite 8: Tong Nguyen 240 d. Mholee Divina 195, George Ureche 238 d. Marielyn Oriza 194, Rob White 254 d. Mickie Springer 163, John Nissen 243 d. Bernadette Alford 187. Final 4: Tong Nguyen 251 d. George Ureche 156, John Nissen 258 d. Rob White 211. Final: John Nissen 210 d. Tong Nguyen 204.

OTHER PAYOUTS

NEW PROGRESSIVE POT TOTAL: $2,216.00
NEW 9-TAP JACKPOT TOTAL: $4,170.00

STRIKEPOT CONSOLATION WINNER:
4 No-Taps Karen Guilbeault ($100)

TOURNAMENT INFORMATION