There was plenty of potential and HiLine Lanes did not disappoint this week with BOTH possible 'Bonanza's' claimed for some BIG BUCKS!  First, the 9-Tap Jackpot was nearly hit for $5,856.00 and then the Top 3 combined to share the Monster Progressive Pot.  With a very small 'tweak' to the lane conditions in an attempt for a small uptick in scoring, many bowlers jumped on the adjustment as the Cut-Line was 30 pins higher than previous visits to HiLine.  When the dust settled, the Cut-Line wound up at 950 and the Top 3 finishers shared over $2,000.00 from the Progressive Pot alone!

 

The 9-Tap Jackpot was under attack as well, first by John Schneider who stepped up, hitting the front 5 taps and was seemingly on his way to the day's consolation prize.  It wasn't long after that when KareemBrowne  took matters into his own hands by hitting the front 6 and with many bowlers and spectators converging to watch, he stepped up for the 'Golden Shot' at $5,856.00...Nerves were not really apparent on the surface but Kareem slightly pulled the shot left of the headpin, narrowly missing his HUGE pay day.  It was not all disappointing for Kareem as he took home $500.00 for the feat.  Not at all bad for a guy who showed up during the 1st Squad to watch and later said that he had seriously contemplated not bowling because he wasn't feeling it.  Well done, Kareem and congrats!

 

Evidently, it was a good day to be named Brown or Browne, depending upon how you spell it...Glen Brown was gunning for his first Tour Title and if not for the appearance of a couple of VERY untimely splits, he would have been very close to the Top Spot.  Glen's 1034 was good for 3rd Place and coupled with the $230.00 in winnings from the Scratch Pot, he took home well over $700.00 on the day.  

 

It's probably suffice to say that long-time Tour Veteran (#37) and previous Champion Gary Woldt found his groove on Saturday as he fired his way into the 2nd spot with a Super 1055 series and took his share of the 'Bonanza' at $1000.00.  Gary's had many Hot streaks over the years and perhaps this could be the start of a new one?

 

Huyen Thai is not just the brother of Tour Regular, Thang Duc Thai, he also shares the Title of 9-Tap Tour Champion!  With the year only just getting started, The Tour crowned its 4th-1st Time Champ of the year as Huyen found himself in 'The Zone' by firing two very moderate games, then two MONSTER games running away from the field with the 1087 set.  Thai's victory claimed not only the title but the biggest pay day of the year so far of $2,251.00.  Huyen's wife, Huong and brother, Thang Duc were on hand to celebrate the victory but obviously had some nervous moments as they awaited the results of the final squad.  When asked what ball he used, he simply stated that he has "Just a plastic ball" that Hiline's Pat Johns drilled for him.  With the BIG pay check, Thai said he will buy presents for his family and said he was very happy and excited to be on the Tour.  Super Job, Huyen!

 

Remember!  The Tour has a Bye Week next Saturday and will return to action at Secoma Lanes on February 7th!  Enjoy the Super Bowl everyone and...