Recap: Rumbi Island Grill Classic Bowling Tournament Sets the Tone for CB TOUR Season
The Rumbi Island Grill Classic, marking the commencement of the CB TOUR season 1, showcased an impressive field of talent and a compelling display of competition. With a substantial participant count of 203 entries, the event emerged as a dynamic platform for the sport's enthusiasts to demonstrate their skills.
The significance of the event was reflected in its prize structure. A total of $20,160 was distributed as main event prize money with a first place prize of $3,000, accompanied by an additional $15,750 awarded for side events. In a commitment to fostering healthy competition, the event also contributed $2,100 to the CB TOUR points prize pool. This consolidated the total to $4,100 after a single event, factoring in Storm's added contributions as a presenting sponsor of the CB TOUR.
An emphasis on the sport's future was evident through the allocation of $2,450 towards scholarship rewards. Notably, Luke Brown claimed the fourth-place spot, earning $900 for his commendable performance. Similarly, Nic Rees secured the 15th place and a prize of $500. Wade Christiansen, with a notable 27th place finish, received a rewarding $250.
The event continued to resonated with young participants as well, with Kaden Anderson's 40th place finish highlighted the emerging talent among younger bowlers. Nevaeh Hull received the Erskine Youth Sportsmanship Award, accompanied by $100 and the distinction of being the first youth girl for the CB Youth Scholarship Fund. Halli Vaughn secured second place in the girls' category, while Nicholas Vanderbloom triumphed as the leader in the boys' CB Youth Scholarship Fund. Kaden Summers secured second place in the boys' category, solidifying the event's role in nurturing the upcoming generation. Each youth athlete placing in the CB Youth Scholarship Fund will receive $125.
A notable highlight unfolded as Wade Christiansen excelled in the cashers round, achieving a tournament-high score of 289. Despite narrowly missing the cut by 10 pins, Christiansen's impressive display showcased the caliber of athletes in the competition. The Cashers Round cut was decided by 1 pin and had Wade punched out in the 10 to complete the perfect game, there would have been 3 bowlers on the cut line separated by 2 pins.
The bracket finals captivated the audience, with standout moments including the multi-round roll-off between Andy Kinney and Alex Hoskins during the round of eight. These tense battles underscored the competitors' resolve and the unpredictability of the sport. The CB TOUR poses unique mental challenges to bowlers different from the grind of long formats. Bowling is a game of infinite variables and accepting that when it comes down to the roll-offs is very difficult. Bowlers need to come to terms with this and dig deep to throw the very best shot they can 1 time. It is extremely difficult to beat an opponent 2 times in a row. This does a few things: 1st, it evens out the competition between skill levels because anything can happen in 1 game, and all you need to do in a best of 2 is get a win, 2nd, it is entertaining as hell. There is nothing like finishing up the 2nd game and the crowd knowing the match is heading to sudden death. Knowing 1 ball is the difference between winning and losing. We had several non bowlers in attendance that absolutely loved watching the matches.
The event's pinnacle was the title match between Alex Hoskins and Nick Borgaro. Their split results in the best-of-two matches set the stage for an exhilarating roll-off. In a high-pressure scenario, Alex Hoskins and Nick Borgaro both left 10 pins in the first round of the roll off. Alex got up as he chose in every roll off to go first, and fired the best shot he threw all tournament and split the 8 - 9 transfering pressure to Nick. With the only path to victory was to strike to extend the roll off another round niock stepped up and delivered his shot. Coming in a hair light, the head pin kicked off the left side wall and shot across the pin deck. Flying just behind the 10 pin as one of the only messengers to miss behind instead of in front. Alex emerged victorious, redeeming his previous CB Masters loss with a stellar performance.
After the first event of the CB TOUR season, the Points Championship standings showcase the early leaders and contenders. Alex Hoskins secures the top spot with a commanding victory, earning 1000 points. Hot on his heels is Nick Borgaro in second place with 800 points, reflecting his strong performance.
Dallas Leong's consistent finishes across the events, including a third-place finish in RIGC and 50 bonus points for having the tournament high qualifying sqaud, contribute to his total of 750 points, placing him in the third position. Luke Brown, Andy Kinney, Charles Wilkins, and Art Ouzenian follow closely with their respective scores of 600, 500, 450, and 400 points, indicating their promising start to the season.
Cameron Henning, Kyle Morrison, and Chase Nadeau secure their spots in the top ten with 375, 337.5, and 337.5 points, respectively. Their consistent performances across the events highlight their potential to climb higher in the rankings.
The Points Championship also sees a mix of established players and rising talents making their mark. Giorgio Clinaz, Tyler Kelley, and Tom Greenwood hold positions 11 to 13, showcasing their competitiveness with 300, 275, and 250 points each.
It's a dynamic field with every participant striving to accumulate points for the Champion Bowler of the Year ring. As the season progresses, the competition is set to intensify, promising electrifying matches and nail-biting finishes. With the CB TOUR's commitment to excellence, the Points Championship remains a closely watched leaderboard, ready to be reshaped with every event.
As the dust settles on the Rumbi Island Grill Classic, anticipation grows for the upcoming CB Masters, the season's only major event. Set to take place from September 29th to October 1st at Sparetime Lanes in Roy, Utah, the CB Masters promises a grand prize of $5,000, an estimated total prize fund of $25,000, and 500 extra points in all positions. Building on the energy of the Rumbi Island Grill Classic, the CB TOUR community eagerly awaits the next chapter of this exciting season.
The Rumbi Island Grill Classic was more than a tournament; it was a celebration of bowling, a glimpse into the future, and a promise of captivating chapters in the unfolding CB TOUR season. The stage is set, and as the lanes await the next bowlers, anticipation builds for another chapter of unforgettable moments.
Full standings can be found here: https://www.tournamentbowl.com/Open/TournamentHome.cfm?id_tournament=10201
Full Payouts can be found here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQfMYVquPUI6ioQ1fH6XKNZGBitR7vwdAS9EUQII2PO0RdpEbvhOkS1GD2calXefL2JW1Y-503ixlG0/pubhtml?gid=341198483&single=true
Points Championship Standings here: