The 9 Tap Tour Tournament stop at Ft. Shafter did not disappoint us as scoring was just how we like it, giving every member a chance to win.  We had 66 entries; 13 cashers ranging from a handicap of -7 to 51; a low of 920 to cash; and paid out $4,789.00.  Was the oil pattern too difficult or was it just where our membership likes it because it gave all members a chance to win it all or make the cash list. 

Scoring started with Marcus Jackson (one of our newer members), despite starting slow in the first two games, he came alive in the 3rd and 4th games to post a nice 1016 series and the first squad leader.  Following close by was our old timer and member Mario Talon at 977.

The second squad showed no new leader and so it seemed that 1016 was formidable.  Christine Kato was valiant and looked awesome but fell 20 pins short and moved ahead of Mario at 996.  No one else could make a run at the leader. 

Six time Champion Ben Ballesteros, two time Champion Kevin Asato and Jason Fujimoto all started the third squad like gangbusters.  Ben (0 handi/+3 bonus) goes 777, Kevin (0/0) 787 and Jason  (-7/0) shoots 784 after the first 3 scratch game scores.  Heading into the fourth and final game, it was Kevin Asato that stayed clean and outlasted Ben and Jason firing a 244 game for a winning total of 1031.  Ben's final game of 232 was 10 pins short of Kevin and good enough for 2nd place.  Despite scoring a scratch 4 game total of 1040, Jason's handicap of (-7) gave him a four game total of 1012 and a 4th place finish. Kevin Asato wins his 3rd tour title along with $1,152.00 and earns himself a "White" Championship shirt.  It was a "Thunder Storm" win for three time Champion Kevin Asato and this time it did not take three years since his latest win.  Here's some trivia:  September 21, 2013, Kevin Asato wins the third quarter Championship and a bowling ball from HBS (Hawaii Bowling Supply); the bowling ball was a "Radical" made by Brunswick and the ball he used to win his 2nd title.  For his 3rd win, Kevin used an old Storm Reign.  Congratulations Kevin!  Kevin's "Storm Reign" was drilled by Keith Odette at WLE Pro Shop in Waipahu.  He thanked Jason Fujimoto for pushing him even though he lost to Jason in the brackets.  The Obedient Husband, Kevin is giving his winnings up to wife, Keoho.  Huh!  What winnings?  He also thanks everyone on the 9 Tap Tour Staff including his wife for the support, cheers (Cheeering!)  and taking the time to put on the 9 Tap Tournament. 

Progre$$ive & 9 Tap Jackpot: 

Sharing this weekends' 9 Tap Jackpot was Champion Kevin Asato, Ricky Laguana, Ben Ballesteros, Eric Zotter and Don Furuya with 3 no taps.  Although the bonus bucks for 3 No Taps is $50, all 5 members were given $25 each.  Nice going!! 

Our Progre$$ive Pot stands at $1085.00 and the 9 Tap Jackpot increased to $5,090.00.  Next tournament is at Schofield Bowling Center, March 11, 2017.