The 13 Sunday Qualifiers had nearly identical scores as Saturday, with a high of 1022 from Nelson Apostol and a Cut Score again below 900 (886). Earl Kleist was High for the weekend taking home the Hammer "Jigsaw" and a 9-Tap Jacket, to go along with the $100 Saturday Bonus. Of the THIRTY-ONE EQC Quarterly Finalists on Sunday, 8 had won previous Titles. When we got down to the "Sweet 16" only 3 previous Titlists were left, leaving 13 seeking their 1st Championships. By the time we reached the "Elite 8" 100% were chasing their 1st (Rookie) Win. The 'Rookies Ruled this one, indeed. There were many stories, such as... the numerous tight matches, including at 250/250 tie between Laura Llanto & Riand Poblete settled by a 9th/10th roll-off won by Riand... or Duane MacDonald not thinking he qualified Saturday and almost not checking his email (he ended up 2nd)... or TWO Finalists who thought they were done, changing shoes, putting away balls and heading for the door... or two teenage Finalists with very nervous parents rooting them on (911 was set on speed-dial). All-in-All, as enjoyable a Finals as I can remember. HUGE THANKS to our Sponsors for this event, EQC Casinos & Precision Pro Shops, for their support of the Tour.

Our EQC Champion is 18 year-old Ajay Jarata. His 1st Title didn't come easy! In a see-saw battle in the Final Match, he was down by 1-pin entering the 10th frame. Ajay rose to the occasion, striking-out to take the Title. He is following in the footsteps of his Dad Roland who has 4 Career Titles. Roland and mom Emma, both 'Life' Members, were two of the nervous parents watching all the action Sunday. Ajay's other tight match came in the Elite-8, vs Cal Fisher, winning that one 236-222. He bowl League at Skyway Park, which is where he also had his Roto Grip ball drilled by Paul Padilla, another 9-Tap Tour member. Ajay asked us to thank his Mom & Dad and friend Angela for their support. He plans on putting his $2,003.00 in winnings into savings. CONGRATULATIONS Ajay on win #1!!

In 2nd Place, Duane MacDonald had quite a run through the Brackets and had a shot at the Title, needing all three strikes in the 10th to pull it out. The $1,000.00 Runner-Up money will help soothe the wound of a near miss. Tied for 3rd were Rose LeMaster and Riand Poblete, each taking home $500.00. Riand was the other Teenager in the Finals and he had a very nice run at it. Rose placed in the money for only her first time and certainy made the most of it.

EBONITE DEMO DAY: Our sponsors Hammer (Ebonite) & Precision Pro Shop is providing a FREE Demo Day at Narrows Plaza Thursday Oct. 29th 2pm to 8pm. They will let you demo FIVE of their Hot New balls of multiple weights. Hammer's "Jigsaw" & "Black Widow Sting", Track "930T", Ebonite "Evolve" & "Full Swing".

NEXT WEEK: "Back to the Wood" lanes! Paradise Village has removed the old plastic laminate cover on the lanes. They sanded and refinished the lanes and they're in VERY nice condition. Saturday will be the last 6:30pm squad until Spring. SQUADS: 12:00 & 2:00 re-oil 4:30 & 6:30

OTHER PAYOUTS

NEW PROGRESSIVE POT TOTAL: $1,655.00
NEW 9-TAP JACKPOT TOTAL: $3,879.00

STRIKEPOT CONSOLATION WINNER:
5 No-Taps Larry Tibbetts Jr & Sue Packman ($50ea) ($100.00)

TOURNAMENT INFORMATION