The biggest surprise at Daffodil this week, was the absence of any major dramas.  We had several small dramas, along with some very nice scoring and tough competition.  We did have onehistorical first Saturday... NOBODY in Tour history has ever thrown a 291 game (11 strikes + a one count).  We won't mention the name of the person who performed that feat (4th Place finisher), but he not only would have had his first 9-Tap 300 game, he also would have boosted himself into 2nd Place with that 12th strike.  It's been 2 1/2 years since the Tour had a bowler Win in their first Tournament.  2011 Rookie of the Year Carl Nichols was the last person to do it, before newcomer Nikki Blase nearly pulled off the feat at Daffodil.  An impressive EIGHT times Saturday, bowlers topped the 800 mark, with Yakima bowler Mick Thrush (5th) doing it twice.  Both the 9-Tap Jackpot & Progressive Pot made nice jumps this week, which should make for some strong numbers next week at HiLine.

 

Tournament play often requires Perseverance and one of this year's best examples is Daffodil's Champion Ben Moore.  Like many other bowlers, Ben struggled when he first joined the Tour.  Over his first year on the Tour, Ben got frustrated and gave-up afew times, but soon returned.  After a year of trying off-and-on, he decided to hang it up, feeling that he, "Just couldn't compete on the Tour".  He returned in March after 6 weeks off, to give it another try.  Two weeks later, he Won his first Tour Title!  Now, he's a TWO TIME CHAMPION, with his 2nd Title of 2013.  That's truly a GREAT storybook turnaround!  Ben also didn't give-up after he started with, what became, his Toss-Out game.  Ben used his Track 706T ball, drilled by Matt Surina at Daffodil.  He credits Matt for giving him some helpful tips as well.  Ben asked us to also THANK Mick Thrush, who bowled with him.  They both were shooting BIG and pushing each other, including one game where they both had the first 10 strikes (Ben 300 - Mick 288).  CONGRATS Ben on Win #2!!

 

Our BLAZING HOT Tour newcomer, Nikki Blase got off to a FANTASTIC start in the 1st Squad with her 830 series.  When Ben topped her in the 2nd Squad, Nikki re-entered with friendDonna Columbo (15th) to try to get that Top Spot back. $666.00 for 2nd Place, isn't a bad way to start your Tour career!  In 3rd Place, John Schelegle finished just 3 pins back of 2nd.  He had his biggest payday since joining the Tour earlier this year, taking home a healthy $446.00.  Ken Seaton, Mick Thrush, Samson Ibale & John Shaw were the others cracking the 800 plateau.