For the 3rd straight week, we've had a Winner with $10 in the Progressive Pot, pushing the Pot to an INCREDIBLY RARE level for next week.  The Pot was already in Rare territory, but now reaches a level we've only seen a few times in eleven years.  This week's HUGE Pot helped to produce a Record turnout, for a 24 lane house, of 199 Entries, topped by the 2:30 squad which reached a staggering 78 entries.  The total paid-out of $11,248.00 was the highest standard Tournament total since mid-2011, as was the Cash List of 40 bowlers.  But, that may all pale in comparison to what Daffodil could produce next week.  The scoring couldn't have been more ideal, with 8 bowlers topping 1000 and a Cut-Line at 913.  The 9-Tap Jackpot got off relatively easy, with Travis McAllister taking $375.00 for his front 5-Taps.

 

Another 1st time Tournament Champion comes through with a BIG series and then barely holds-on to narrowly Win by TWO pins.  Darryl Mendiola had plenty of support, bowling witha number of family Members, including father-in-law Frank Cruz Sr, who returned to the Tour after being a regular in its early years, and brother-in-law John Cruz.  Frank struggled in the 12:00 squad and didn't plan on re-entering.  His wife Veronica was also bowling with him and she talked him into trying one more time.  Her 'Crystal Ball' must have been working, as Darryl increased his score by nearly 300 pins, shooting a solid 1031 series, with four consistently solid games.  The BIG turnout & extra large Pro Pot inflated the payout so much, that even with only $10 in the Pot, Darryl still collected a healthy $1,874.00 for his Victory!  The former Bowlero Lanes bowler, now shoots at Paradise Bowl, and used his Track 'All Terrain' drilled by long time Tour Sponsor Norm Giannusa.  There were lots of Hoots & Hollers coming from all the adult family members as well as the kids and grandkids celebrating his first Title.  CONGRATS Darryl on Win #1!!

 

Last weeks Champ Dex DeCastro was bowling with his close friend Chim Saechao Saturday.  Before the squad, Dex and I were talking about how it was 'Chim's turn' and how cool it would be for the friends to go back-to-back.  It nearly came true, but a frustrating leave in the last frame cost Chim just enough pins to leave him two pins short.  His HUGE 2nd Place payday of $1,169.00 was still a nice way to break out of his recent slump.  Just SEVEN pins short of the Top spot was Rick Jack, who's been on quite a Hot Streak over the last couple of months.  His 3rd Place payday wasn't too shabby either, worth $645.00.  Also topping 1000 Saturday were Lee Morris, Cecil Abay-Abay, Gary Greene, Mick Hodge & James Strand.