We said that the 'unusual' seems to happen when we visit Daffodil in the Winter, and this time didn't disappoint.  Unlike the power outage before the 1st squad two years ago, this time the lights didn't start flickering until the end of the last squad, thanks to the strong winds.  Then there was our Tournament Champ who, like when we were kids playing H-O-R-S-E, had to "Prove-It" when he took the lead in the 2:30 squad.  Thinking his score might not hold up, he tried to Top It on a re-entry and ended up with the TWO highest scores of the day.  Some excellent bowling helped raise the Cash List scores slightly higher than normal, with a Cut-Line at 931, instead of the more common 915-920.  All SIX of the 2nd thru 7th Place finishers were gunning for their FIRST Tour Title.  James Black made $100.00from the 9-Tap Jackpot Consolation with 4-Taps, breaking the six-way tie that existed at 3-Taps.  That left the Jackpot to grow, surpassing the 3K mark for next week's 'Best 3 of 4' format at Pacific Lanes, it's now back to a healthier $3,069.00.

 

Daffodil's Champion Samson Ibale is one of the original Tour Members (Member #11) joining in the Tour's very first Tournament back in 2002. Saturday's Win also pushed him into the lead in a 12 year battle that he's had with Tong.  Tong has long held the title for being the '#1 Career Money Earner' on the Tour.  Samson's Win last October closed the gap and he started 2014 trailing Tong by ONLY $40.00 ($44,435.00 to $44,395.00).  Those impressive totals don't even include all the money they've earned from the side pots or the Jackpot, such as the extra $190.00Samson earned from the Scratch Pot on Saturday.  The $2,218.00 in 1st Place prize money now boosts Samson's Career Earnings to a HUGE $46.613.00.  His 15th Title is also the Tour Standard for Wins.  Samson used his Brunswick Quantum drilled by Ed Dolfay at Skyway, for this Win.  His 1052 & 1041 scores certainly 'Proved' that the lefty was in a nice groove this week!  He asked us to thank his friends James, Mholee & Roland for their support.  He dedicated this Win to his wife Edessa, who is still trying to clear 'Red Tape' to get into the USA from the Philippines.  Samson said that Edessa may finally get cleared in the next few months.  CONGRATS Samson on the Win & we all look forward to meeting Edessa!

 

Returning to the Tour after a nine month absence, John Cruz shot a strong 1024 for his best Tour finish.  By rule, John was limited to $10 in the Progressive Pot (6 month absence), but still managed a nice $744.00 for his 2nd Place payday.  Matias Oriza also shot TWO very impressive scores this week, a 986 & 1022.  His 3rd Place was also a Career Best, as was his$534.00 check.  Brenda Robinson, Mike Costen, Issac Joseph & Jeff DuRussel all shot excellent series, cracking the 1000 mark, while trying for their first Wins.