Maryland bowler takes top spot in Classified Singles at Open Championships
April 16, 2026
RENO, Nev. – Kevin Taylor of Aberdeen, Maryland, put together a late surge to take over the lead in Classified Singles at the 2026 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, using a timely adjustment to get to the top of the standings.
Taylor had games of 238, 170 and 267, placing him at the top of the leaderboard with 675 at the famed National Bowling Stadium. Jered Doan of Riverside, California, had held the lead with 661.
After a long day on the lanes, Taylor admitted his first reaction to the lead-taking moment was simple.
“Excited but exhausted,” said Taylor, who made his 21st appearance at the USBC Open Championships. “After doubles, I was totally worn out.”
Taylor entered his singles set without any expectations of making a run at the lead, especially after a steady but unspectacular start.
“I thought 650 was about all I had in me,” Taylor said. “I didn’t think it was even in reach.”
That changed quickly in the final game with a little luck on his side.
“I started getting these strikes, including a few Brooklyn strikes for good measure, and I thought maybe I could get to 250,” Taylor said. “But, I didn’t realize it would be enough to take the lead.”
The turning point came after a key adjustment late in the set. Taylor turned to a ball he had never thrown before.
“I brought four different balls and tried them throughout,” Taylor said. “The last game, the new Motiv ball I just drilled up worked. I had never thrown one in my life, but my brother gave it to me as a gift, so I figured I’d try it.”
The move paid immediate dividends as Taylor found a consistent reaction and stayed in rhythm down the stretch.
“I stayed in the same area and just trusted it,” Taylor said. “It gave me a different reaction than what I was used to.”
Despite the strong finish, Taylor admitted his mindset might have been different had he known he was within striking distance of the lead.
“I would’ve been nervous for sure if I knew,” Taylor said. “I’m glad I didn’t know.”
Now heading home with the lead, Taylor understands the long wait ahead as the tournament continues through July. Still, the possibility of earning a title is something he’s already thinking about.
“I’ll feel great if I get that call,” said Taylor, with a smile. “I’ve got a lot of bragging rights waiting for me back home.”
Taylor has been bowling with many of the same competitors for years, building friendships that add to the excitement of a performance like this.
“I’ve been bowling with this group for a long time,” Taylor said. “About 10 years with one group and a couple with another, but we all kind of merged. I know all those guys.”
Taylor added sets of 533 in team and 513 in doubles to move into eighth place in Classified All-Events with 1,721. Alan Haugen of St. Paul Park, Minnesota, leads with 1,770.
The Classified Division features bowlers with entering averages of 160 and below.
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Taylor had games of 238, 170 and 267, placing him at the top of the leaderboard with 675 at the famed National Bowling Stadium. Jered Doan of Riverside, California, had held the lead with 661.
After a long day on the lanes, Taylor admitted his first reaction to the lead-taking moment was simple.
“Excited but exhausted,” said Taylor, who made his 21st appearance at the USBC Open Championships. “After doubles, I was totally worn out.”
Taylor entered his singles set without any expectations of making a run at the lead, especially after a steady but unspectacular start.
“I thought 650 was about all I had in me,” Taylor said. “I didn’t think it was even in reach.”
That changed quickly in the final game with a little luck on his side.
“I started getting these strikes, including a few Brooklyn strikes for good measure, and I thought maybe I could get to 250,” Taylor said. “But, I didn’t realize it would be enough to take the lead.”
The turning point came after a key adjustment late in the set. Taylor turned to a ball he had never thrown before.
“I brought four different balls and tried them throughout,” Taylor said. “The last game, the new Motiv ball I just drilled up worked. I had never thrown one in my life, but my brother gave it to me as a gift, so I figured I’d try it.”
The move paid immediate dividends as Taylor found a consistent reaction and stayed in rhythm down the stretch.
“I stayed in the same area and just trusted it,” Taylor said. “It gave me a different reaction than what I was used to.”
Despite the strong finish, Taylor admitted his mindset might have been different had he known he was within striking distance of the lead.
“I would’ve been nervous for sure if I knew,” Taylor said. “I’m glad I didn’t know.”
Now heading home with the lead, Taylor understands the long wait ahead as the tournament continues through July. Still, the possibility of earning a title is something he’s already thinking about.
“I’ll feel great if I get that call,” said Taylor, with a smile. “I’ve got a lot of bragging rights waiting for me back home.”
Taylor has been bowling with many of the same competitors for years, building friendships that add to the excitement of a performance like this.
“I’ve been bowling with this group for a long time,” Taylor said. “About 10 years with one group and a couple with another, but we all kind of merged. I know all those guys.”
Taylor added sets of 533 in team and 513 in doubles to move into eighth place in Classified All-Events with 1,721. Alan Haugen of St. Paul Park, Minnesota, leads with 1,770.
The Classified Division features bowlers with entering averages of 160 and below.
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.