Minnesota bowler takes Classified lead at 2026 USBC Open Championships
March 27, 2026
RENO, Nev. – The Classified Singles lead at the 2026 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships now belongs to Peter Anderson of Frazee, Minnesota, who shot 637 at the National Bowling Stadium.
He bested the previous leader, Daniel Broussard of Lafayette, Louisiana, by 27 pins.
It’s only Anderson’s third time bowling the USBC Open Championships, but he made this year's trip memorable after shooting games of 191, 267 and 179 to jump to the top of the leaderboard. The game plan for him was simple.
“I just wanted to throw the ball as well as I could,” Anderson said. “I started out with a pretty decent game and then had a really good second game. After that, the goal was just to maintain it in the third and hopefully not screw up too bad.”
The approach paid off, as Anderson was able to take advantage of his strong second game to build a cushion and hold on down the stretch.
“It’s exciting, something I would never expect,” he said. “This is only my third year bowling the Open Championships, and the first two didn’t go very well. It’s nice to finally be on top here in year No. 3.”
As his name moved to the top of the leaderboard, Anderson took a moment to appreciate the significance of the accomplishment.
“You see names from all over the country up there,” Anderson said. “To be up there for the time being is pretty exciting.”
Making his first appearance at the National Bowling Stadium, Anderson also reflected on the unique atmosphere of the tournament venue.
“It’s kind of mind-boggling at first when you get here,” he said. “I’m used to bowling in an eight-lane center, and then you come here and see all these lanes … it kind of shocks you at first.”
Anderson now will wait and see how long his number holds atop the Classified Singles standings, while also taking a little bit of a break from bowling.
“I’m just looking forward to some time off,” he said. “I’ve been sore for months, so I’m looking forward to enjoying the summer.”
The Classified Division features bowlers with entering averages of 160 or 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.
He bested the previous leader, Daniel Broussard of Lafayette, Louisiana, by 27 pins.
It’s only Anderson’s third time bowling the USBC Open Championships, but he made this year's trip memorable after shooting games of 191, 267 and 179 to jump to the top of the leaderboard. The game plan for him was simple.
“I just wanted to throw the ball as well as I could,” Anderson said. “I started out with a pretty decent game and then had a really good second game. After that, the goal was just to maintain it in the third and hopefully not screw up too bad.”
The approach paid off, as Anderson was able to take advantage of his strong second game to build a cushion and hold on down the stretch.
“It’s exciting, something I would never expect,” he said. “This is only my third year bowling the Open Championships, and the first two didn’t go very well. It’s nice to finally be on top here in year No. 3.”
As his name moved to the top of the leaderboard, Anderson took a moment to appreciate the significance of the accomplishment.
“You see names from all over the country up there,” Anderson said. “To be up there for the time being is pretty exciting.”
Making his first appearance at the National Bowling Stadium, Anderson also reflected on the unique atmosphere of the tournament venue.
“It’s kind of mind-boggling at first when you get here,” he said. “I’m used to bowling in an eight-lane center, and then you come here and see all these lanes … it kind of shocks you at first.”
Anderson now will wait and see how long his number holds atop the Classified Singles standings, while also taking a little bit of a break from bowling.
“I’m just looking forward to some time off,” he said. “I’ve been sore for months, so I’m looking forward to enjoying the summer.”
The Classified Division features bowlers with entering averages of 160 or 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.