Ohio bowler records sixth perfect game of 2010 OC
April 07, 2010
RENO, Nev. - Most bowlers dream of achieving perfection at the USBC Open Championships, but after a 133 start to singles, things were far from perfect for Mark Frazier of Lorain, Ohio, at the National Bowling Stadium on Tuesday.
With a few adjustments and a ball change, the 36-year-old right-hander turned his dismal start into a dream come true as he closed out his 10th Open Championships appearance with 20 consecutive strikes for games of 253 and 300 for a 686 series. Frazier's 300 was the sixth of this year's event. Terrence Syring of Bay City, Mich., leads Regular Singles with 833.
"You always try to bring a different selection of equipment," said Frazier, who bowls league at Shoreway Lanes. "This year, I tried to make sure I had something that I could move right with on the lanes, move left with on the lanes, something that was aggressive and something that had backend. During the first game, I was a little too far left, and I left four splits, so I changed balls and made a move to the right and was able to match up."
The Open Championships represents a higher level of difficulty and keeps bowlers like Frazier coming back. He looks forward to it every year, and was excited to accomplish something he's had his mind set on since his tournament debut at the 1998 event, also at the Stadium.
"This tournament provides a challenge unlike any other," Frazier said. "I enjoy the competition, and I also enjoy coming out here with our squad and trying to make a vacation out of it. I have accomplished one goal, and now, I am looking to win a title and shoot an 800 series. It feels great, and I was happy I was able to share it with my brother, Al, who bowled with me. I always thought I was capable of something like this."
Although Frazier etched his name into the history books at the Open Championships, it was a bittersweet experience because his wife, Ariel, and their three kids, Selena, 10, Juliana, 7, and Marcus, 5, were unable to attend this year's event.
"I can't wait to see them," said Frazier, who has maintained a 201.2 average in his 10 tournament appearances. "It's hard when they don't come because I miss them. They have been to the tournament with me before, and they wanted to come this year, but it was a little too expensive."
Frazier added 577 in team and 557 in doubles for a 1,820 all-events total, his highest in four trips to Reno. His previous high was 1,800 in 1998.
Presenting sponsors for the 2010 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado Hotel Casino and Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada. Other sponsors include Sands Regency Casino Hotel, official brackets sponsor, Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, US Steltronic, official scoring system, and supporting sponsors Storm Bowling Products, UPS, Nationwide Insurance, Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa, Harrah's Reno Casino and Hotel and Peppermill Hotel Casino.
With a few adjustments and a ball change, the 36-year-old right-hander turned his dismal start into a dream come true as he closed out his 10th Open Championships appearance with 20 consecutive strikes for games of 253 and 300 for a 686 series. Frazier's 300 was the sixth of this year's event. Terrence Syring of Bay City, Mich., leads Regular Singles with 833.
"You always try to bring a different selection of equipment," said Frazier, who bowls league at Shoreway Lanes. "This year, I tried to make sure I had something that I could move right with on the lanes, move left with on the lanes, something that was aggressive and something that had backend. During the first game, I was a little too far left, and I left four splits, so I changed balls and made a move to the right and was able to match up."
The Open Championships represents a higher level of difficulty and keeps bowlers like Frazier coming back. He looks forward to it every year, and was excited to accomplish something he's had his mind set on since his tournament debut at the 1998 event, also at the Stadium.
"This tournament provides a challenge unlike any other," Frazier said. "I enjoy the competition, and I also enjoy coming out here with our squad and trying to make a vacation out of it. I have accomplished one goal, and now, I am looking to win a title and shoot an 800 series. It feels great, and I was happy I was able to share it with my brother, Al, who bowled with me. I always thought I was capable of something like this."
Although Frazier etched his name into the history books at the Open Championships, it was a bittersweet experience because his wife, Ariel, and their three kids, Selena, 10, Juliana, 7, and Marcus, 5, were unable to attend this year's event.
"I can't wait to see them," said Frazier, who has maintained a 201.2 average in his 10 tournament appearances. "It's hard when they don't come because I miss them. They have been to the tournament with me before, and they wanted to come this year, but it was a little too expensive."
Frazier added 577 in team and 557 in doubles for a 1,820 all-events total, his highest in four trips to Reno. His previous high was 1,800 in 1998.
Presenting sponsors for the 2010 USBC Open Championships are Circus Circus, Eldorado Hotel Casino and Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada. Other sponsors include Sands Regency Casino Hotel, official brackets sponsor, Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, US Steltronic, official scoring system, and supporting sponsors Storm Bowling Products, UPS, Nationwide Insurance, Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa, Harrah's Reno Casino and Hotel and Peppermill Hotel Casino.