Scores heating up at 2019 USBC Open Championships

By Regina Daniel and Makinzey Marracco
USBC Communications

LAS VEGAS
- Warren Meyer of Melbourne, Florida, and Dustin Robles of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, each put together strong individual performances at the 2019 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships to move to the top of the leaderboard Wednesday.

Meyer, a 61-year-old right-hander, ended his 13th USBC Open Championships with the highest set of his tournament career (761) to take over the top spot in Regular Singles, while his overall effort (2,007) also placed him into the lead in Regular All-Events.

Terry Adolph of Savage, Montana, had led Regular Singles with 731, while Honolulu's Jay Mullen led Regular All-Events with 1,992.

Robles, a 38-year-old left-hander, got stronger with each set at the South Point Bowling Plaza on his way into a tie for the lead in Standard All-Events (1,782) with Noah Nissen of Lidgerwood, North Dakota.

Meyer began to heat up during his doubles set Wednesday at the Bowling Plaza, firing 257 in his final game to finish with a 673 series. He averaged more than 253 in singles, rolling games of 246, 269 and 246.

He was able to find the right match up using a urethane bowling ball while consistently executing.

"This is a workhorse shot," said Meyer, who added 573 in team. "I saw it right today. I matched up and had the right equipment for the lane conditions."

In addition to surpassing his previous marks for high series (705) and high all-events (1,810) totals at the event, the trip also served as a great experience as his stepdaughter got married in Las Vegas.

"This was phenomenal," Meyer said. "I really enjoy the competition. It's a fantastic experience, and every bowler should come out and experience the event."

Regular Singles and Regular All-Events includes bowlers with entering averages of 176 and above.

032019-Dustin-Robles_637Robles rolled three consistent games during his singles set Wednesday to get to the number in Standard All-Events, posting scores of 214, 205 and 203 for a 622 series.

Although he had the opportunity to take the outright lead in his final frame, Robles is happy he was able to find a consistent line to conclude his eighth Open Championships appearance.

"It feels pretty good," Robles said. "I didn't think I had the chance to take the lead. I usually don't come out here and score as well as I would like, but I had some good luck out there."

Robles had started with sets of 603 in doubles and 557 in team to put himself in position to get to the lead, and he easily set the best all-events performance of his time on the championship lanes. Prior to his effort this week, Robles' high all-events tally had occurred during his debut at the 2012 event in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, when he rolled 1,540.

"The lanes were very playable," said Robles, who bowls regularly at Red Ray Lanes in Grand Forks, North Dakota. "I was playing a little bit more left than I usually do, but no major adjustments were needed."

The Standard Division is for bowlers with entering averages of 156-176.

Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships Facebook page.