PWBA Tour 2000
Australian News
North Myrtle Beach Classic
Thursday, October 5, 2000
JOHNSON ENDS TWO YEAR DROUGHT WINNING 23RD CAREER TITLE
N. MYRTLE BEACH, SC-Tish Johnson, Northridge, Calif., ends a two-year drought by defeating Cara Honeychurch 229-200 in the championship match in The N. Myrtle Beach Classic at the N. Myrtle Beach Bowling Center winning her 23rd career title.
"It was wonderful," exclaimed Johnson. "I was having a blast, the crowd was great and I felt good." Johnson was very animated throughout the semi-final and the championship match.
" I wanted to be myself, get the crowd involved and have a good time. My arm swing was loose and I felt comfortable," Johnson related.
In the opening 'shootout' game Tennelle Grijalva, this year's U. S. Open Champion, defeated Leanne Barrette (224) and this year's leading money winner Wendy Macpherson (216). Grijalva's 238 game advanced her to the semi-final match against Johnson.
After beginning with three strikes, Grijalva opened the door with a split and she failed to convert. Johnson strung four strikes through the sixth to take a 21-pin lead into the seventh frame. Johnson then left the 4-6-10 to lead by only 12 pins. The match was put away when Johnson struck in the eighth, ninth, and tenth, to post a 234-203 win.
In the title match an early split by Johnson left her behind Honeychurch by 18 pins after three frames. Johnson's deficit was not to last as she put together five consecutive strikes to assume a 16-pin lead through eight frames. The ball was still in Honeychurch's lane, but she couldn't answer the call, managing only spares in the final two frames to settle for the $6,000 second prize. Johnson took home $ll,000 to boost her career earnings to over $963,000.
Championship-round results and their scores, earnings and playoff results:
1. Tish Johnson, Northridge, Calif., 463 -2 games- $11,000.
2. Cara Honeychurch, Melbourne, Australia, 200 -1 game- $6,000.
3. Tennelle Grijalva, Orange, Calif., 441 -2 games- $3,900.
4. Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif., 224 -1 game- $3,200.
5. Wendy Macpherson, Henderson, Nev., 216 -1 game- $2,700.
Playoff Results: Grijalva def. Barrette and Macpherson in a three-way shootout, 238-224-216; in the semi-final match, Johnson def. Grijalva 234-203; and in the championship match, Johnson def. Honeychurch 229-200.
HONEYCHURCH ONCE AGAIN TOP SEED FOR TELEVISED FINALS
Cara Honeychurch, Melbourne, Australia, averaged 227.5 for eight games and went 7-1-0 in match play to maintain the lead as top seed for the televised finals in The North Myrtle Beach Classic at N. Myrtle Beach Bowling Center Wednesday evening. This is Honeychurch's third consecutive televised finals in three weeks as top seed, her fourth in television appearances.
"I'm quite pleased with my performance over the past three weeks," said Honeychurch. "In all three tournaments the lanes conditions have all been different and I've adjusted well to all of them." Honeychurch won two of the three tournaments from the number one position.
Qualifying second is Tish Johnson. Johnson averaged 227.25, had high games of 269, 267, 225, 221, and 220 to make her second appearance for the year.
Third seed Leanne Barrette averaged 241.37 to come from the seventh position to qualify for her fourth finals for the year. Barrette shot 290, 254 and 279 the first three games of the final round of match play for an 823 series to move her into the top five.
Fourth and fifth spots belong to Tennelle Grijalva and Wendy Macpherson. Grijalva will be making her fourth appearance and Macpherson her twelfth. Macpherson's twelfth appearance ties the record for the most televised finals in a single season.
Carol Gianotti-Block finished 6th with a 22 average; $2000 cash
Maxine Nable finished 7th with a 221 average; $2000 cash.
$100,000 Brunswick Women�s World Open
Thursday, September 28, 2000
HONEYCHURCH SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS TITLE FOR 3RD CAREER TITLE
HONEYCHURCH IN THE LEAD FOR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
NEWNAN, GA. -Cara Honeychurch successfully defended her title for her 3rd career win in the $100,000 Brunswick Women�s World Open at Junction Lanes in Newnan, GA, by defeating Marianne DiRupo 179-160 in the championship match overcoming the challenging lane conditions Thursday evening. This win puts Honeychurch well in the lead for Rookie of the Year. Honeychurch was asked about her feelings of being in the lead for Rookie of the Year, and commented, �It�s still early in the year, and I always have the frame of mind nothing's over until it�s over. I would like to just finish the year consistent and to make a couple more shows.�
In the first three-way shootout, Marianne DiRupo, defeated Liz Johnson and Carolyn Dorin-Ballard 201-188-170.
In the semi-final match, DiRupo defeated Lynda Barnes 185-160.
In the championship match, DiRupo faced defending champion Honeychurch. The lane conditions seemed to affect both bowlers as DiRupo started with two splits leaving two open frames and Honeychurch leaving a split for an open frame by the third frame. DiRupo and Honeychurch kept pace with one another throughout the match with Honeychurch taking an eight pin lead in the ninth frame. Honeychurch ended the match first with a strike, spare posting a score of 179. Needing a double to win, DiRupo left the 2-4-5-7 and an open for a score of 160.
�I was glad I chose to end the match first,� said Honeychurch. �By being in that position, you post your score and its up to the other person to perform to make a good shot. Sometimes that�s a tough position to be in especially on such a tough condition.�
Championship-round results and their scores, earnings and playoff results:
1. Cara Honeychurch, Melbourne, Australia, 170 �1 game- $14,400.
2. Marianne DiRupo, Succasunna, NJ, 546 -3 games- $7,700.
3. Lynda Barnes, Wichita, KS, 160 �1 game- $6,200.
4. Liz Johnson, Niagara Falls, NY, 188 �1 game- $4,400.
5. Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, N. Richland Hills, TX, 170 �1 game- $3,800
Playoff Results: DiRupo def. Johnson and Dorin-Ballard in a three-way shootout, 201-188-170, DiRupo def. Barnes 185-160, Honeychurch def. DiRupo 179-160.
HONEYCHURCH TO DEFEND HER TITLE AS NUMBER ONE SEED IN TV FINALS
Defending champion, Cara Honeychurch, Melbourne, Australia, is looking to defend her title as the number one seed in The Brunswick Women's World Open at Junction Lanes in Newnan, GA, Wednesday evening.
"I'm very excited being in the top position defending my title," exclaimed Honeychurch. Honeychurch averaged 208.5 for eight games and went 4-3-1 in match play to stay in the top position.
"There was still a very tough condition out there tonight and I started out slow, but I was able to make the right adjustments and finish strong. Tomorrow's a new day and I'm going to go in with an open mind and bowl the best game that I can."
Lynda Barnes went 5-3-0 in match play and averaged 203 for eight games to hold onto the second position for the right to bowl in the semi-final match. Barnes will bowl the winner of the first three-way shootout match.
The three-way shootout match will bring up third seed Marianne DiRupo fourth seed Carolyn Dorin-Ballard and fifth seed Liz Johnson. DiRupo averaged 208.5 and had high games of 265, 246, 219, and 218 to make her fifth televised finals for this year, Dorin-Ballard averaged 202.25 for eight games for her sixth television appearance and Johnson averaged 202.37 to make her third television appearance.
Maxine Nable finished 24 with a 191 average.
Paula Carter Classic14 September, 2000
6th Cara Honeychurch, 215 average, $2,200
10th Carol Gianotti-Block, 211 average, $1,750
18th Maxine Nable, 207 average, $1,300
Greater Orlando Classic Altamonte Springs, Florida.
7 September, 2000
HONEYCHURCH WINS SECOND NATIONAL TITLE IN THE GREATER ORLANDO CLASSIC
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL-Cara Honeychurch, Melbourne, Australia, defeated DeDe Davidson, Las Vegas, Nev., 218-184 in the championship match of the televised finals in the Greater Orlando Classic at AMF Altamonte Lanes in Altamonte Springs, Florida Thursday evening.
"I'm really delighted," exclaimed Honeychurch. "This is my second title and this title means more to me than the first one. I've been practicing and working hard on my game and it seems it paid off."
In the first three-way shootout match brought Anne Marie Duggan, Edmond, Okla., Wendy Macpherson, Henderson, Nev., and Kim Adler, Cocoa, Fla., to face off. Macpherson started out the match with authority with a spare in the first frame and then tossing the next six in a row. Duggan and Adler were off to a slow start with each punching a split early in the match. Adler did make an effort by tossing three in a row cutting the gap by 45 pins in the sixth frame. After converting a spare in the eighth frame, Macpherson did not look back. Macpherson doubled in the ninth and tenth frames, winning the match 258-206-185.
In the semi-final match, Macpherson faced DeDe Davidson. The match started out with both opponents striking in the first frame. Macpherson threw back-to-back splits falling behind by twenty pins in the third frame. Davidson took control of the match in the fourth frame by throwing a three-bagger, a spare in the seventh, and throwing the next five strikes in a row shutting out Macpherson 246-173.
The championship match brought Davidson to face fellow southpaw Honeychurch. Davidson started the match leaving five spare conversions and one strike through six frames while Honeychurch started off on a good pace throwing a double, spare and the next three in a row taking a twenty-eight-pin lead in sixth frame. Davidson seemed to get a break when Honeychurch left the 1-3-6-7 in the seventh frame but Honeychurch showed no signs of letting up by converting the washout leave. Failing to convert the 4-7 spare in the eighth by Davidson, the match was well in the hands of Honeychurch. Honeychurch defeated Davidson 218-184.
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL-Championship-round results and their scores, earnings and playoff results in the Professional Women's Bowling Association's Greater Orlando Classic;
1. Cara Honeychurch, Melbourne, Australia, 218 -1 game- $11,000.
2. DeDe Davidson, Las Vegas, Nev., 430 -2 games- $6,000.
3. Wendy Macpherson, Henderson, Nev., 431 -2 games- $3,900.
4. *Anne Marie Duggan, Edmond, Okla., 185 -1 game- $3,200.
5. Kim Adler, Cocoa, Fla., 206 -1 game- $2,700.
Playoff Results: Macpherson def. Adler and Duggan in a three-way shootout, 258-206-185, Honeychurch def. Davidson 218-184, Davidson def. Macpherson 246-173.
*In a three-way shootout, a third seeded player cannot fall more than one position.
Cara Honeychurch was top qualifier averaging 216 for 42 games.
Carol Gianotti Block finished 17th, average 208, cash $1325
Maxine Nable finished 41st with a 191 average.
Greater Atlanta Open at AMF Marietta Lanes
August 4-9, 2000, Marietta, Georgia
7th Cara Honeychurch, 224.67 ave, $2000 cash
9th Carol Gianotti-Block, 222.43 ave, $1825 cash
Cara was running second with one block to play but unfortunately had a bad block and missed the TV finals.
Lady Ebonite Classic at Executive Bowl
July 29- August 2, 2000, Louisville, Kentucky
FELDMAN WINS THIRD TITLE OF YEAR IN $100,000 LADY EBONITE CLASSIC
LOUISVILLE, KY-Michelle Feldman, Skaneateles, N.Y. defeated Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif., in the championship match 188-173 in the $100,000 Lady Ebonite Classic at Executive Bowl in Louisville, KY, Wednesday evening. Feldman is the first to win three titles for this year.
"This gets me one step closer to my goal of winning five titles this year," stated Feldman. "I love it here." This is Feldman's second title in Louisville.
In the first three-way shootout, Cara Honeychurch, Australia, defeated Wendy Macpherson, Henderson, Nev., and Kim Adler, Cocoa, Fla. 247-203-227 to move onto the semi-final match.
In the semi-final match, Leanne Barrette tossed six in a row to post a score of 231-198 over Honeychurch to advance to the championship match.
In the championship match, Feldman doubled in the tenth to close out Barrette 188-173.
Championship-round results and scores, earnings and playoff results
1. Michelle Feldman, Skaneateles, N.Y., 188 -1 game- $14,400.
2. Leanne Barrette, Pleasanton, Calif., 404 -2 games- $7,700.
3. Cara Honeychurch, Australia, 445 -2 games- $5,200.
4. *Wendy Macpherson, Henderson, Nev., 203 -1 game- $4,400.
5. Kim Adler, Cocoa, Fla., 227 -1 game- $3,800.
Playoff Results: Honeychurch def. Adler and Macpherson in a three-way shootout, 247-227-203, Barrette def. Honeychurch 231-198, Feldman def. Barrette 188-173.
*Third place qualifier cannot fall further than one position
Carol Gianotti-Block finished 6th.
Southern Virginia Open
July 24-27 2000.
Carol Gianotti-Block finished 7th average 211, Cash $2000
Cara Honeychurch and Maxine Nable both missed the cut to the top 24.
Cara averaged 205, cashed $840
Maxine 195 ave
2000 BPAA US Open, Phoenix, Arizona.
Australian results:
Carol Gianoti-Block 3rd, ave 211, cash $15,000
Amanda Bradley 6th, ave 206, cash $6,500,
Cara Honeychurch 12th, ave 205, cash $3,800,
Maxine Nable 38th, ave 197, cash $1,350
Championship-round results and their scores, earnings and playoff:
1. Tennelle Grijalva, Orange, Calif., 452-2 games- $35,000.
2. Kelly Kulick, Union, NJ, 155 -1 game- $20,000.
3. Carol Gianotti-Block, Australia, 196 -1 game- $15,000.
4. Liz Johnson, Niagara Falls, NY, 203 -1 game- $10,000.
Playoff Results: Grijalva def. Johnson and Gianotti-Block in a three-way shootout, 213-203-196, Grijalva def. Kulick 239-155.
Track Doubles, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Maxine Nable and Carol Gianotti-Block combined to finish second, losing the title match 207-231. The pair qualified third, Nable averaging 211 and Gianotti-Block 209.
Fellow Aussie Cara Honeychurch (204 average) paired with Karen Stroud (Texas) to finish 19th.
Thursday, June 15, 2000
Greater Terre Haute Open, Indiana
GIANOTTI-BLOCK CLAIMS TITLE ON ROAD TO COME-BACK IN CLABBER GIRL OPEN
TERRE HAUTE, Ind.-Carol Gianotti-Block, Perth, Australia, came from the second position to defeat Kim Adler in the championship match 224-193 in the Clabber Girl Open at the Terre Haute Bowling Center Thursday night.
In the opening match, Macpherson tossed a double in the ninth and tenth frames to defeat Cara Honeychurch, Australia, and Marianne Dirupo in the three-way shootout match, 212-209-207 to advance to the semi-final match.
In the semi-final match, Gianotti-Block defeated Wendy Macpherson 236-181 for the rights to face last week's champion, Adler.
In the championship match, Adler and Gianotti-Block kept pace with one another for four frames with Gianotti-Block with only a one-pin advantage. The momentum of the match shifted to Gianotti-Block when she connected for four strikes in the fifth frame to the eighth and Adler failed to convert a spare in the seventh. The match did take an interesting turn when Gianotti-Block failed to convert the ten-pin in the ninth frame. This left Adler an opportunity to strike out in the tenth putting pressure on Gianotti-Block to mark. Adler connected for the first strike in the tenth but left a ten-pin her second ball having no chance for the win. Gianotti-Block struck out for a 224-193 victory.
"It's good to be back," said Gianotti-Block. "Last week's appearance gave me the confidence I needed. It feels good to win again." Gianotti-Block sat out most of last year with an elbow injury that resulted in surgery. "It's been a long road back, mentally and physically."
1. Carol Gianotti-Block, Perth, W. Australia, 460 -2 games- $11,500.
2. Kim Adler, Cocoa, Fla., 193 -1 game- $6,200.
3. Wendy Macpherson, Henderson, Nev., 181 -1 game- $4,200.
4. Cara Honeychurch, Australia, 209 -1 game- $3,500.
5. Marianne Dirupo, Succasunna, N.J., 207 -1 game- $3,000.
Playoff Results: Macpherson def. Honeychurch and Dirupo in a three-way shootout, 212-209-207, Gianotti-Block def. Macpherson 236-181, Gianotti-Block def. Adler 224-193.
Thursday, June 8, 2000
St. Clair Classic, Fairview Heights, Illinois.
ADLER CLIMBED UP LADDER TO CLAIM TITLE IN THE ST. CLAIR CLASSIC
FAIRVIEW HTS., Ill.-Kim Adler came from the fourth position to defeat first seed Wendy Macpherson in the championship match 203-181 in the St. Clair Classic at the St. Clair Bowl in Fairview Heights, Ill., Thursday night. Adler won three matches to claim the title, the first place prize money of $11,000, and a crystal bowling pin.
"It was a surreal night for me," said Adler. "I was more aware of my surroundings than I usually am. I'm usually known for being intense but I was loose and comfortable tonight and I think it helped me."
In the opening match, Adler defeated Dede Davidson and Carol Gianotti-Block 226-220-173 in a three- way shootout match to earn her way into the semifinal match. In the semi-final match Adler defeated Cara Honeychurch 242-212.
In the championship match, Macpherson started slow out the gate opening two out of the three frames while Adler filled the first three frames with a spare, double. Macpherson seemed to get back on track but Adler kept pace and kept her lead throughout the match. Although Adler opened the tenth frame with a 2-10 split, her 203 was enough for the win.
1. Kim Adler, Cocoa, Fla., 671 -3 games- $11,000.
2. Wendy Macpherson, Henderson, Nev., 181 -1 game- $6,000.
3. Cara Honeychurch, Australia, 212 -1 game- $3,900.
4. Dede Davidson, Las Vegas, Nev., 220 -1 game- $3,200.
5. Carol Gianotti-Block, Perth, Australia 173 -1 game- $2,700.
Playoff Results: Adler def. Davidson and Gianotti-Block in a three-way shootout, 226-220-173, Adler def. Honeychurch 242-212, Adler def. Macpherson 203-181.
Omaha Open, NE
Carol Gianotti-Block 9th average 217 cashed $1850
Cara HoneyChurch 16th average 213 cashed $13510
Maxine Nable missed the top 24 cut and did not cash.
Information from: Professional Women Bowlers Association
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