HAMMER NEWS

NEW DOUBLES LEADERS EMERGE AT USBC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Adam Barta of Girard, Ohio, and Hugh Miller of Mercer Island, Wash., took the Regular Doubles lead at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships with a 1,429 total at the Baton Rouge River Center on March 22.

Barta started the night with games of 235 and 204 before calmly stepping up in the final frame of doubles and firing three clutch strikes for a 279 finish and 718 series. Miller added games of 269, 209 and 233 for a 711 set, and the two passed Ryan Whitney of Lewisville, Texas, and Chris Hans of Rocky Mount, N.C., who previously held the lead with 1,420.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Barta, a 32-year-old right-hander, who made his 11th USBC Open Championships appearance. “It’s something that everyone who bowls this tournament dreams of. To be in the position to take the lead, and knowing you need those strikes to do it, adds a little pressure, but it’s a dream everybody wants. Luckily, Hugh and I were able to take advantage of it. He doubled in the 10th, and I struck out, and it’s an awesome feeling.”

Barta added 636 in team and 629 in singles for a 1,983 all-events total. Miller, a seven-time Professional Bowlers Association national champion, ended his 28th tournament appearance with 598 in singles and 576 in team for 1,885. Ryan Whitney leads Regular All-Events with 2,170.

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• 03/28/2012
  NEW DOUBLES LEADERS EMERGE AT USBC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

  Adam Barta of Girard, Ohio, and Hugh Miller of Mercer Island, Wash., took the Regular Doubles lead