HAMMER NEWS

O’NEILL SCORES REGIONAL WIN WITH ARSON

Hammer Bowling staff member Bill O’Neill rode his Hammer Arson to the winner’s circle at the Professional Bowlers Association East Region Storm Products/Bowlers Supply Open on August 7th.

In an all Pennsylvania final, O’Neill, of Southampton, Pa., won a 240-192 decision over Travis Celmer, of Wernersville, Pa. O’Neill left Colony Park Lanes North $2,800 richer, while Celmer took home $1,500 for second.

The Hammer Arson was the ball of choice for O’Neill. He used the new high performance ball to qualify fifth for match play, and post a 7-1 record on Sunday.

“It’s good to come out and bowl in a competitive situation,” said O’Neill, a three-time titlist on the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour. “It’s good to throw good shots, and the Arson gave me a great look all weekend.”

The toughest opponent for O’Neill was against Ebonite staffer Kelly Kulick, who pushed O’Neill through their entire best-of-three game match. O’Neill converted the 3-6-9-10 twice in the first game, and needed to strike out in both games one and three to advance.

“I got lucky against Kelly,” said O’Neill. “She out-bowled me in Game 1, but I managed to win, 224-220. She threw her only bad shot in the 10th frame. I had no business winning that mach, but I’m fortunate that I was able to advance.”

O’Neill let the Hammer Arson flex its muscle in the semifinal match, dispatching Eddie VanDaniker, Essex, Md., 289-256 to advance to the final match.

“It was one of the best games I’ve bowled in a long time,” said O’Neill. Everything was smooth. It definitely gave me a boost going into the finals.”

Celmer, a 22-year-old southpaw rookie, never had a chance against O’Neill. After sparing in the first, O’Neill reeled off four strikes, and never gave Celmer time to catch up.

“The only person I didn’t want to bowl was Bill,” Celmer said after falling to O’Neill 240-192. “I knew I was going to need a 240 to win, and I just couldn’t put it together.”

O’Neill, the 2010 U.S. Open champion, was able to put his win into perspective after the match.

“This summer, I’ve been working really hard on my shot-making, especially in pressure situations. Fortunately, I don’t have to worry about my equipment. Having a Hammer ball in my hands helps me handle those pressure situations a lot better.”

— Hammer Bowling Balls & Bowling Equipment -Based in Hopkinsville, Kent., Ebonite International is a privately-owned company that currently services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets both domestically and internationally. In addition to Hammer, the company’s consumer product brands include Track, Robby’s, Columbia 300, Ebonite and Powerhouse™; its commercial product brand is Ebonite Bowling Center Direct.

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• 08/17/2011
  O’NEILL SCORES REGIONAL WIN WITH ARSON

  Hammer Bowling staff member Bill O’Neill rode his Hammer Arson to the winner’s circle at the