Alabama woman just misses record books at Open Championships
One more strike would've given her the first perfect game by a woman at this year's event at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., and the fourth 300 by a woman on the tournament lanes since they were first invited to bowl in 1994, but a 4-6 split on her final delivery left the 28-year-old right-hander two pins short of perfection with 298.
"I was nervous, believe me," said Diegan, who made her second Open Championships appearance and finished singles with games of 170 and 195 for a 663 series. "I knew I had to take my time and take a deep breath on each and every shot, but my legs and knees were shaking."
Diegan has more than 20 years of experience on the lanes and made her first Open Championships appearance 10 years ago when the event traveled to Huntsville, Ala. At just 17 years old, Diegan took to the lanes with her father and posted a 1,658 total for nine games.
This year, with her husband and his brother by her side, Diegan added 545 in team and 517 in doubles for a 1,725 all-events total.
"This is a big accomplishment, and I'm excited about it," Diegan said. "I just wish I could've had the 300, since I shot 299 in October. I didn't get it then, so I really wanted it this time. I had a great time here, and I'll definitely be back next year."
Also on Wednesday morning, Linda and Albert Williams Jr. of Bronx, N.Y., moved into ninth place in Classified Doubles with a 1,212 total. Frank Smyle of Reeder, N.D., and Jesse Smyle of Bowman, N.D., lead with 1,287.
Albert, who made his seventh Open Championships appearance, led the pair with games of 233, 223 and 234 for 690, while Linda contributed 146, 182 and 194 for 522. Albert added 604 in singles and 529 in team for a 1,823 all-events total, and Linda had 553 in singles and 489 in team for 1,564, her highest all-events total in six trips to the Open Championships.
Presenting sponsors for the 2007 USBC Open Championships are Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Sands Regency Casino and Hotel, official brackets sponsor and supporting sponsors Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa and Harrah's Casino and Hotel.
By Matt Cannizzaro and David Ellis USBC Communications