Illinois duo takes Classified Doubles lead at Open Championships
By Matt Cannizzaro and David Ellis USBC Communications
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - After 97 days of competition at the 2006 Open Championships, more than 41,000 bowlers have proven that there are endless ways to be successful on the lanes this year.
At the American Bank Center Exhibit Hall on Friday morning, David Clauss of Chicago carried a crossover strike on his first shot of doubles and decided to aim there for the entire three games. The decision paid off as he teamed up with Robert Tukker of Mount Prospect, Ill., to take the lead in Classified Doubles with 1,248.
Clauss led the way with 646, while Tukker contributed 602 to help the pair slip past Ron Caldwell of North Branch, Mich., and Richard Cockerhan of Davison, Mich., who previously held the lead with 1,234.
"I threw the first shot Brooklyn and it carried, so I stayed there," said Clauss, who added 459 in team and 447 in singles for 1,552 all-events. "Everyone laughed at me, but I didn't care because it was working. On the one shot I did throw where I was supposed to, I left the 4-9."
The two bowlers have bowled in the Illinois State Tournament together for six years, but it wasn't until last year in Baton Rouge, La., that they made their first appearances at the Open Championships.
"After we went to the state tournament one year, my dad said he wanted to try bowling in the Open Championships too," Clauss said. "I only bowl one league a week and I really wasn't interested in going, but he needed a sub and I decided to make the trip last year."
Tukker bowls league with Clauss' father and also was recruited to bowl with the group.
"We just came out here to have a good time and bowl with our friends, and we never expected to do so well," said Tukker, who had 523 in singles and 503 in team for a 1,628 all-events total. "We never thought about checking the leaderboard, but after the second game, someone told us what the lead was and that we had a good chance of getting there. Of course we were hoping to bowl well, but I can't believe we are leaving in first place."
Presenting sponsors for the 2006 USBC Open Championships are Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus Hotel/Casinos in Reno, Nev. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Texas State Aquarium, Majestic Ventures Yacht Charters, Inc., USS Lexington Museum and Texas Treasure Casino Cruises.
For more information on the USBC Open Championships, visit USBCOpen.com.