Missouri bowler is perfect at Open Championships

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Even a late start couldn't rattle Keith Cooley of Joplin, Mo., who posted the 26th perfect game of the 2006 Open Championships on Thursday at the American Bank Center Exhibit Hall.

With the tournament still recovering from the severe weather that delayed the day's activities, Cooley's 8:30 p.m. team squad didn't actually hit the lanes until after 11 p.m.

But the wait didn't slow the 42-year-old right-hander who started the night with 211 before stringing together 12 consecutive strikes for his third career 300 game.

"I have no idea what actually happened," said Cooley, an engineering manager who made his fifth Open Championships appearance. "It was a shock that I could put together that many strikes in a row. I was a little nervous about getting such a late start, so I took a nap before bowling. May be that helped me feel more refreshed."

Cooley finished with 216 and a 727 series and helped Bowl East to games of 910, 1,026 and 901 for a 2,837 team total. Browning Pontiac of Cincinnati leads Regular Team with 3,496.

"It's really a great feeling to perform so well in front of so many people," Cooley said. "I recently got a new ball and I was able to put together three solid games. It's been my best experience at this tournament so far."

Cooley also felt the extra pressure of being a late addition to the team, but even that seemed to work in his favor, motivating him to do his best.

"I was subbing for our bowling center owner, who was originally coming this year for his 30th Open Championships," Cooley said. "But he needed knee surgery and couldn't make it. He asked me to go in his place and set some records. I told him that might be difficult, but I promised to do the best I could. I know he'll be satisfied with my 300."

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.

6/2/2006



By Matt Cannizzaro and David Ellis USBC Communications