December 17, 2023 — Andy Rettig, Hamburg, N.Y., this afternoon defeated top seed Bobby Hall II, Landover, Md., 226-167 in the title match of the PBA50 Fort Meade Open presented by Auto Spa Express at The Lanes Fort Meade. Rettig's third PBA regional victory earned him $1,700, while Hall II settled for $1,150.
In earlier brackets competition, Derek Payne, Upper Marlboro, Md., who started the day in 15th place, won "Best-of-3" matches against New York's Glenn Smith and David Handiowich, Ancram, N.Y., before falling to Rettig. Payne placed seventh and earned $750.
Greg Turner, who ended yesterday's qualifier in eighth place and didn't enter today's action until the second brackets round, suffered a quick exit, losing both Best-of-3 games to George Szczublewski, Niagara Falls, N.Y., and earning $700 for 10th place.
Hall II, who led yesterday's qualifier, started his day in the third bracket with a 220-201 loss to Szczublewski but came back strong and earned a spot in the title match with successive wins of 299-255 and 242-215. However, during his third game, Hall II mentioned the heat and the swelling of his bowling hand, with which he had issues during his match against Rettig.
Afterwards, a realistic Hall II noted that while he performed admirally up until the final game, "anything can happen in a single match ... and usually does." He's confident about his future and plans to continue to get in top physical shape for the 2024 season and would very much like to make some appearances on the PBA Senior Tour.
December 16, 2023 — Bobby Hall II, Landover, Md., today averaged 223.75 for eight games to lead the qualifying at the PBA50 Fort Meade Open presented by Auto Spa Express at The Lanes Fort Meade. The NCAUSBCA Hall of Famer leads Andrew Rettig, Hamburg, N.Y., by two pins.
Meanwhile, fellow Hall of Fame member Greg Turner, Temple Hills, Md., who scored 740 in his first three games and was the tournament leader at the midway point, averaged 218.13 and currently sits in the eighth position. Derek Payne, Upper Marlboro, Md., averaged 211.38 and holds the No. 15 spot.
All three bowlers will be among 16 who will compete in Sunday's Bracket Rounds, with Payne competing at 9 a.m, as Qualifiers 9-16 will each bowl a "Best-of-3" contest, with winners meeting Qualifiers 5-8, including Turner, at 10:30 a.m. in another Best-of-3 competition. These four winners will then bowl the Top 4 qualifiers from today, in one more Best-of-3, including Hall II, and two additional single-game brackets will determine the champion.
Local cashers included Hall of Famer Lee Brosius, Ashburn, Va., who averaged 206.50, placed 19th, and earned $560, and Brian Link, Bowie, Md. (205.38), who finished 20th and took home $550.
December 7, 2023 — League officials are encouraged to review USBC Rules 117b and 117d regarding weather-related issues that leagues possibly will face over the winter months: https://tinyurl.com/da2sacar
November 22, 2023 — The NCAUSBCA Youth Doubles Tournament scheduled for December 17, 2023 at Bowl America Falls Church has been postponed.
An attempt to secure a replacement date and location will be made to possibly schedule an event early in 2024.