Such is his standing in the sport, Jason Belmonte is already considered a lock as a future Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) hall of famer.
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But the two-handed star is now mounting a series claim on the title of greatest tenpin bowler of all time.
On Monday morning Australian Eastern Time, Belmonte became the first bowler in PBA history to claim a third major in the one calendar year.
His tense 238-225 victory over fellow two-handed gun, Swedish leftie Jesper Svensson, in the final of the World Series of Bowling (WSOB) lifting the Orange star above some of the PBA’s elite, including big names Pete Weber, the late Earl Anthony, Parker Bohn III and Walter Ray Williams Jr.
A ninth major title for Belmonte, the WSOB trophy now sits alongside this year’s Babasol PBA Players Championship and the USBC Masters won in Vegas.
After Svensson left a weak seven in his 10th frame, which for a player of the Swede’s power is highly unusual, the door was left open for Belmonte to claim the historic title.
The Orange star needed a strike and a nine pin in his final frame to do so.
He nailed his first blow and then struck again with his second shot on the championship’s troublesome right lane – both Belmonte and Svensson battled that particular oil pattern – to etch his name into the history books and inch closer to joining Weber and Anthony on top of the all-time major winners list with 10.
At his current trajectory and boasting nine majors, Belmonte should fly past both hall of famers next year, leaving little doubt around his claim as the sport’s GOAT – greatest of all time.
“It feels incredible,” Belmonte said after the win.
“I don’t know what to say. I’m extremely blessed to (be involved in the sport). I’m going to do this until I’m dead. To win these trophies is a bonus.
“Three majors in one year, very cool.”
Belmonte qualified for the final of the WSOB after taking out the Scorpion Championship 245-207 against fellow PBA player of the year candidate EJ Tackett.
That win over Tackett should see Belmonte claim a fourth PBA player of the year award, too, after winning three straight from 2013 to 2015.
MAJOR RECORD:
2011 - Players Championship
2013 - USBC Masters
2014 - Barbasol PBA Tournament of Champions, USBC Masters
2015 - USBC Masters, Barbasol PBA Tournament of Champions
2017 - Barbasol PBA Players Championship, USBC Masters, World Series of Bowling.
Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
