Orange tenpin bowling sensation Jason Belmonte got bitten by the bear as a tactical move failed to pay off against in-form American Sean Rash in the latest Professional Bowlers Association clash in the US.
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Belmonte’s hopes of a first title in 2016 went begging as he finished second behind Rash in a low-scoring match in demanding conditions in a televised game in Michigan on Wednesday.
Belmonte had been top qualifier and got the choice of which lane oil pattern to play on. He chose the bear pattern and struggled.
“While neither could get into a rhythm Rash was helped by strikes in the first three of four frames. A missed single pin spare by three-time reigning PBA player of the year, Belmonte, was a portent of things to come,” the PBA said.
“This lane conditioning pattern will eat you up. It’s probably the toughest condition we bowl on. It can be like an obstacle course,” Rash said.