Orange bowler Jason Belmonte has finally caught his white whale in winning the US Open by claiming the Super Slam of all five PBA major titles.
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The win was Belmonte's 12th major tournament title of his career, and clinching the US Open crown means he's now the seventh bowler to claim a triple crown - which involves winning the PBA World Championships, Tournament of Champions and US Open.
His wins in the USBC Masters means he also has the unofficial grand slam as well.
Belmonte came into the stepladder final as the second seed, winning over Dick Allan 215-187 in the semi-final and then overcoming fellow two-handed bowler Anthony Simonsen 226-201 in the grand final, with Belmonte nailing a difficult 3-6-9-10 final shot.
"That is not the spare I was thinking I wanted to shoot to win," Belmonte told FloBowling after claiming the record victory.
"I don't know what to say.
"I thought I'd had a really good couple of games, one or two I'd had back but in the end I have the trophy I have the Super Slam, I have the trophy, I have the triple slam, I can retire now."
In a later Facebook post, Belmonte clarified he meant to say he "can retire fulfilled" and had no plans to call time on what is now the most successful tenpin bowling career, with this win the one he "wanted so much" and was made sweeter by overturning his poor form so far in 2019.
"The struggles on TV this year have made this win even sweeter," Belmonte said.
"When you are critiqued by everyone for every move you make, the weight of poor performances can weigh heavy.
"This was my chance to break those shackles and win this one for me."
He congratulated Simonsen for his "amazing performance" at the open and said the 23-year-old would be back wearing the green jacket one day.
"I know exactly how he feels, leading the US Open by so much, only to lose the title," he said.
"I feel for you mate. You will have a chance to win this event again and I'll be hoping you win a green jacket on that day."
Simonsen was looking for the chance to become the youngest bowler in PBA history to claim three major titles.
Belmonte thanked family and friends for the support, overjoyed by the occasion in Lincoln, Nebraska.
"Kimberly, Aria, Hugo and Sylvie are everything to me and were a huge reason I was able to pull through today," he said.
"You support me no matter the score and your unwavering love for me is felt across the oceans. What would I do without you?Thank you... for everything you are to me."
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Max Stainkamph
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
