Anthony Simonsen dons the green jacket after winning the 2022 PBA USBC US Open. (Picture: USBC)
Anthony Simonsen has won the 2022 PBA USBC US Open, becoming the youngest ever bowler to win three PBA major titles.
Simonsen, who qualified second for the final, needed to first overcome the PBA’s best TV show bowler in Jason Belmonte. Belmonte, fresh off his PBA Players Championship win last weekend, was on a roll after winning games of 246 and 221.
Simonsen gave him plenty of opportunities to take his third straight game. However, an uncharacteristic 168 was not enough to move past Simonsen’s also low 180. Belmonte took to social media after the loss, indicating a poor decision lead to the sub par game.
Knowing another game of the same would not cut it against top qualifier Tackett, Simonsen improved greatly with a 232. Tackett, who had the hot hand all week, faltered at the worst possible moment. His 165 game the worst he had thrown for the tournament.
More Sports News
- Shohei Ohtani set to sign with Toronto Blue Jays
- “Pressure and that expectation is always there”: Chris Jordan
- Trouble in Kansas? Three major concerns impacting the Chiefs
The victory earned Simonsen the record of youngest bowler to win three major titles. The record wasn’t a surprise, after he became the youngest ever to win a major in 2016 at 19 years of age.
Whilst it has been a long time between majors for Simonsen in 2016, 2019 and now, it still bodes well for his future. It’s a future that is sure to have Belmonte’s record 14 majors firmly secured as the top target.
There will be no rest for the finalists, with back to back Storm Cup events over the next two weekends. Bowlers will then see a small reprieve before the next major, set to be the 2022 PBA Tournament of Champions on February 27.
Last year’s winner Kyle Troup is sure to be aiming to get himself on the board, after a disappointing start to 2022 for the reigning PBA Player of the Year.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
About Author
