Ebonite Challenge
$130,000 EBONITE CHALLENGE
Marcel's Olympic Bowl, Rochester, NY, Oct 11-15, 1997
Hoskins Bowls 11th Televised 300 Game In PBA History; Wins Fifth Title
When Steve Hoskins' game is "on," he Is considered to have one of the most devastating strike balls on the PBA Tour. At Marcel's Olympic Bowl, Hoskins was "on." Hoskins, Tarpon Springs, Fla., rolled the 11th televised perfect game in PBA history, defeating Walter RayWilliams Jr. in the evening's semifinal match, 300-234. Hoskins then Improved on perfection by is care oftournament leader Rick Steelsmith in the title match, 22216. The win was the fifth of Hoskins career and earnedhim $21,000. He also collected a $10,000 bonus for the 300 game. "I can't believe It," said Hoskins. "This is what every pro dreams about. My children and my marriage are the only bigger things In my life than this night." Hoskins was actually seeded fourth for the live ESPN telecast and had to get by Tim Criss in the opening match, 247203, and Jason Couch In match two, 213-202, before making history. If Hoskins needed any motivation to keep striking in the semifinal match, Williams, who was looking for a "three-peat" in Rochester, provided it by striking on his first six shots. The only questionable strike of the 12 Hoskins threw was in the fourth frame. His final eight strikes were as close to perfect as could be. The final title match was close throughout; A clutch conversion of a 9-10 split in frame six kept Steelsmith closeand he stepped up in his ninth frame needing four consecutive strikes to shut out Hoskins by one pin. Steelsmith struck in the ninth and on his first shot in the 10th, but a solid 10-pin on his second ball in the fifth left the door open for Hoskins. Needing a double plus one pin in the 10th for a win, Hoskins struck out, leaving Steelsmith with the runner-up honors. CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
PLAYOFF RESULTS-Hoskins defeated Criss, 247-203; Hoskins defeated Couch, 213-202; Hoskins defeated Williams, 300-234; and in the championship game, Hoskins defeated Steelsmith, 226-216. @Hoskins earned $10,000 for bowling a 300 game. 42-GAME TOTALS OTHER CASHERS *-Match play alternate. 18-game qualifying leader-Ryan Shafer, 4075. 24th place-Ron Williams, 3822. 38th place-Tommy Kress, 3745. PRO-AM CASHERS-Tom Baker, Tim Criss, Jess Stayrook, Dave Wodka ($50 each), Mike Aulby and Norm Duke ($100 each). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
