Richey Jr. in the lead at PBA50 National Championship
The Villages, Florida - With just two minutes left in his practice session, Chuck Richey Jr. found something that would work.
The 53-year-old discovered the right look and line to play inside Spanish Springs Lanes, and he was ready to roll. He shot 279, 247, 195, 238, 214 and 233 for 1,406 to jump into the lead after the first six games of qualifying Monday at the 2022 Florida Blue Medicare PBA50 National Championship.
“I started on the lanes Rory Peterson (A squad leader) finished on,” the Concord, N.C. resident said. “There was a lot of hold in the middle and that got me started.”
The right-hander relied on three balls, his Brunswick Quantum Evo Pearl, the DV8 Damn Good Verge and then his Hammer Obsession Tour for the last two games for a nine-pin lead over fellow B squad bowler, Brian Brazeau of Ocala, Florida.
With the B squad on the lanes first Tuesday, Richey Jr. plans to rely on the same ball motion using his Evo Pearl moving farther right then probably having to chase left later in the block.
Richey Jr. finished in 22nd place at last year’s PBA50 National Championship in The Villages and he is happy to be back in front of a supportive crowd.
“The fact that people are excited to watch us bowl here is incredible,” he said. “This place is packed, and I enjoy the friendly banter with those who are watching.”
Rory Peterson’s strategy on the lanes was straighter is greater. He shot 222, 237, 256, 211, 266 and 199 for 1,392 to lead the A squad.
“I threw my MOTIV Sniper plastic,” the Jacksonville, FL resident said. “It allowed me to play straighter.”
Peterson, who is eight months removed from surgery on his back, finished in the top 20 at this tournament three years ago.
“I still have aways to go, but if I can keep bowling this well, I like my chances,” he said.
Tom Hess is currently in 4th place followed by Parker Bohn III in 5th place.
Qualifying rounds continue with six more games Tuesday starting with the B squad at 9 a.m. ET, followed by the C squad at 1 p.m. and the A squad will begin at 5 p.m.
You can watch the PBA50 action exclusively on BowlTV.
Follow Florida Blue Medicare PBA50 National Championship scoring at Standings - Florida Blue Medicare PBA50 National Championship (r2sports.com)
FLORIDA BLUE MEDICARE PBA50 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 10 THROUGH 6 GAMES
- Chuck Richey Jr. 1,406
- Brian Brazeau 1,397
- Rory Peterson 1,392
- Tom Hess 1,378
- Parker Bohn III 1,372
- Eddie Graham 1,345
- Brian LeClair 1,344
- John Dougherty III 1,329
- Steve Gagnon 1,327
- Chris Johnson 1,326