The 32nd annual KFYR TV Bowling Classic was held this past weekend at Midway Lanes in Mandan, ND. What is often looked at as North Dakota’s greatest bowling tradition, the 32nd edition of the KFYR TV Bowling Classic quickly turned into a tale of survival as the 1.94-1 ratio oil pattern ultimately lead to one of the most challenging finals in recent memory.
The action started on Saturday where a full field of 120 bowlers bowled 8 games with the top 30 advancing to match play on Sunday. Leading the way was Chad Broeckel with a 1778 total (222.25 ave). Broeckel received a free TV, donated by KFYR, for leading the qualifying round. The cut to the top 30 was Bob Vander Vorst with an 8 game total of 1589 (198.62 ave).
Day 1 Results – Page 1
Day 1 Results – Page 2
Following the qualifying round, bowlers gathered inside the Kingpin Lounge at Midway Lanes for the annual banquet dinner. Numerous prizes were given away along with side pots and bracket winnings. The banquet concluded with the announcement of the top 30 qualifiers.
The top 30 returned Sunday morning for 10 games of round robin match play. Matt Smallin lead the day 2 charge going 8-2 en route to a +554 total (includes 240 bonus pins) and the #1 overall seed for the KFYR TV Show. Smallin also fired the only 300 game of the tournament on Sunday and received a $300 bonus for doing so. Rounding out the top 5 were Scott Endersbe, Clayton Mohr, Jeremiah Smith, and Barry Zimmerman.
KFYR TV Show Results:
Smith def. Zimmerman 225-175
Mohr def. Smith 233-184
Endersbe def. Mohr 172-155
Endersbe def. Smallin 182-158
By the end of the KFYR TV Show, the featured pair had developed into one of the most challenging conditions seen by finalists in an NDBowling.com Major. Each match contained several equipment changes as well as line changes. Bowlers went from playing up 5, to laying down on 35 in search of a decent look. Late in the semi-final match, Scott Endersbe turned to a spare ball up 5 and would later put together 3 strikes in a row with that ball in the championship match to seal the deal.
With the win, Endersbe claims his first NDBowling.com Major Title. His previous best finish in a Major came at the Morris Anderson Memorial Shootout in Minot back in 2015 where he fell to Clayton Mohr in the championship match. I think many will agree that this win was long overdue. Great bowling Scott!
Smallin moves to 2-2 overall in championship matches at the KFYR TV Bowling Classic. Both losses have come as the #1 seed on the show. #1 seeds are a combined 1-5 in KFYR TV Bowling Classic Finals in the NDBowling.com Era (Since 2012). Ryan Sandvick won the title in 2014 as the top seed.
Quick shout out to Jim Mellon and the entire staff at Midway Lanes for hosting another great tournament.
Once again, congratulations to the 2018 KFYR TV Bowling Classic Champion, Scott Endersbe!