The 33rd and 34th editions of the Manitoba Open were very different. The weather was much nicer this season, and the shot was much more difficult this time around as well. However, when it comes to the ending result, the 34th edition of the Manitoba Open was much like that of the 33rd.
Chateau Lanes was the site for the 34th annual Manitoba Open. The cooperating weather helped boost entries to 90 this season, resulting in 30 bowlers advancing to the second round on Sunday. The WTBA Seoul pattern (39 feet) was the lane condition of choice. The pattern played very difficult on the older synthetic surface at Chateau Lanes, resulting in a -79 cut line for the top 30. Nick Heilman was the qualifying leader posting a 10 game score of 2228. Nick also claimed the early lead in the 3rd annual Can-Am Challenge.
On Sunday, the grind continued. Bowlers struggled to find a consistent look across the house. Those who were able to take advantage of the good lanes were the ones who ended up finishing near the top on day 2. Clayton Mohr lead the field on Sunday claiming the top spot on the show with a 9-1 match play record and 218.8 average for the day.
Top 5 entering the NDBowlTV Show:
1 – Clayton Mohr
2 – Matt Smallin
3 – Nick Heilman
4 – Michael Schmidt
5 – Zach Wilkins
Michael Schmidt dominated the finals which included several great matches. You can watch the finals webcast by clicking on the NDBowlTV link below. The win gives Schmidt a record 6 Manitoba Open titles and record 7 NDBowling.com Major Championships. Nice Bowling Mike!
I would like to thank Chateau Lanes and the entire tournament staff/volunteers for running a great event once again. Special thanks to Melody Savage for all the hard work she has put into this event and helping bring NDBowlTV to Canada for the first time.
NDBowlTV Coverage (HD)
Complete Results
The excitement continues next weekend in Minot, ND for the 12th Annual CMA Memorial Shootout. NDBowlTV will be there to provide live coverage of the finals on Sunday!