USBC Communications
LAS VEGAS – Robert Grexer Jr. of Lords Valley, Pa., didn’t shy away from the pressure of perfection at the 2024 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships as he connected for the 24th 300 game of the year at the South Point Bowling Plaza on Friday.
The 49-year-old left-hander kicked off his singles competition with 300, and he added 223 and 174 to finish with a 697 series.
Grexer worked well with the other southpaw on his pair throughout doubles and singles Friday to create some room to work with at the Bowling Plaza, and he started the day with games of 220, 267 and 218 for a 705 set in doubles.
He added 577 in team to finish with the highest all-events score of his 18-year career at the USBC Open Championships – 1,979.
HAHLEN HAS PERFECTION
After a close call during his team event Tuesday, Bryan Hahlen of Greenwood, S.C., secured his spot in tournament history with a 300 game Wednesday in singles.
The 26-year-old two-hander started his singles set with games of 226 and 214 before closing with a perfect finish and 740 series at the South Point Bowling Plaza. Hahlen’s 300 is the 23rd perfect game of the 2024 event.
He made his first run at 300 during his team event in Game 3. After starting with 10 strikes, he was denied on his 11th delivery by a 4 pin for 289 and a 691 series. He added 636 in doubles to finish his fifth appearance at the USBC Open Championships with an all-events tally of 2,067.
Hahlen spent two years on Junior Team USA (2017-2018) and represented the team during the 2018 International Bowling Federation World Youth Championships.
He helped McKendree University claim the Helmer Cup at the 2018 Intercollegiate Team Championships and was named a National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association All-American (second team) during the 2019-2020 season.
The 2024 Open Championships got underway Feb. 23 and will run through July 29 at the South Point Bowling Plaza. The tournament is scheduled to feature more than 11,000 teams and 55,000 bowlers making their way to compete in Las Vegas.