USBC Communications
RENO, Nev. – Kevin Burgess of Cross Timbers, Mo., delivered an emotional Father’s Day tribute Sunday at the 2026 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, recording the first perfect game of his career.
The 41-year-old right-hander went 12 for 12 during his first game of singles at the National Bowling Stadium. He closed the set with games of 191 and 189 for a 680 series to move into the top 50 in Standard Singles.
Burgess already had some momentum on his side entering singles. He rolled games of 213, 249 and 229 in doubles for a 691 series.
He also sits in the top 25 of Standard All-Events with a nine-game total of 1,899 after posting 528 in team Saturday. His overall showing marks his top performance at the USBC Open Championships across seven appearances.
Burgess’ father, Robert, passed away in Reno shortly after his appearance at the 2011 tournament, making Sunday’s moment for Kevin even more meaningful. Robert made 15 appearances to compete at the tournament.
Burgess rolled the 36th 300 of the 2026 Open Championships.
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
NEW RUBY LEADERS
Bowlers keep striving for high scores at the 2026 United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships as new leaders emerged in Ruby Doubles on Tuesday at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
Kathleen Brown of Ogden, Utah, and Crystal Monzella of South Ogden, Utah, rolled games of 433 in Game 1, 443 in Game 2 and 360 in Game 3 to finish with a series total of 1,236. Monzella led the way with a solid 690 series (236-246-208), and Brown added a strong 546 (197-197-152).
Houston’s Monica and Miranda Fuentes had held the lead since May 25 with 1,191.
The ladies knew that they were doing well in doubles but didn’t realize how well. They received the news going into singles, and the excitement began.
“We knew we were doing well, but when we were told we took the lead for this event, it was such a big surprise,” Brown said.
“This was such a big celebration for the both of us,” Monzella said.
Going into doubles, the mindset was a little mixture of everything. From having fun to also taking it frame by frame, this mixture played into their strong suit and gave them a boost to do well.
“We always try to have a good time,” Brown said.
“For me, I take it shot by shot,” Monzella said. “I knew if we stayed levelheaded, we would do just fine.”
They’ve been bowling together for quite some time, which made the experience even more enjoyable for the two ladies.
“We get along great, and doing this is like icing on the cake of the whole friendship – I couldn’t have had a better partner,” Brown said. “She’s also part of the family now, dating my granddaughter’s uncle.”
“We were talking, and I said, ‘I don’t want to bowl with someone I don’t like,’ so getting to bowl with some I enjoy makes a huge difference,” Monzella said. “It really motivates you both to do well!”
Having the score stick to the end of the tournament on June 28 and coming home with a win would mean the world to them.
“It would truly be amazing,” Brown said.
“I don’t know how to explain it, but it would be exciting,” Monzella said.
Ruby Doubles features bowlers with combined entering averages of 311-350.
The Women’s Championships is celebrating its 106th edition in 2026 and making its sixth trip to Las Vegas. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 16,000 bowlers and 4,200 four-player teams competing across 65 consecutive days at the South Point Bowling Plaza.