Sykes Wins Grand Prix Invitational, Named Bowler of the Year

Amy Sykes, is definitely back in the groove. The Pittsfield, MA, resident captured her 14th WNDA tournament victory at this weekend's Grand Prix Invitational at AMF Towson. 

Sykes had qualifying scores that placed her sixth heading into the semi-final rounds. In division match-play, she accumulated a 4-1 record with a 5-game total of 743, earning the top spot in the ladder finals. In the final game, defending champion, Connie Ward of Ontario, Canada, put up a great defense with a 143 game, but Sykes prevailed with her 163.

Ward, who won the 2009 Grand Prix Invitational and was seeded 3rd on the ladder, earned the chance to bowl against Sykes by first outscoring 4th seed Lisa Huber of Baltimore 136 to 116. Huber had won the first match against the wild card, Stacey Gaegler of Finksburg, MD, with a score of 130 to 119. After her win over Huber, Ward triumphed over 2nd seed Kristy Penny, also of Baltimore, with a 155 to Penny's 133.

Top 5: Kristy Penny (3rd),Stacey Gaegler (5th), Amy Sykes (1st), Lisa Huber (4th), and Connie Ward (2nd)

This was Sykes second win on the 2010 circuit and after returning from a long hiatus.  She previously took the crown at Johnson's Lanes in Hamden, CT.  In 2008, Sykes relocated to an area without duckpin bowling after her marriage, then took even more time away from the sport in 2009 with the birth of her son, Benjamin. She returned to the WNDA tour this year and has again hit her stride with her victory.

Her two tour wins and overall performance also earned her the 2010 Bowler of the Year. Sykes has earned the honor five times before. In 2004, the WNDA inducted her into its Hall of Fame.

The final results can be found at this link.

Grand Prix Invitational Ladder Finals

The ladder for the finals is:

1- Amy Sykes (MA)
2- Kristy Penny (MD)
3- Connie Ward (Canada)
4- Lisa Huber (MD)
5- Stacey Gaegler (MD)

Qualifying Round for the Grand Prix Invitational

The last qualifying shift has just finished and the results have been calculated.

The scratch cut for the Grand Prix Invitational at AMF Towson is 1024.
The pins-over-average cut is +20.
The alternate is 1013.

Bowlers are to be checked-in by 9:30 a.m. for a 10:00 start.

2010 Bowler Statistics Updated

The complete bowler statistics, including "Bowler of the Year" points, have been updated and posted to the statistics page. See the navigation on the left for the link or click here.

WNDA ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING

The 2010 WNDA Members Meeting will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at AMF Towson. The meeting will start at 1:30. Food and beverages will be provided. 

All members are requested to attend as this is an important part of WNDA membership and the best opportunity to help shape the future of the organization. Items on the agenda include the elections for Vice President/North and Statistician, a "year-to-date" view of this years finances, and a glimpse into 2011. We are looking for feedback from the membership on all aspects of the WNDA's operations, including program books, event schedule, communications, and fundraising.