PBA Slam 2019: Top Moments and Winners You Might Have Missed
Looking back at the PBA Slam 2019, I still get chills remembering how intense those matches were. You know, as someone who’s followed professional bowling for years, I’ve seen plenty of tournaments, but there was something special about this one—maybe it was the raw emotion, the unexpected upsets, or just the sheer talent on display. I’ll never forget that quote from one of the finalists: "I’ll take that pain and I’ll take that regret anytime." It wasn’t just a throwaway line; it summed up the heart of every competitor out there. Honestly, I think that mindset is what separates the greats from the rest. In this piece, I want to walk you through some of the top moments and winners from the PBA Slam 2019 that you might have missed, especially if you only caught the highlights. Trust me, there’s so much more beneath the surface.
Let’s start with the finals, because that’s where the magic really happened. Jason Belmonte, a name synonymous with modern bowling greatness, was up against EJ Tackett in a showdown that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Belmonte, with his unique two-handed style, was aiming for his 22nd PBA title, and let me tell you, the pressure was palpable. I remember watching him nail a clutch strike in the tenth frame to seal the win—it was one of those moments where you just knew he’d practiced that shot a thousand times. The crowd erupted, but what stuck with me was his post-match interview. He mentioned how he’d been replaying a missed spare from earlier in the season, and that’s when he dropped that line: "I’ll take that pain and I’ll take that regret anytime." For me, that’s the essence of sportsmanship; it’s not about avoiding mistakes but embracing them as fuel. Belmonte finished with a final score of 258 to Tackett’s 245, and though the numbers tell part of the story, the emotional weight is what made it unforgettable. On the technical side, his average speed was around 18.5 miles per hour, with a rev rate hitting roughly 500 RPM—stats that might sound dry, but when you see them in action, it’s pure artistry.
But the finals weren’t the only highlight. Earlier in the tournament, there was this incredible match between Dom Barrett and Anthony Simonsen that many casual viewers overlooked. Simonsen, at just 22 years old, was already making waves, and I have to admit, I’ve always been a bit biased toward younger players because they bring this fearless energy. In this particular game, he pulled off a stunning comeback after being down by 30 pins in the seventh frame. How? By switching to a urethane ball mid-game, a move that’s risky but, in my opinion, brilliant. The lane conditions were tricky—oil patterns had been adjusted to a 42-foot length, which is longer than the typical 39-foot house shot, and it forced players to adapt on the fly. Simonsen’s decision paid off, and he closed with a 279 game, one of the highest single-game scores of the event. What I loved about this moment was how it showcased the mental side of bowling. It’s not just about physical skill; it’s about reading the lanes and trusting your gut. I’ve tried similar switches in local tournaments myself, and let me tell you, it’s nerve-wracking, but when it works, it feels like pure genius.
Then there were the underdogs who stole the show. Kristopher Prather, for instance, had a breakout performance that I think deserved more attention. He battled through the stepladder finals, winning three consecutive matches against higher-seeded opponents. One of his key moments came in the semifinals, where he rolled a perfect 300 game—only the second one in PBA Slam history. I remember watching that live and thinking, "This guy is on fire!" His ball motion was so smooth, with an entry angle of about 6 degrees, which is ideal for those conditions. But what really stood out to me was his resilience. Earlier in the year, he’d struggled with consistency, and in a pre-tournament chat, he’d echoed that same sentiment about pain and regret, saying it’s what drives him to improve. Personally, I find that relatable; in any field, whether it’s bowling or writing articles like this, those low points shape us. Prather’s win here wasn’t just a fluke—it was a testament to grinding through the tough times. By the numbers, he averaged 229.5 over the tournament, and his spare conversion rate was an impressive 92%, which is higher than the PBA average of around 85%. Those stats might not make headlines, but for enthusiasts like me, they’re gold.
Of course, no discussion of the PBA Slam 2019 would be complete without touching on the equipment and technology. As a bit of a gear nerd, I always pay close attention to what balls the pros are using. Belmonte, for example, relied heavily on the Hammer Black Widow 2.0, which had a differential of 0.054—a spec that might seem minor, but it gives that extra hook needed for heavy oil. Simonsen, on the other hand, switched to a Storm Phaze III in that crucial match, and I’ve got to say, I’m a fan of that ball myself; its hybrid coverstock provides a perfect blend of length and backend reaction. In my own experience, choosing the right ball can make or break a game, especially in high-pressure events like this. The prize money for the tournament totaled over $100,000, with Belmonte taking home the top share of $30,000, but beyond the cash, it’s the innovation in gear that pushes the sport forward. I’ve seen amateurs try to replicate these setups, and while it’s not easy, it’s part of what makes bowling so accessible and exciting.
Wrapping this up, the PBA Slam 2019 was more than just a series of games; it was a narrative of human spirit and technical mastery. From Belmonte’s reflective quote to Simonsen’s daring strategy and Prather’s rise, each moment taught me something about perseverance. I’ll admit, I’m partial to tournaments that blend emotion with skill, and this one delivered in spades. If you missed it live, I’d recommend digging up the footage—you’ll see why these players are at the top of their game. In the end, whether it’s bowling or life, embracing the pain and regret is what leads to growth, and that’s a lesson I carry with me every day.
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