KAILUA-KONA — The third time proved to be the charm for Josh Blanchard at the PBA Kona West/Northwest Open at KBXtreme on Monday.
After a pair of second place finishes, Blanchard captured the title and top prize of $2,000 at the PBA regional event.
But more importantly, Blanchard heads back to Arizona with the prestigious handcrafted mango and koa wood trophy — an award he has been chasing for three years.
“I wanted the trophy more than the check,” Blanchard said with a laugh. “I have been in this title game a few times and it is nice to finally win.”
Blanchard held off a late charge from Tom Daugherty, taking home the title with a 247-239 victory in the single-game championship.
Earlier in the day, Blanchard edged Missy Parkin and Sean Rash in single-elimination bracket play to advance.
“Some of the greatest bowlers in the world bowled here today,” PBA West Region Manager Gary Mage said. “We had four former national champions and (Blanchard) is the hottest bowler in the world right now. It couldn’t have been more exciting.”
Rodney Torres of Kailua-Kona was the only local bowler to make the eight-person, single-elimination bracket with a 197.62 average. He fell to Parkin in the Round of 8.
Other local bowlers to finish in the top 20 of the tourney included: Sheldon Midallia (Hilo, 194.87 average); Ian Cortez (Kealakekua, 175.87); Robert Torres (Kailua-Kona, 174.87); and Jonathan Shimasaki (Hilo; 172.00).
The event kicked off Sunday with the pros bowling with some local high school students, and then a Pro-Am in the evening.
“It’s all about growing the sport from the bottom up,” Blanchard said. “If you don’t do that then there won’t be a next generation to carry it on.”
While KBXtreme is not the typical venue the pros are used to, the hospitality and Aloha Spirit keep them coming back.
“The setting is not what we are accustomed to, but they do such a great job with everything,” Blanchard said. “It’s now our third time being here and the event has improved every year.”
Mage echoed Blanchard’s sentiments on the Kona event.
“For our bowlers it is an absolute treat,” Mage said. “Not only do they get to make a few bucks, but they also get to relax and enjoy this beautiful island.”
