| Chris Steward, runnerup; Ken Hochstein, Galaxy Lanes Craig Nidiffer, winner |
CRAIG NIDIFFER WINS 4TH TITLE
Craig Nidiffer starting in the #5 spot of the stepladder finals climbed his way through
four matches to win his 4th title in the Budweiser Michigan Major Bowling Association at
Galaxy Lanes in Grand Blanc.
Nidiffer went into the championship match against Chris Steward. Steward a rookie
bowling in only his 2nd tournament charged into the #1 seed with a big 3 game set in the
semi-finals. Steward closed with 5 strikes but was too late as he took too long for his
nerves to settle down. Nidiffer started with an open, triple, spare then 5 strikes in a row
for a 242-213 win.
Rick Schultz used a 300 game in a six game 1514 score and the leading qualifier. Nick
Cooper, a junior, bowling for scholarship money also had a 300 game.
Nidiffer won the opening match 255-191 against Jordan Born. Jeff Roche had the
chance to eliminate Nidiffer by throwing strikes in his final two frames but left a 10 pin in
his 9th frame. Nidiffer won 247-228.
The semi-final match saw Nidiffer and Schultz trading strikes. Schultz had a big error by
blowing a 10 pin in his 6th frame. Nidiffer won the game 245-233.
“It was a thrill to be in that position,” said Steward. “It took a long time to settle down.”
It was a great experience to carry over the next time he makes the finals.
Nidiffer said, “it is always a great feeling to win a title. It is tough to win in the Michigan
Majors. I got lucky Jeff didn’t carry the 10 pin and this kid bowled really great.”
The next tournament is September 17 at Royal Scot in Lansing.
FINAL STANDINGS
Craig Nidiffer (Monroe) $1000
Chris Steward (Clawson) $600
Rick Schultz (Warren) $600
Jeff Roche (Dearborn) $400
Jordan Born (White Lake) $300
Nick Cooper (Clarkston) $220
Brian Dimuzio (Eastpointe) $190
Jerry Penxa (Romeo) $190
Justin Crosby (Holly) $170
Dave Tulak (Taylor) $160
Tony Hargar II (Flint) $150
Terry Haines (Westland) $140
Greg Gumtow (South Lyon) $130
John Murphy (Saginaw) $125
Lonnie Jones (Ann Arbor) $120
Josh Stead (Flint) $115
Kelley Bennett (Oxford) $110
Ryan Hughes (Fowlerville) $105
Corey Miller (Grand Blanc) $100.