Columnist John McCarron: Senior scratch title captured by Leong

John McCarron

Thursday, Jan. 8, 1998 | 11:42 a.m.

JOHN McCARRON is a former pro bowler, international coach and a member of the Massachusetts Bowling Hall of Fame. He can be reached via the internet at J300SUN@aol.com or by fax at 254-7330.

TERRY LEONG ($260) has won his first Senior Scratch Bowlers Tour Title at the Showboat. Leong's 1175 bested veteran Roger Johnson's ($125) 1142 total.

Other top places went to Jim Mauldini (1141, $105), Anthony Marine (1130, $90), Evert Nishikawa (1128, $75), Len Caley (1105, $65), Stan Winters (1109, $50) and Lee Lamont (1077, $40). Anthony Marine took the high game with a 277.

The next tournament stop is at The Orleans Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. Call tournament director Gary Walters (646-8466) for information.

Trivia time

The first year of the PBA tour was 1959. Name the leading money winner and his total winnings for the year?

Big month on tap

January beings the best bowlers in the world to Las Vegas, starting today with the International Eliminator at Sam's Town and followed by a High Roller event at The Showboat. Top prize for these tournaments is $100,000.

The Gold Coast Survival Shoot-Out is set for 11:30 tonight. Entry fee is $25. Call Jason Gupton (367-4700) for information. Friday at the Showboat there will be an 8-gamer with a $60 entry fee. Call the Showboat (385-9150) for information.

Coach's corner

The key to being a higher average player is being consistent. You must learn your own game to be steady.

Here are some ideas that may result in consistency.

The lane is 60 feet from foul line to the head pin. There are seven arrows 15 feet past the foul line. The middle arrow corresponds directly to the head pin, which also is the big dot on the approach. You should know where you start and what arrow the ball rolls over on each shot.

As in golf, where you must keep your eye on the ball, in bowling you must keep your eye on the target until the ball has passed.

When releasing the ball continue your arm swing -- following through. Adjusting also is a simple procedure, provided you're a spot bowler and you hit the target.

Example: Your left foot is on the middle dot, you are looking at the second arrow (always count from the right channel in right-handers). If your ball hits the target and you hit the head pin on the left, you must move your starting position at least 2-3 boards (or 2-3 inches) left from your starting position and keep the same target. This rule applies on every shot.

Here's the simple adjustment rule: Move in the direction of the error or problem. As you see, our player missed left so we adjusted left -- not the other way which seems correct.

Trivia answer

Dick Weber, $7,672.