Shafer bowls way to Orleans crown

Victoria Sun

Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 | 10:23 a.m.

After Jeff Lizzi bowled three consecutive strikes in the title match of the Orleans Casino Open Thursday night at the Orleans Hotel and Casino bowling center, defending champion Ryan Shafer thought the worst was yet to come.

"I thought, here we go again," said Shafer, who opened the match with two spares and a strike. "I swear to God he was gonna throw a 260 at me.

"It happens every time he plays me. He always plays his best against me."

Make that almost always.

Shafer edged Lizzi 213-210 in a tense match that was decided in the 10th frame. Shafer earned $25,000 for winning the third PBA Tour national title of his career while Lizzi took home $12,000.

Lizzi beat Michael Haugen 243-170 in the semifinals after Haugen defeated John May 228-193 in the second stepladder match. May reached the second match by edging Walter Ray Williams 216-214 in the first match.

Entering the 10th frame of the finals, Shafer led by nine pins. On his first roll he left the 2, 4, 8 and 10 pins standing. Shafer missed the spare and knocked down two more pins to finish with 210.

"It was kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy," Shafer said of the final frame. "I was thinking don't get a low count, and you can't do that.

"You have to be positive."

At that point Shafer was positive that he was going to finish second to Lizzi.

Lizzi needed two consecutive strikes and at least an eight for the win, but he didn't get it. Lizzi got a strike on his first try, then left the 4 and 10 pins standing on his second. On his final roll, he knocked down only one pin for a total of 200.

"I couldn't believe he opened the door for me," Lizzi said. "I kind of let him back in the match in the middle so I thought this was my opportunity to get him back.

"I thought 'throw three great shots and the match is yours.' The first one I knew was good, then I thought the second was good, but I think I threw it too hard and made it hook."

Shafer couldn't believe what had just happened.

"It was a relief," Shafer said. "And I was amazed he missed it. Things don't usually go that way for me."

Entering the Orleans Casino Open, Shafer had failed to cash in the first two tournaments of the year.

He figured he was struggling because he had switched ball companies right after Christmas, but was discouraged nonetheless.

"I'd say those first two weeks were kind of like expensive practice lessons for me," Shafer managed to joke.

This week, Shafer improved his play each day. Now a two-time winner at the Orleans, he said he can't wait to return next year.

"The same thing happened to me last year," Shafer said. "My ball reaction got better every day.

"As that got better, I threw better and was more comfortable out there. This win gives me a lot more confidence. I think it will help me the rest of the year."