The Race to the CB TOUR Championship Intensifies
With just two events left in Season 2, the Rumbi Island Grill Classic (RIGC) takes center stage as one of the final chances for players to earn crucial points before the CB TOUR Championship in Boise. With Luke Brown leading the points standings and several players battling for positioning, expect high-pressure moments and intense competition.
Sparetime's 36-foot pattern with 27 mLs of oil, the shortest and one of the most demanding conditions we’ve seen this season, will play a massive role in who rises to the occasion. Some bowlers will thrive, while others will need to adjust quickly or risk falling behind.
16. Daria Pajak
Hailing from Poland, Daria Pajak has made significant strides on the international bowling scene, but her performances on the CB TOUR this season have yet to yield a cash. Despite the struggles, she remains a dangerous competitor with the skill and experience to turn things around at any time.
Sparetime Lanes is a venue where Daria has found success in the past, giving her some familiarity that could work in her favor. However, this event presents a unique challenge—the shortest pattern we've seen on tour this season. Short oil conditions aren’t something CB TOUR bowlers encounter often, making it a major shift from the longer, lower-volume conditions at the CKSO.
Daria’s ability to adjust quickly will be critical. If she can find a look early and develop a consistent reaction, she has the potential to outmaneuver the field and make a deep run. If not, she could face another early exit.
15. Manny Ferrell
Manny Ferrell has showcased resilience throughout the season, with performances that highlight his strategic approach to the game. Fresh off a major victory at the RPI in Reno, Manny is riding a wave of momentum and looking to carry that success into the CB TOUR. He also cashed at the CKSO, finishing 13th on the long 48-foot pattern, proving his ability to adjust to different conditions.
This weekend, however, presents a completely different challenge. At 36 feet, this is the shortest pattern we’ve seen on the CB TOUR, and Manny’s game suits it well. His ability to play aggressive angles and control the friction could give him an edge as the lanes break down. If he finds a look early and stays ahead of the transition, this could be the weekend he finally breaks through on the CB TOUR and establishes himself as a true contender.
14. Zeke Bayt
Zeke Bayt, a seasoned professional from Westerville, Ohio, brings a wealth of experience from various competitive circuits. Notably, he clinched the 2013 USBC Open Championships Singles title, showcasing his ability to excel in high-stakes tournaments.
Additionally, Zeke achieved a third-place finish in the 2017 PBA Roth/Holman Doubles Championship alongside partner Dick Allen, further cementing his reputation on the professional scene.
Known for his versatility, Zeke's proficiency in reading lanes and adjusting his strategy will be crucial on Sparetime Lanes' challenging 36-foot oil pattern. While his appearances on the CB TOUR have been limited this season, his professional background positions him as a formidable contender capable of upsetting higher-seeded players.
13. Tyler Lopez
Currently positioned 14th in the CB TOUR points standings, Tyler Lopez has been a model of consistency throughout the season. His deep understanding of the tour's dynamics and previous success at Sparetime Lanes provide him with a strategic advantage heading into the Rumbi Island Grill Classic.
Tyler finished 9th at the CB Masters earlier this season, proving that he can navigate the challenges of this venue. His ability to handle high-pressure environments will be tested again, especially with this weekend’s 36-foot pattern—the shortest we’ve seen all year. Fortunately, Tyler’s game is well-suited for shorter conditions, as he has historically bowled well when friction is present early.
With the CB TOUR Championship in Boise looming, a strong showing here could provide the momentum he needs to move up the points standings. If he can control the break point and find a consistent look early in qualifying, Tyler has a real chance to make a deep run at RIGC.
12. Cameron Henning
Cameron Henning has been one of the most consistent performers on the CB TOUR this season, even though he has yet to claim his first title. His ability to grind through tough conditions has resulted in some solid finishes, including 10th at the Trillion Mortgage Open (TMO), 8th at the CB Masters, and 35th at the CKSO.
While those finishes show his ability to stay in the mix, this weekend could be his best opportunity yet to break through. The short 36-foot pattern presents a unique challenge, but Cameron’s control and adaptability make him a strong candidate to figure it out faster than most. He also has the advantage of prior experience at Sparetime Lanes, where he finished 8th at the Masters earlier this season.
With just one more event after RIGC before the CB TOUR Championship in Boise, this tournament represents a critical opportunity for Cameron to gain points and confidence heading into the season finale. If he can put together another strong run in qualifying, he could be a serious threat come Sunday.
11. Riley Woodard
Riley Woodard’s game has taken a major leap forward this season, proving he can contend with the best on the CB TOUR. With a 9th-place finish at the Trillion Mortgage Open (TMO) and 8th at the CKSO, he has been knocking on the door of a breakout performance. Now, heading into the RIGC, this could be the event where everything clicks.
While he did not make the stepladder at last year’s RIGC, he has shown steady improvement and growing confidence on tour. His ability to adjust to difficult conditions will be put to the test on the 36-foot pattern, but Riley’s recent performances suggest he is ready for the challenge.
With just two events left before the CB TOUR Championship, Riley is currently on the outside looking in when it comes to cashing in the points standings. A strong performance at Sparetime Lanes would not only solidify his position but also give him the momentum he needs to close out the season with a statement. Don’t be surprised if this is the weekend Riley makes a deep run and puts himself in position for his first CB TOUR title.
10. Yannick Roos
The reigning HowToBowl CB Masters Champion, Yannick Roos, returns to the very lanes where he claimed his first CB TOUR major title. Sparetime Lanes proved to be the perfect setting for his dominant performance in September, and now, with another opportunity to compete in this venue, Yannick is aiming to recreate that magic.
Currently sitting 3rd in CB TOUR points, Yannick has been a consistent force throughout the season. However, his last outing at the CKSO was a struggle, as he failed to cash for the first time this season. Whether it was the longer pattern or the environment at Gold Coast, something didn’t click for him that weekend. That makes the RIGC even more intriguing, as this event couldn’t be more different—a 36-foot pattern in a center where he has already won.
If the CKSO performance was just a one-off, expect Yannick to bounce back in a big way. He has already proven he can navigate Sparetime’s unique challenges, and with his ability to control shorter patterns and play to his strengths, this could be the tournament where he reminds everyone why he is one of the top players on tour.
9. Andy Kinney
A former finalist at the RIGC, Andy Kinney knows what it takes to make a deep run in this event. Though last year’s tournament was held at a different center, Andy’s performance in making the Final Four proved his ability to handle the pressure in this format. He has yet to secure a CB TOUR title, but with his experience and strong track record on shorter patterns, this could be the weekend he finally breaks through.
Andy’s game is well-suited for the 36-foot pattern, which will demand precision, controlled speed, and strategic lane play. His ability to make the right moves quickly could be the difference-maker as the lanes transition throughout the weekend. Currently sitting just outside the top 10 in points, a strong performance at the RIGC could vault him into the points championship conversation heading into Boise.
For Andy, the path to a points title starts here. A deep run this weekend would not only solidify his spot in the season finale but could also give him the momentum he needs to chase down the leaders in the standings.
8. Richie Teece
Making his CB TOUR debut, Richie Teece from the United Kingdom brings a wealth of international experience and a proven track record on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour. Notably, Richie secured his first PBA title at the 2017 PBA Shark Championship in Las Vegas, showcasing his ability to excel on challenging lane conditions.
Beyond his tournament victories, Richie is recognized for his sportsmanship and positive influence on the lanes. In 2024, he was honored with the PBA Steve Nagy Sportsmanship Award, reflecting the high regard in which he's held by his peers.
While this marks his first appearance on the CB TOUR, Richie's extensive experience on various lane conditions and his adaptability make him a formidable contender at the Rumbi Island Grill Classic. His strategic approach and composure under pressure could pose significant challenges to the tour regulars, and his participation adds an exciting dynamic to the competition.
7. Giorgio Clinaz
Currently 6th in the CB TOUR points standings, Giorgio Clinaz has been a model of consistency throughout the season, but he's still chasing that elusive first CB TOUR title. A bowler who has won just about everywhere else, Giorgio has yet to break through on this tour, though his performances suggest it’s only a matter of time.
His results this season have been solid but varied, finishing 5th at the Trillion Mortgage Open (TMO), 11th at the CB Masters, and 40th at the CKSO. While he performed well on the more moderate patterns, the long, low-volume 48-foot CKSO pattern proved to be a challenge, causing him to miss the cut. Now, with the shift to a short, high-volume 36-foot pattern, Giorgio has a prime opportunity to bounce back.
With one of the most versatile games on tour, Giorgio can adjust quickly to different conditions, but with time running out in Season 2, he needs a strong finish at the RIGC to position himself for a title push at the Tour Championship. A deep run here could put pressure on the points leaders and change the entire outlook of the season finale.
6. Steve Kloempken
Few bowlers bring as much experience and strategic prowess to the lanes as Steve Kloempken, and that experience has translated to a strong and consistent season on the CB TOUR. Sitting 4th in the points standings, Steve boasts the second-best average finish on tour, thanks to a 17th-place finish at the TMO, 7th at the CB Masters, and a runner-up performance at the CKSO.
Despite his impressive results, a few of the worst breaks we’ve ever seen have kept him from claiming a title this season. Whether it’s an untimely split or a brutal carry issue in the final moments, Steve has been knocking on the door but has yet to break through.
Now, he faces a new challenge: a short, high-volume pattern—something we haven’t seen often on the CB TOUR. Will his vast experience and ability to adjust quickly be enough to conquer the 36-foot challenge? If so, this could be the weekend where everything finally falls into place for Steve and he adds a CB TOUR title to his already storied career.
5. Tomas Käyhkö
Making his CB TOUR debut, Tomas Käyhkö from Finland brings a distinguished international résumé to the Rumbi Island Grill Classic. At 27 years old, Tomas has achieved significant milestones in his bowling career, including:
Silver Medal in Singles at the 2021 World Championships: Demonstrating his prowess on the global stage.
Silver Medal in Pairs at the 2019 European Championships: Partnering with Niko Oksanen to secure the honor.
Back-to-Back Recognition as Finland's Bowler of the Year in 2023 and 2024: A testament to his consistent excellence and impact in the sport.
In the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) circuit, Tomas has made notable strides:
Top Seed at the 2024 PBA Delaware Classic: Leading the field with exceptional play, though finishing as the runner-up to David Krol in the final match.
Third-Place Finish at the 2023 U.S. Open: Starting the season strong with a podium finish in this prestigious major tournament.
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