Jones wins Geico Classic

Ron Willison is the bowling columnist for the Butler Eagle.

March 25, 2008 Last Updated: March 25, 2008 01:11 PM Sports

Tommy Jones returned to his winning ways Sunday, capturing the PBA Geico Classic in Long Island, N.Y.

Jones defeated Pete Weber 257-191 in the championship match to claim the $25,000 top prize and a one-year exemption.

Jones defeated Walter Ray Williams Jr. 269-226 and Tommy Delutz 268-244 to get to the championship match. In the opener, Williams beat Wes Malott 238-216.

Jones threw 28 strikes and left six single-pin spares in his three games. Despite the win, Jones is out of the running for PBA Player of the Year honors.

The PBA wraps up its season this week with the 65th U.S. Open in New Jersey. ESPN will telecast the finals at 2 p.m. Sunday. The winner receives $100,000 and a three-year PBA Tour exemption.

Melissa Lynn Smith rolled a 300 game at the USBC National Tournament last week. How many women have bowled a perfect game at the national tournament? Answer at the end of the column.

One of the most nerve- wracking things for bowlers is how to react when they are stringing together strikes. I have heard bowlers tell me that they don't talk to anyone, they sit in the same chair after each frame or they hold their drink in the same hand while waiting their turn to bowl.The bottom line is this: everyone reacts differently when on a string. Some bowlers get as excited when they roll two strikes in a row as someone looking to finish off a 300 game. That is what is so great about this sport.During my three 300 games, I tried to play them as though it was still the first frame and I was looking for my first strike of the night.The tip of the week this week is to find what works for you and stick with it. It really is all a part of a pre-shot routine, just like golf. The repetitiveness is very helpful. And, of course, take a deep breath!

Mark Undercuffler recently rolled a 300 game in Fruit Loops League action at Sherwood Lanes. Undercuffler finished the night off with games of 266 and 228 for a 788 series.• Tri-County Men's: B. Hobaugh 254 (657), G. Furka 235 (666), J. Pennington 248 (618), J. Welton 279 (717), T. Adams 256 (699), D. Wolfe 264 (704).• Firearms League: Mike Hilliard led the way with a 263 game and a 687 series. Lee Johnson 244 (679) and Angela Malis 223 (561) also bowled well.• Automotive League: Paul Zitzman had a nice night with a 290 game and a 771 series. Scott Wetzel chipped in a 279 game and Gary Swidzinski tossed a 696 series.• Kelly Automotive League: Chuck Norris rolled a 300 game as part of a 716 series. Mike Evans was right behind, tossing a 299 game and a 795 series.• Armco A League: Bob Hilliard led with a 599 series, and Bob McCandless rolled the high game with a 245.• Fox's Pizza Den: Bobby Eppinger continues to bowl well, leading the way with a 258 game and a 720 series. Gary Gregg, 258 (702), also bowled well.

Smith's 300 game was just the fourth perfecto rolled in the women's national tournament. The first came in 2001.