Professional Bowlers Association

HENDERSON, Nev. - Chris Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, earned the top seed for Sunday's live televised finals at the 2012 Alka Seltzer Plus Liquid Gels United States Bowling Congress Masters on Friday.

Barnes went 6-0 in the double-elimination match-play bracket at Sunset Station's Strike Zone Bowling Center and is now one more victory away from claiming his first career Masters title. The finals will be broadcast live on ESPN at 12:30 p.m. Eastern on Sunday.

Barnes earned the top seed by virtue of an 806-743 victory over Mike Fagan of Dallas. Fagan, who was previously unbeaten, is the No. 2 seed for the finals. Rounding out the telecast is No. 3 seed Dan MacLelland of Canada and No. 4 seed Bryon Smith of Roseburg, Ore.

"Things definitely fell my way today," said Barnes, who finished as the runner-up to Walter Ray Williams Jr. at 2004 and 2010 Masters. "This is where I wanted to be at the start of the week. After having Walter Ray fire a 268 and a 290 at me when I was the top seed previously, I feel like this time it's my turn. I'm a big believer that everything evens out, and I'm a long way from being even."

A victory by Barnes would make him the third Professional Bowlers Association Grand Slam winner in history, joining bowling greats Mike Aulby and Norm Duke. The Grand Slam is made up of the four majors on the PBA Tour - the USBC Masters, PBA Tournament of Champions, U.S. Open and the PBA National/World Championship.

"Winning this event is definitely a bucket list item for me," Barnes said. "This tournament is the most important one on my career list right now."

Fagan plowed through five consecutive opponents before running into Barnes in the final match to determine the top seed for the TV show. He said he was just happy that match happened when it did.

"I feel good, and I'm just happy that match with Chris came at the end and not earlier in the bracket," said Fagan, who will be seeking his first major title. "I'm just trying to play my game and not worry about any of my competitors. That's the frame of mind I need to keep for the TV show."

As for MacLelland, he knew getting to the championship would be a grind after winning his first match and then dropping into the losers bracket. He had to win seven matches in the losers bracket, including a 746-690 victory over Chris Warren of Grants Pass, Ore., that locked up a spot on the telecast.

"My body isn't quite what it used to be, and I knew it was going to be a grind coming into today," said MacLelland, who was a three-time collegiate bowler of the year at Saginaw Valley State. "I kept telling myself that I could do it, and I basically willed myself to the show."

Smith made the finals by overcoming a 29-pin deficit heading into the final game, rallying for a 660-625 victory against Chris Loschetter of Avon, Ohio. It's the first time Smith has made a TV appearance since 2004 and his lone professional title came at the 2003 USBC Masters.

"My heart rate went up a couple times today, and when I was down in that last game my heart rate went up again," Smith said. "Come Sunday, I'm sure there will be some nerves. When this isn't something you do on a regular basis anymore, it can be a bit more nerve wrecking."

The week began with 305 of the best players in the world vying for a piece of the $250,000 prize fund and $50,000 first-place prize.

2012 ALKA SELTZER PLUS LIQUID GELS USBC MASTERS
At Sunset Station Strike Zone Bowling Center, Henderson, Nev.
Friday's results
 
MATCH PLAY
Double elimination, three-game matches decided by total pinfall
 
ROUND 2 WINNERS BRACKET
Bryon Smith, Roseburg, Ore., def. Mike Wolfe, New Albany, Ind., 669-630.
Mike Fagan, Dallas, def. Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 639-572.
Jon Van Hees, Charlestown, R.I., def. Tom Baker, King, N.C., 676-664.
Chris Warren, Grants Pass, Ore., def. Stuart Williams, England, 663-620.
Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, def. Kurt Pilon, Warren, Mich., 788-622.
Nathan Bohr, Wichita, Kan., def. Keith Odette, Waipahu, Hawaii, 637-594.
Chris Loschetter, Avon, Ohio, def. Ronnie Russell, Marion, Ind., 686-651.
Missy Parkin, Lake Forest, Calif., def. Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., 693-688.
 
ROUND 3 LOSERS BRACKET
(Losers eliminated, earn $1,900)
Dan MacLelland, Canada, def. Rick Steelsmith, Wichita, Kan., 675-613.
Tommy Jones, Simpsonville, S.C., def. Stevie Weber, Chalmette, La., 680-666.
PJ Haggerty, Roseville, Calif., def. Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y., 770-656.
Bill O'Neill, Southampton, Pa., def. Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas, 721-626.
Shigeo Saitoh, Japan, def. Eric Espinda, Albuquerque, N.M., 621-586.
Steven McCracken, Parker, Colo., def. Bill Crane III, Mishawaka, Ind., 678-579.
John Szczerbinski, N. Tonawanda, N.Y., def. Paul Ashby, Middleburg Heights, Ohio, 711-581.
Jason Belmonte, Australia, def. Wayne Garber, Modesto, Calif., 750-645.
 
ROUND 4 LOSERS BRACKET
(Losers eliminated, earn $2,300)
MacLelland def. Baker, 737-735.
S. Williams def. Jones, 682-567.
Wolfe def. Haggerty, 706-623.
O'Neill def. Shafer, 730-684.
Jurek def. Saitoh, 744-557.
McCracken def. Russell, 678-604.
Odette def. Szczerbinski, 613-574.
Belmonte def. Pilon, 749-625.
 
ROUND 5 LOSERS BRACKET
(Losers eliminated, earn $2,900)
MacLelland def. S. Williams, 707-612.
O'Neill def. Wolfe, 682-638.
McCracken def. Jurek, 650-617.
Belmonte def. Odette, 751-677.
 
ROUND 3 WINNERS BRACKET
Fagan def. Smith, 777-685.
Warren def. Van Hees, 720-631.
Barnes def. Bohr, 692-665.
Loschetter def. Parkin, 784-605.
 
ROUND 6 LOSERS BRACKET
(Losers eliminated, earn $3,700)
MacLelland def. Parkin, 763-606.
Bohr def. O'Neill, 728-566.
Van Hees def. McCracken, 595-541.
Smith def. Belmonte, 628-616.
 
ROUND 7 LOSERS BRACKET
(Losers eliminated, earn $5,000)
MacLelland def. Bohr, 718-673.
Smith def. Van Hees, 703-602.
 
ROUND 4 WINNERS BRACKET
Fagan def. Smith, 756-585.
Barnes def. Loschetter, 673-669.
 
ROUND 5 WINNERS BRACKET
(Winner is top seed for ESPN stepladder finals; loser is No. 2)
Barnes def. Fagan, 806-743.
 
ROUND 8 LOSERS BRACKET
(Losers eliminated, earn $7,000; winners advance to stepladder finals as No. 3 and No. 3 seeds)
MacLelland def. Warren, 746-690.
Smith def. Loschetter, 660-625.

Tournament: Alka Seltzer Plus Liquid Gels USBC Masters. The second of four PBA Tour majors during the 2011-12 season.

Where: Sunset Station Strike Zone, Henderson, Nev.

Purse: $250,000 prize fund. First prize: $50,000

Format: Four-player stepladder finals

Television: ESPN (live Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET)

A field of more than 300 of the world’s top PBA professionals and amateur bowlers will be narrowed to the top four players who will advance to the stepladder finals of the 2012 Alka Seltzer Plus Liquid Gels USBC Masters which will be telecast live on ESPN at 12:30 p.m. ET Sunday from Sunset Station Strike Zone in Las Vegas.

After an emotional victory in the 2011 United States Bowling Congress Masters, Tom Hess of Urbandale, Iowa, will be trying to become the first player in four decades to win back-to-back titles in one of professional bowling’s most prestigious match play events. In 2011 he defeated Jack Jurek in the championship match, 225-214, for his first Tour title.

The challenging format featured 15 games of qualifying with the top 64 players advancing to the grueling double-elimination, three-game match play rounds.

The Masters has been a breakthrough event for amateurs and professionals like Hess. But the list of Masters champion also reads like a “who’s who” of bowling, among them are: Earl Anthony (1977, 1984), Mike Aulby (1989, 1995, 1998), Ernie Schlegel (1996), Don Carter (1961), Ray Bluth (1959), Billy Welu (1964, 1965), Dick Hoover (1956, 1957), Harry Smith (1958), Norm Duke (1993), Buzz Fazio (1955), Billy Golembiewski (1960, 1962), Danny Wiseman (2004), Sean Rash (2007), Doug Kent (2002, 2007), Mike Scroggins (2005), Parker Bohn III (2001), and Walter Ray Williams Jr. (2004, 2010).

The Masters began as a Clinic and Double Elimination Tournament at the 1951 ABC Tournament in St. Paul, Minn. with a field of 32 players. Eight of the nation’s top stars were invited and matched against eight of the best bowlers from St. Paul, eight from Minneapolis and eight others from other cities in Minnesota. Lee Jouglard of Detroit won the 1951 “Eliminations,” defeating Joe Wilman of Chicago.

PBA:39X60 Post-game Show: (Free on PBA.com, PBA YouTube Channel) Sunday 2 p.m. ET – Xtra Frame interviews the winning player and provides in-depth ball rep analysis of the winner’s equipment selection and ball preparation.

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HENDERSON, Nev. - The lone woman remaining in the field - Missy Parkin of Lake Forest, Calif. - was among 16 undefeated players after the opening rounds of double-elimination match play Thursday at the 2012 Alka Seltzer Plus Liquid Gels United States Bowling Congress Masters.

Parkin went 2-0 in matches at Sunset Station's Strike Zone Bowling Center and with one more victory Friday would break the record for the high finish by a woman at the Masters. Dana Miller-Mackie (2000) and Liz Johnson (2006) hold the record by finishing in a tie for 17th position.

"I have never made match play before at the Masters, and I'm excited because I love match play," said Parkin, who won the 2011 USBC Queens. "Match play is one of the biggest assets of my game because I love the head-to-head matches. The first two matches are always the most important, and I'm very happy to be 2-0."

In her final match of the night, Parkin, a two-time PBA regional champion, took down one of the top stars in the Professional Bowlers Association when she defeated Wes Malott of Pflugerville, Texas, 662-609. In her opening match, Parkin defeated Hong Kong's Siu Hong Wu, 725-659.

In order to keep her string of victories alive, Parkin will face some tough competition. She takes on last year's runner-up Jack Jurek of Lackawanna, N.Y., in her first match Friday.

The highest remaining seed in the winners bracket is Chris Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, who entered the bracket as the No. 3 seed. Barnes rolled to a pair of easy victories in Thursday's opening rounds.

"I really think you have to win your first three matches in this format to have a legit shot to make the championship round," Barnes said. "You can make it if you drop to the losers bracket, but you have to dodge some bullets. My shot making has been getting better and I'm looking forward to getting off to a quick start and winning some matches tomorrow."

Defending champion Tom Hess of Urbandale, Iowa, was eliminated Thursday. After defeating top seed Rick Steelsmith of Wichita, Kan., 660-603, in the opening round, Hess lost his next two matches to end his title defense.

A total of 32 players remain in the hunt for this year's Masters title with 16 players in the winners bracket and 16 players in the losers bracket. All players completed 15 games of qualifying over three days to earn their spot in match play.

The week began with 305 of the best players in the world vying for a piece of the $250,000 prize fund and $50,000 first-place prize. The Masters will conclude Sunday with the nationally televised stepladder finals at 12:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

2012 ALKA SELTZER PLUS LIQUID GELS USBC MASTERS
At Sunset Station Strike Zone Bowling Center, Henderson, Nev.
Thursday's results
 
MATCH PLAY
Double elimination, three-game matches decided by total pinfall
 
OPENING ROUND
(Winners remain in winners bracket. Losers move to losers bracket)
(64) Tom Hess, Urbandale, Iowa, def. (1) Rick Steelsmith, Wichita, Kan., 660-603.
(32) Bryon Smith, Roseburg, Ore., def. (33) Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 673-629.
(47) Rhino Page, Dade City, Fla., def.  (17) Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, 613-535.
(16) Mike Wolfe, New Albany, Ind., def. (49) Stevie Weber, Chalmette, La., 704-621.
(9) Mike Fagan, Dallas, def. (56) Michael Machuga, Erie, Pa., 718-686.
(24) Eric Espinda, Albuquerque, N.M., def. (41) Mike Danielson, Portland, Ore., 633-610.
(40) Steven McCracken, Parker, Colo., def. (25) Kyle Bigelow, Troy, Ohio, 634-566.
(8) Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., def. (57) Vernon Peterson, Lake Wales, Fla., 638-587.

(60) Wayne Garber, Modesto, Calif., def. (4) D.J. Archer, Port Arthur, Texas, 644-605.
(37) Tom Baker, King, N.C., def.  (28) PJ Haggerty, Roseville, Calif., 678-638.
(21) Jon Van Hees, Charlestown, R.I., def. (44) Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, 669-660.
(12) Tom Daugherty, Wesley Chapel, Fla., def. (53) Humberto Vazquez, Mexico, 666-496.
(13) Stuart Williams, England, def. (52) Anthony LaCaze, Melrose Park, Ill., 625-605.
(20) John Szczerbinski, North Tonawanda, N.Y., def. (45) Jesse Buss, Wichita, Kan., 651-630.
(35) Chris Warren, Grants Pass, Ore., def. (29) Matt McNiel, Chanhassen, Minn., 666-648.
(4) Jason Belmonte, Australia, def. (61) Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y., 744-567.

(3) Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, def. (60) John Slavich IV, Schaumburg, Ill., 711-663.
(30) Kris Koeltzow, Wheat Ridge, Colo., def. (35) Shigeo Saitoh, Japan, 682-574.
(18) Martin Larsen, Sweden, def. (46) Bill Crane III, Mishawaka, Ind., 720-664.
(14) Kurt Pilon, Warren, Mich., def. (51) Mathew Jones, Phoenix, 642-611.
(54) Nathan Bohr, Wichita, Kan., def. (11) Alex Aguiar, N. Dartmouth, Mass., 672-657.
(22) Dan MacLelland, Canada, def. (43) Robert Gotchall, Lincoln, Neb., 651-646.
(27) Keith Odette, Waipahu, Hawaii, def. (38) John Janawicz, Winter Haven, Fla., 695-631.
(6) Tommy Jones, Simpsonville, S.C., def. (59) Kyle Barnes, Smyrna, Tenn., 633-575.

(7) Bill O'Neill, Southampton, Pa., def. (58) Lee Vanderhoef, Greenville, S.C., 671-532.
(26) Ronnie Russell, Marion, Ind., def. (39) Paul Ashby, Middleburg Hts., Ohio, 595-570.
(23) Dick Allen, Columbia, S.C., def. (42) Josh Blanchard, Gilbert, Ariz., 670-608.
(9) Chris Loschetter, Avon, Ohio, def. (55) Brian Valenta, Lockport, Ill., 591-536.
(15) Jason Sterner, McDonough, Ga., def. (50) Jason Duran, Arvada, Colo., 682-647.
(47) Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., def. (18) Steven Badovinac, Parker, Colo., 668-534.
(34) Missy Parkin, Lake Forest, Calif., def.  (31) Siu Hong Wu, Hong Kong, 725-659.
(2) Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas, def. (63) Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 672-593.
 
ROUND 1 WINNERS BRACKET
Smith def. Hess, 710-618.
Wolfe def. Page, 704-623.
Fagan def. Espinda, 709-552.
Shafer def. McCracken, 596-579.
Baker def. Garber, 682-613.
Van Hees def. Daugherty, 641-634.
S. Williams def. Szczerbinski, 683-646.
Warren def. Belmonte, 689-597.
 
Pilon def. Larsen, 634-558.
C. Barnes def. Koeltzow, 726-560.
Bohr def. MacLelland, 694-667.
Odette def. T. Jones, 639-615.
Russell def. O'Neill, 615-614.
Loschetter def. Allen, 782-652.
Jurek def. Sterner, 616-616, 204-200 in one-game roll-off.
Parkin def. Malott, 662-609.
 
FRIDAY'S ROUND 2 PAIRINGS (1 p.m. ET)
B. Smith vs. Wolfe
Fagan vs. Shafer
Baker vs. Van Hees
S. Williams vs. Warren
C. Barnes vs. Pilon
Bohr vs. Odette
Russell vs. Loschetter
Jurek vs. Parkin
 
ROUND 1 LOSERS BRACKET
(Losers eliminated, earn $1,500)
Steelsmith def. Duke, 666-640.
Peterson def. Bigelow, 745-634.
S. Weber def. Monacelli, 622-618.
Machuga def. Danielson, 660-562.
Haggerty def. Archer, 784-620.
Angelo def. McNiel, 657-625.
Vazquez def. Kretzer, 717-609.
LaCaze def. Buss, 630-526.
 
Saitoh def. Slavich, 700-571.
K. Barnes def. Janawicz, 594-568.
Crane def. M. Jones, 595-560.
Gotchall def. Aguiar, 670-628.
Ashby def. Vanderhoef, 629-604.
W.R. Williams def. Hong, 697-650.
Blanchard def. Valenta, 610-575.
Badovinac def. Duran, 616-542.
 
ROUND 2 LOSERS BRACKET
(Losers eliminated, earn $1,700)
Steelsmith def. Larsen, 694-647.
MacLelland def. Peterson, 642-205.
S. Weber def. Koeltzow, 657-532.
T. Jones def.  Machuga, 623-610.
Haggerty def. Allen, 665-608.
Angelo def. Sterner, 704-587.
O'Neill def. Vazquez, 684-539.
Malott def.  LaCaze, 637-618.
Saitoh def. Page, 694-668.
Espinda def. K. Barnes, 625-597.
Crane def. Hess, 645-620.
McCracken def. Gotchall, 648-548.
Ashby def. Daugherty, 608-517.
Szczerbinski def. W.R. Williams, 730-673.
Garber def. Blanchard, 713-576.
Belmonte def. Badovinac, 652-632.
 
FRIDAY'S ROUND 3 LOSERS BRACKET (1 p.m. ET)
Steelsmith vs. MacLelland
S. Weber vs. T. Jones
Haggerty vs. Angelo
O'Neill vs. Malott
Saitoh vs. Espinda
Crane vs. McCracken
Ashby vs. Szczerbinski
Garber vs. Belmonte

By Lucas Wiseman, USBC

HENDERSON, Nev. - Rick Steelsmith of Wichita, Kan., earned high-qualifier honors Thursday after 15 games at the 2012 Alka Seltzer Plus Liquid Gels United States Bowling Congress Masters.

The 1987 Masters champion finished qualifying with 3,505, an average of 233.6, and will face defending champion and No. 64 seed Tom Hess of Urbandale, Iowa, in the opening round of the double-elimination match-play bracket at Sunset Station's Strike Zone Bowling Center.

Steelsmith, who earned $1,000 for being the top qualifier, finished 76 pins ahead of second-place finisher Wes Malott of Pflugerville, Texas. Chris Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, finished third with 3,424.

The top 63 players from the final qualifying standings advanced to match play. Two-time champion Walter Ray Williams Jr. of Ocala, Fla., earned the final spot with 3,148, an average of 209.8.

Match play begins at 4 p.m. Pacific on Thursday with three rounds of matches on the schedule. By the end of the day, only 32 players will remain in the field and stay alive heading into Friday's match-play rounds.
The week began with 305 of the best players in the world vying for a piece of the $250,000 prize fund. The Masters will conclude Sunday with the nationally televised stepladder finals at 12:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

2012 USBC MASTERS
At Sunset Station's Strike Zone Bowling Center, Henderson, Nev., Thursday's Results
QUALIFYING - ROUND 3 (15 games)
1, Rick Steelsmith, Wichita, Kan., 3,505.
2, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas, 3,429.
3, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, 3,424.
4, Jason Belmonte, Australia, 3,382.
4, D.J. Archer, Port Arthur, Texas, 3,382.
6, Bill O'Neill, Southampton, Pa., 3,376.
6, Tommy Jones, Simpsonville, S.C., 3,376.
8, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 3,375.
9, Chris Loschetter, Avon, Ohio, 3,372.
9, Mike Fagan, Dallas, 3,372.
11, Alex Aguiar, N. Dartmouth, Mass., 3,361.
12, Tom Daugherty, Wesley Chapel, Fla., 3,354.
13, Stuart Williams, England, 3,344.
14, Kurt Pilon, Warren, Mich., 3,335.
15, Jason Sterner, McDonough, Ga., 3,313.
16, Mike Wolfe, New Albany, Ind., 3,311.
17, Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, 3,300.
18, Martin Larsen, Sweden, 3,293.
18, Steven Badovinac, Parker, Colo., 3,293.
20, John Szczerbinski, North Tonawanda, N.Y., 3,286.
20, Jon Van Hees, Charlestown, R.I., 3,286.
22, Dan MacLelland, Canada, 3,279.
23, Dick Allen, Columbia, S.C., 3,276.
24, Eric Espinda, Albuquerque, N.M., 3,271.
25, Kyle Bigelow, Troy, Ohio, 3,265.
26, Ronnie Russell, Marion, Ind., 3,257.
27, Keith Odette, Waipahu, Hawaii, 3,254.
28, PJ Haggerty, Roseville, Calif., 3,253.
29, Matt McNiel, Chanhassen, Minn., 3,252.
30, Kris Koeltzow, Wheat Ridge, Colo., 3,249.
31, Siu Hong Wu, Hong Kong, 3,246.
32, Bryon Smith, Roseburg, Ore., 3,241.
33, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 3,237.
34, Missy Parkin, Lake Forest, Calif., 3,222.
35, Chris Warren, Grants Pass, Ore., 3,219.
35, Shigeo Saito, Japan, 3,219.
37, Tom Baker, King, N.C., 3,213.
38, John Janawicz, Winter Haven, Fla., 3,210.
39, Paul Ashby, Middleburg Hts., Ohio, 3,206.
40, Steven McCracken, Parker, Colo., 3,203.
41, Mike Danielson, Portland, Ore., 3,192.
42, Josh Blanchard, Gilbert, Ariz., 3,189.
43, Robert Gotchall, Lincoln, Neb., 3,188.
44, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, 3,187.
45, Jesse Buss, Wichita, Kan., 3,184.
46, Bill Crane III, Mishawaka, Ind., 3,180.
47, Rhino Page, Dade City, Fla., 3,179.
47, Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., 3,179.
49, Stevie Weber, Chalmette, La., 3,175.
50, Mathew Jones, Phoenix, 3,174.
50, Jason Duran, Arvada, Colo., 3,174.
52, Anthony LaCaze, Melrose Park, Ill., 3,171.
53, Humberto Vazquez, Mexico, 3,169.
54, Nathan Bohr, Wichita, Kan., 3,166.
55, Brian Valenta, Lockport, Ill., 3,165.
56, Michael Machuga, Erie, Pa., 3,163.
57, Vernon Peterson, Lake Wales, Fla., 3,162.
58, Lee Vanderhoef, Greenville, S.C., 3,157.
59, Kyle Barnes, Smyrna, Tenn., 3,154.
60, Wayne Garber, Modesto, Calif., 3,149.
60, John Slavich IV, Schaumburg, Ill., 3,149.
60, Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y., 3,149.
63, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 3,148.

DID NOT ADVANCE
64, Lonnie Waliczek, Wichita, Kan., 3,138, $1,200.
65, Adam Barta, Girard, Ohio, 3,137, $1,100.
66, Mitch Beasley, Clarksville, Tenn., 3,136, $1,100.
67, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 3,132, $1,100.
68, Jeff Piroozshad, Coral Springs, Fla., 3,131, $1,100.
69, Ildemaro Ruiz, Venezuela, 3,121, $1,050.
70, Eric Forkel, Henderson, Nev., 3,114, $1,050.
71, Michael Herring, Altamonte Springs, Fla., 3,105, $1,033.
71, Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla., 3,105, $1,033.
71, Dave Wodka, Henderson, Nev., 3,105, $1,033.
74, David Haynes, Las Vegas, 3,099, $1,000.
75, Jason Barnhouse, Maple Grove, Minn., 3,087, $1,000.
76, Cameron Smith, Glendale, Ariz., 3,038, $1,000.
77, Dino Castillo, Carrollton, Texas, 3,028, $1,000.

By Lucas Wiseman, USBC Communications

HENDERSON, Nev. - Two-time runner-up Chris Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, moved into the lead after two rounds of qualifying Wednesday at the 2012 Alka Seltzer Plus Liquid Gels United States Bowling Congress Masters.

Barnes has totaled 2,352 over the first two days of the event, averaging 235.2 at Sunset Station's Strike Zone Bowling Center. He leads a field of 305 of the best players in the world competing for a total prize fund of $250,000 and a spot on the televised finals, which will be broadcast on ESPN on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Eastern.

After finishing the first round in second place, Barnes moved up to the top spot by virtue of a 246 final game. He started Wednesday with games of 216, 200, 256 and 209.
"The Masters is my Super Bowl, and it's the most important tournament on my career goal list right now," said Barnes, who finished second in the 2004 and 2010 Masters, losing both times to Walter Ray Williams Jr. "Although it's only qualifying, it's good to know that I'm bowling well heading into match play tomorrow afternoon."

Rick Steelsmith of Wichita, Kan., who sits in second with 2,348, is looking to avenge a crushing exit to last year's Masters, when he left a ringing 10 pin to miss making the championship round.

"This is kind of my tournament, and I have a good vibe coming in every year," said Steelsmith, who won the Masters in 1987. "I'm surprised by how well I've bowled because I've been busy and haven't been practicing a lot. Everything has just fallen into place this week."

The top 77 players after 10 games advanced to Thursday's third round of qualifying, which will determine the top 63 players who will join defending champion Tom Hess of Urbandale, Iowa, in the double-elimination match-play bracket Thursday afternoon. Hess failed to make the first cut but will occupy the No. 64 seed in the bracket as the defending champion.

The USBC Masters is a major on the PBA Tour, and the champion of the event will earn $50,000 for first place. The final four players who survive bracket play will advance to the nationally televised championship round.

2012 USBC MASTERS
At Sunset Station's Strike Zone Bowling Center, Henderson, Nev.
Wednesday's Results
QUALIFYING - ROUND 2
(10 games)

1, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, 2,352.
2, Rick Steelsmith, Wichita, Kan., 2,348.
3, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas, 2,315.
4, Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, 2,309.
5, Tommy Jones, Simpsonville, S.C., 2,287.
6, Kyle Bigelow, Troy, Ohio, 2,276.
7, Mike Wolfe, New Albany, Ind., 2,271.
8, Jason Sterner, McDonough, Ga., 2,268.
9, Keith Odette, Waipahu, Hawaii, 2,265.
10, Kurt Pilon, Warren, Mich., 2,262.
11, Steven Badovinac, Parker, Colo., 2,258.
12, Mike Fagan, Dallas, 2,250.
13, Alex Aguiar, N. Dartmouth, Mass., 2,247.
14, PJ Haggerty, Roseville, Calif., 2,246.
15, D.J. Archer, Port Arthur, Texas, 2,238.
16, Bill O'Neill, Southampton, Pa., 2,237.
17, Jon Van Hees, Charlestown, R.I., 2,231.
18, Chris Loschetter, Avon, Ohio, 2,229.
19, Siu Hong Wu, Hong Kong, 2,219.
20, Shigeo Saito, Japan, 2,216.
21, Tom Daugherty, Wesley Chapel, Fla., 2,204.
22, Brian Valenta, Lockport, Ill., 2,201.
23, John Szczerbinski, North Tonawanda, N.Y., 2,199.
24, Dan MacLelland, Canada, 2,196.
25, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 2,194.
26, Lee Vanderhoef, Greenville, S.C., 2,192.
27, Chris Warren, Grants Pass, Ore., 2,191.
28, Kris Koeltzow, Wheat Ridge, Colo., 2,190.
29, Michael Machuga, Erie, Pa., 2,189.
29, Dick Allen, Columbia, S.C., 2,189.
31, Humberto Vazquez, Mexico, 2,181.
32, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 2,179.
33, Ronnie Russell, Marion, Ind., 2,177.
34, Ildemaro Ruiz, Venezuela, 2,173.
35, Bryon Smith, Roseburg, Ore., 2,169.
36, Jason Belmonte, Australia, 2,166.
37, Stuart Williams, England, 2,165.
38, Kyle Barnes, Smyrna, Tenn., 2,164.
38, Martin Larsen, Sweden, 2,164.
38, Jason Duran, Arvada, Colo., 2,164.
41, Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y., 2,163.
42, Matt McNiel, Chanhassen, Minn., 2,161.
42, Josh Blanchard, Gilbert, Ariz., 2,161.
44, Dave Wodka, Henderson, Nev., 2,160.
44, Missy Parkin, Lake Forest, Calif., 2,160.
44, Nathan Bohr, Wichita, Kan., 2,160.
47, Steven McCracken, Parker, Colo., 2,157.
48, Cameron Smith, Glendale, Ariz., 2,152.
49, Jesse Buss, Wichita, Kan., 2,151.
50, Jeff Piroozshad, Coral Springs, Fla., 2,146.
51, Mitch Beasley, Clarksville, Tenn., 2,144.
52, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 2,137.
53, Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., 2,136.
54, Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla., 2,133.
54, Stevie Weber, Chalmette, La., 2,133.
54, Dino Castillo, Carrollton, Texas, 2,133.
57, Vernon Peterson, Lake Wales, Fla., 2,131.
58, Anthony LaCaze, Melrose Park, Ill., 2,130.
59, John Slavich IV, Schaumburg, Ill., 2,129.
59, Mathew Jones, Phoenix, 2,129.
61, Jason Barnhouse, Maple Grove, Minn., 2,127.
62, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, 2,126.
62, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 2,126.
64, Adam Barta, Girard, Ohio, 2,125.
65, Eric Espinda, Albuquerque, N.M., 2,120.
66, Bill Crane III, Mishawaka, Ind., 2,117.
67, Tom Baker, King, N.C., 2,113.
68, Lonnie Waliczek, Wichita, Kan., 2,110.
69, Paul Ashby, Middleburg Hts., Ohio, 2,107.
70, Wayne Garber, Modesto, Calif., 2,106.
71, Mike Danielson, Portland, Ore., 2,103.
71, David Haynes, Las Vegas, 2,103.
71, Robert Gotchall, Lincoln, Neb., 2,103.
74, Michael Herring, Altamonte Springs, Fla., 2,102.
75, Eric Forkel, Henderson, Nev., 2,100.
76, John Janawicz, Winter Haven, Fla., 2,099.
76, Rhino Page, Dade City, Fla., 2,099.

DID NOT ADVANCE
78, George Brooks, Loveland, Colo., 2,096.
79, Hugh Miller, Mercer Island, Wash., 2,089.
79, Anthony Pepe, Elmhurst, N.Y., 2,089.
81, Dom Barrett, England, 2,087.
82, Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich., 2,084.
82, Andres Gomez, Colombia, 2,084.
84, Ricky Schissler, Henderson, Colo., 2,083.
85, Kevin Duncan, Mexico, Mo., 2,079.
85, Matthew O'Grady, South Amboy, N.J., 2,079.
85, Daniel Verdecchia, Lawrenceville, Ga., 2,079.
88, George Burruss, Gurley, Ala., 2,077.
88, Frank Guccione, Castle Rock, Colo., 2,077.
90, Wendy Macpherson, Henderson, Nev., 2,076.
91, Gerald Marrs, Huntley, Ill., 2,075.
92, Patrick Allen, Wesley Chapel, Fla., 2,074.
93, Raul Rosales, El Monte, Calif., 2,068.
94, Mike Dias, Lafayette, Colo., 2,067.
95, Stephen Pavlinko, Sewell, N.J., 2,066.
96, Jason Couch, Clermont, Fla., 2,064.
96, Lucas Legnani, Argentina, 2,064.
96, Erik Vermilyea, Mansfield, Texas, 2,064.
99, Adam Ishman, Las Vegas, 2,057.
99, Joseph Yockman, Kapolei, Hawaii, 2,057.
101, Mike Bailey, Frisco, Texas, 2,056.
101, Paul Moor, England, 2,056.
101, Chris Hayden, Las Vegas, 2,056.
104, Chris Viale, Westfield, Mass., 2,052.
105, Tetsuya Kobayashi, Japan, 2,050.
106, Evan Nash, Kennewick, Wash., 2,049.
106, Mika Koivuniemi, Finland, 2,049.
108, Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y., 2,045.
109, Liz Johnson, Cheektowaga, N.Y., 2,044.
109, Caleb Nakata, Loomis, Calif., 2,044.
111, Anthony Thompson, Redding, Calif., 2,043.
111, Tony Biondi, Orlando, Fla., 2,043.
113, Scott Newell, Deland, Fla., 2,042.
113, Kelly Kulick, Union, N.J., 2,042.
115, Eugene McCune, Munster, Ind., 2,041.
116, Rob Edwards, Vancouver, Wash., 2,040.
116, Fred Mattson, University Place, Wash., 2,040.
118, Travis Celmer, Wernersville, Pa., 2,036.
119, Nikita Koshelev, Russia, 2,035.
120, J,R, Martino, McMurray, Pa., 2,032.
120, Justin Ledwig, Floresville, Texas, 2,032.
120, Warren Crawford, McKinleyville, Calif., 2,032.
123, Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas, 2,030.
124, Justin Stevens, Aiea, Hawaii, 2,026.
124, Kerry Painter, Henderson, Nev., 2,026.
126, Peter Spreadbury, Oak Forest, Ill., 2,025.
126, Tyler Wilds, Three Rivers, Mich., 2,025.
126, Tom Anderson, Bonney Lake, Wash., 2,025.
129, Jason Poli, West Des Moines, Iowa, 2,024.
130, Eric Tseng, Hong Kong, 2,022.
131, Joe Salvemini, Oroville, Calif., 2,020.
132, Jacqui Reese, Roseto, Pa., 2,019.
133, Joseph Ramsdell III, Skowhegan, Maine, 2,016.
134, Robert Klann, San Antonio, Texas, 2,015.
134, Jason Wojnar, Chicago, 2,015.
136, John Nolen, Waterford, Mich., 2,011.
136, Danny Wiseman, Baltimore, 2,011.
138, Scott Shiira, Honolulu, 2,010.
139, Riand Poblete, Lynnwood, Wash., 2,008.
140, Dustin Ochoa, San Antonio, Texas, 2,007.
141, John West, Milwaukie, Ore., 2,003.
141, Manuel Otalora, Colombia, 2,003.
143, Michael Haugen Jr., Carefree, Ariz., 2,002.
143, Michael Biederman, Post Falls, Idaho, 2,002.
145, Jarrett Mizo, Honolulu, 2,000.
146, Shannon Buchan, Waterloo, Iowa, 1,998.
147, Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., 1,997.
148, George Gohagan III, Roswell, Ga., 1,993.
148, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 1,993.
150, Brian Ziesig, Levittown, N.Y., 1,991.
151, J.R. Raymond, Bay City, Mich., 1,989.
152, Darwin Wimer, Mesquite, Nev., 1,986.
153, Brett Cunningham, Clay, N.Y., 1,985.
154, Elysia Current, Ephrata, Pa., 1,983.
154, Mark Clark, Naperville, Ill., 1,983.
156, Eddie VanDaniker Jr., Essex, Md., 1,982.
156, Christian Jensen, Wichita, Kan., 1,982.
158, Jeffrey Alan Darden, Helena, Ala., 1,980.
159, Kelvin Wiggins, Rocky Mt., N.C., 1,979.
160, Justin Pisarski, Pittsburgh, 1,978.
160, Robert Piroozshad, Brooklyn, N.Y., 1,978.
162, Ralph Solan, Harvest, Ala., 1,976.
162, Takashi Kudoh, Japan, 1,976.
165, Chad Pojas, Wahiawa, Hawaii, 1,975.
166, Sean Rash, Montgomery, Ill., 1,971.
167, Billy Langford, Lone Grove, Okla., 1,968.
168, Michael Mullin, Congers, N.Y., 1,966.
169, Darryl Bower, Middletown, Pa., 1,965.
170, Chad Kloss, Greenfield, Wis., 1,962.
170, L. Carnate, Glendale, Ariz, 1,962.
170, Gary Faulkner, Memphis, Tenn., 1,962.
173, John DeBenedetta Jr., Las Vegas, 1,961.
173, Eric Schacht, North St. Paul, Minn., 1,961.
173, Jessica Baker, Wichita, Kan., 1,961.
176, Brett Spangler, Niles, Ohio, 1,960.
176, Brandon Kraye, LaHabra, Calif., 1,960.
178, Tim Ursillo, Spring Valley, Calif., 1,959.
178, Mike DeVaney, Murrieta, Calif., 1,959.
180, Thomas Wolf, Bismarck, N.D., 1,958.
180, Daniel Hannagan, Mt. Juliet, Tenn., 1,958.
182, Shinichiro Tamai, Japan, 1,957.
183, Thomas Parker, Columbus, Ohio, 1,956.
184, Lowell Huber, Westminster, Calif., 1,954.
185, Jeremy Wood, Bountiful, Utah, 1,949.
186, Don Wright, Casper, Wy., 1,948.
187, Kyle Taylor, Loveland, Colo., 1,943.
188, Tim Penner, Wichita, Kan., 1,936.
189, James Grago III, Rome, N.Y., 1,933.
190, Ken Duffield, Madison, Wis., 1,932.
191, William Bell, Roy, Utah, 1,931.
191, Chad Vendeville, Euless, Texas, 1,931.
193, Toshiyuki Kaneko, Japan, 1,927.
194, Jake Peters, Decatur, Ill., 1,925.
194, Jerry Pruitt, Omaha, Neb., 1,925.
196, Tom Sorce, Blasdell, N.Y., 1,923.
197, Jack Zuniga, Tulsa, Okla., 1,921.
197, Artavius Clark, Oxen Hill, Md., 1,921.
197, Aaron Ramsden, Pleasant Valley, Mo., 1,921.
200, Jeremy Sonnenfeld, Sioux Falls, S.D., 1,920.
201, George Branham III, Indianapolis, 1,917.
201, Kyle King, Glendale, Ariz., 1,917.
203, Mitch Sacks, Jersey City, N.J., 1,916.
203, Marc Clyburn, Pittsburg, Calif., 1,916.
205, Richard Mitchell, East Berlin, Pa., 1,915.
206, Scott Brown, Lehi, Utah, 1,913.
206, Dennis Horan Jr., Oakley, Calif., 1,913.
208, Lloyd Burleson, San Diego, 1,912.
209, Adam Miller, Charlotte, N.C., 1,911.
210, Scott Norton, Costa Mesa, Calif., 1,909.
210, Mike Albert, Florence, S.C., 1,909.
212, Tish Johnson, Colorado Springs, Colo., 1,908.
213, J.T. Jackson, Sherman Oaks, Calif., 1,907.
213, Neil Makison, Boiling Springs, S.C., 1,907.
215, Diandra Asbaty, Chicago, 1,906.
216, Andrew Graff, Las Vegas, 1,903.
217, Tracy Teeters, Beaverton, Ore., 1,902.
218, Rick Kouri, Castle Rock, Colo., 1,900.
218, Rob Rice, Sunnyside, Wash., 1,900.
218, James Edwards, Columbus, Miss., 1,900.
221, David Oulman, Medford, Minn., 1,898.
221, Bryson Rogers, Durham, N.C., 1,898.
223, Alan Frederick, Las Vegas, 1,897.
224, Billy Bundza, Tucson, Ariz, 1,892.
225, George Koufakis, Orlando, Fla., 1,891.
226, Carl Labayan, Long Beach, Calif., 1,890.
227, Chad Newman, Richardson, Texas, 1,889.
228, Michael Teahl, Las Vegas, 1,887.
228, Curt Schmidt, Algonquin, Ill., 1,887.
228, Gabriel Yanes, Corpus Christi, Texas, 1,887.
231, Sammy Ventura, Syracuse, N.Y., 1,885.
232, Kevin Mikalouski, Hebron, Ind., 1,884.
233, Brian Skidmore, Albuquerque, NM, 1,883.
234, John Conroy, Mahopac, N.Y., 1,881.
235, Aric Nagel, Scottsdale, Ariz., 1,880.
236, Stephen Haas, Enola, Pa., 1,878.
236, Eric Martinez, San Antonio, Texas, 1,878.
238, Mark Tarkington, Elizabeth City, N.C., 1,873.
239, Christopher Ziesig, Hicksville, N.Y., 1,872.
240, Naoyuki Iguchi, Japan, 1,871.
241, Joe Paluszek, Bensalem, Pa., 1,870.
242, Michael Monyak, Las Vegas, 1,869.
243, Cody Reichenberger, Sarasota, Fla., 1,867.
244, Robert Lee, Japan, 1,866.
245, Nicholas Amrein, Hillsboro, Ore., 1,864.
246, Johnathan Bower, Middletown, Pa., 1,862.
247, Martin Haberstich, Henderson, Nev., 1,860.
248, Robert McBride, Plano, Texas, 1,858.
249, Cassandra Leuthold, Black Hawk, S.D., 1,857.
250, Donald Barry Jr., Omaha, Neb., 1,850.
250, Mike Kanada, Camarillo, Calif., 1,850.
252, Kevin Cook, Casper, Wyo., 1,848.
253, Shane Gillmore, Mayflower, Ark., 1,845.
253, Steven Smith, San Diego, 1,845.
253, Ryan Losli, Portland, Ore., 1,845.
253, Don Allen III, , 1,845.
257, Dee Dee Jeffery, Newport, Ark., 1,841.
258, Warren Blankenship, Ardmore, Okla., 1,839.
259, Adam Allen, Spokane, Wash., 1,837.
260, Corey Husted, Milwaukie, Ore., 1,836.
261, Michael Vasquez, Longmont, Colo., 1,834.
262, Rob Shepherd, Sierra Vista, Ariz., 1,830.
263, Jason Lee Hummell, Hermiston, Ore., 1,829.
264, Stoney Burke Jr., Rio Rancho, N.M., 1,828.
265, Rick Rucker, Rock Falls, Ill., 1,827.
265, Sam Maccarone, Glassboro, N.J., 1,827.
267, Daniel Du, Tinley Park, Ill, 1,821.
268, James Peryea, Mooers, N.Y., 1,817.
269, Michael Hamilton, Miami, 1,811.
270, Riley Dempsey, Avondale, Ariz., 1,809.
271, Daniel Struzynski, Dunkirk, N.Y., 1,806.
272, Kenneth Bland Jr., Germany, 1,804.
273, Larry Lanehart, Eagle River, Alaska, 1,803.
274, John Schriner, Middletown, Md., 1,798.
274, David Taylor, Largo, Fla., 1,798.
276, Victor Torres, Elephant Butte, N.M., 1,789.
277, Daniel Miyamoto, Mililani, Hawaii, 1,781.
278, Devin Bidwell, Simi Valley, Calif., 1,780.
279, Brandi Wolfe, Tempe, Ariz., 1,779.
279, Rob Herman, Las Vegas, 1,779.
279, Miguel Rosales, Anaheim, Calif., 1,779.
282, Chad Lusche, Arvada, Colo., 1,769.
283, Dale Lee Lookabaugh, New Kensington, Pa., 1,765.
284, James Delacerda, Natchitoches, La., 1,764.
285, Joseph Nereu, New Bedford, Mass., 1,760.
286, David Labinski, Milwaukee, 1,758.
287, Harold Hill Jr., San Diego, 1,755.
288, Scott Peterson, Oceanside, Calif., 1,751.
289, Robert Miller, Bishop, Calif., 1,746.
290, Chris Helton, Fountain, Colo., 1,744.
291, Robert Danevich, Gilbert, Ariz., 1,716.
291, John Reed, Pueblo, Colo., 1,716.
293, Gary Smalling, Johnson City, Tenn., 1,707.
293, Justin Lynn, St. Charles, Mo., 1,707.
295, Derek Swanson, Las Vegas, 1,702.
296, Chris Hook, Mira Loma, Calif., 1,694.
297, Philip Layral, Fairbanks, Alaska, 1,689.
298, Dave Terwilliger, Gilbert, Ariz., 1,659.
299, Camerson Potts, Hicksville, N.Y., 1,614.
300, Richard Lista, Colorado Springs, Colo., 1,569.
301, Raymond Gaunt, LaPuente, Calif., 1,540.
302, Sean Terry, Chino, Calif., 1,539.
303, Dru Schott, Grants, N.M., 1,448.
304, William Williams, Stafford, Va., 1,419.
305, Nicole Ellison, Chatsworth, Calif., 787.