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Steve Smith's Match Play path to the Championship at the 2009 Summer High Roller included wins over
Robert Warren(Danville, Va.) 209-180
Mark Nielsen Jr(Colorado Springs, CO) 242-161
Jason Barnhouse(Castle Rock, CO) 277-238
Phil Karworski Sr(Hadley, MA) 195-181
Charles Welkin(Cheyenne, WY) 243-211
Jeff Fehr(Cincinnati, OH) 221-213
Jon Rakoski(Estero, FL) 235-213
Josh Blanchard(Moreno Valley) 222-200
Championship Match
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Steve Calyore(Naples, FL) 223-193
Steve Smith gives his thoughts on the 2009 Summer High Roller
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Tracking The Bowling News: Congratulations on your victory at the 2009 Summer High Roller.
Steve Smith: Thank you very much
TTBN: Would this be the most memorable victory for you thus far?
SMITH: Yes, this is my most memorable win in a singles event. I have always considered the High Roller the most prestigious of the Mega Bucks tournaments. The Mini-Eliminator is a great tournament but still re-establishing after a short absence.
TTBN: How many previous attempts have you made at the High Roller event?
SMITH: I have been bowling the High Roller for about 10 years (twice a year)
TTBN: What was your best High Roller finish prior to this year?
SMITH: Prior to this win, my highest finish was 3rd at the July 2008 High Roller.
TTBN: How did the conditions differ for you in the Qualifying stages and during the match play portion?
SMITH: The condition during qualifying was pretty much the same as the finals pattern on Saturday. For most of the 6 matches on Saturday, I was able to play inside between 17-25 at the arrows. It was only during 2 of the games that I had to change my line and play between the first and second arrow.
TTBN: How many attempts at the qualifying rounds before you advanced to the match play portion of the event?
SMITH: I bowled 4 squads before advancing to the finals on Saturday.
TTBN: You received One Bye into the match play correct?
SMITH: Yes, I finally drew my first High Roller bye. Best of all, it was the fourth round so I automatically advanced to the finals. What a lucky break.
TTBN: You bowled 9 guys from around the country in match play and looking at the scores from the different rounds you managed an average of 229.66 for the 9 games. Do any one of the 9 matches stand out as the toughest for you? Might it have been the match against JEFF FEHR from Ohio in the 7th round? That match you won 221-213
SMITH: That was a crazy match because I know Jeff. He is a great competitor and I really didn't have a good look on the right lane which is where I had to finish. He doubled then left a ten pin in the tenth frame which meant I needed a strike to win or a spare and a strike to tie. My first shot in the tenth was terrible. I needed to keep the ball right but it went left. I was hoping to leave an easy pickup but instead ended up with a squasher that pushed the ten pin out for a strike and the win. That was the match that really got me going.
TTBN: Did you make any major changes in your equipment during your two days of match play? If so, why?
SMITH: I had a pretty good look during the qualifying rounds but it wasn't quite right. I needed a ball that would get down the lane a little longer but still recover. Luckily, Steve Hamaguchi was there and drilled an Ebonite Smash and Magic Touch on Friday morning before the last qualifying squad. I used the Ebonite Smash and next thing you know, I won the High Roller. Thanks to Steve, he helped me take advantage of the lanes. He has truly helped alot with my game and changed me as a bowler in the past several years.
TTBN: Are there any person(s) which you would like to thank for their support while competing at the High Roller?
SMITH: Yes, my Mom and Dad. It was their first time watching me bowl in an event like this. How sweet is that? They were really excited. Of coure, Steve Hamaguchi for all his time and help with my bowling. He always believed that I would win the High Roller. My wife, Christine, for always being there through thick and thin. She is there for everything I bowl and never gets upset with me for bowling too much. Thanks to Mike Pellegrino for being my sponsor. A special thanks to Patty and Obie for always believing in me. If not for them, I would not be where I am today.
TTBN: Any ideas about any future involvement full time with the PBA Regional Tour?
SMITH: I would love to compete at the professional level but will wait until the time is right. Until then, I will continue to bowl as a guest at some of their tournaments.
TTBN: Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us regarding your great win at the High Roller and best of luck to you in the future
SMITH: Thank you very much
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