Twin brothers lead Standard Doubles at 2018 USBC Open Championships

By Christine Nichols and Aaron Smith
USBC Communications

SYRACUSE, N.Y.
- Twin brothers Michael and Jeffrey Krywcum of Buffalo, New York, expected to have a good time at the 2018 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, especially getting to compete approximately 150 miles from home.

That good time at the Oncenter Convention Center turned into much more as the duo moved into the lead in Standard Doubles on Sunday, posting a 1,203 total. David Stettnichs of Madison, South Dakota, and Aaron Stettnichs of Rock Rapids, Iowa, previously held the lead with 1,192.

Michael, the older of the two brothers by one hour and six minutes, led the way in his third USBC Open Championships appearance with games of 165, 237 and 238 for a 640 series, while Jeffrey added 183, 202 and 178 in his second appearance for a 563 series.

Going into the final frame, Michael had to mark after Jeffrey had opened, and he filled 20 pins to secure the lead.

"I had stressed to myself how important making good shots would be, and I knew I needed a mark in the final frame," Michael said. "We bowl with a great group of guys who make bowling a lot of fun, no matter the occasion."

Both brothers credit their success to time spent at the Bowlers Journal Championships presented by USBC, which is being held at the nearby AMF Strike 'N Spare Lanes and features the same lane condition being used for doubles and singles at the Open Championships.

The two also found success during their time at Strike 'N Spare Lanes as Michael moved into the top 10 in 209 & Under Singles, and they paired up to move into the top 10 in Handicap Doubles.

"After a few sessions at the Bowlers Journal, we were able to find a line that worked well for us, and we transferred it to the lanes here," Michael said. "I was able to use the same equipment and play around the same area."

The brothers enjoy the opportunity to bowl with each other, and they look forward to competing more in the future.

"Bowling with Michael is a lot of fun, since he keeps it exciting and entertaining," Jeffrey said. "If our number stands, and we're able to get an Eagle, it would be amazing. I look forward to checking the leaderboard and seeing where we stand."

Michael added 582 in singles and 566 in team for a 1,788 all-events total, which places him in seventh in Standard All-Events. Jeffrey added 547 in team and 439 in singles for a 1,549 total. Alex Houston of Rochester, Minnesota, leads with 1,855.

Standard Doubles includes pairs with combined entering averages of 361-418, and Standard All-Events features bowlers with entering averages of 181-209.

052718-Really_637In the Classified Division on Sunday, new team leaders emerged as Really??? of Katy, Texas, used games of 831, 776 and 807 to take the lead with 2,414.

2 Legit 2 Split of Mount Ayr, Iowa, previously held the lead with 2,386.

Lexina Hahn led the way for Really??? with a 540 series and was followed by Ron Lake (497), Allan Pfeiffer (478), Rochelle Tyler (453) and Staci Tucker (446).

Classified Team features five-player teams with combined entering averages of 900 and below.

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