WARRNAMBOOL has two new kingpins.
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Brad Dixon and Diana Templeton broke through for maiden victories in Warrnambool Tenpin Bowling Association’s Leo Kenshole Classic on Sunday.
The Warrnambool bowlers took contrasting paths to the men’s and women’s titles in the handicap event.
Dixon qualified for the men’s grand final after fighting his way from the loser’s section to face the undefeated Michael Sheen.
Dixon then produced an upset in the showdown 417 to 398. Sheen then exercised his right as an undefeated bowler for a re-challenge. But Dixon produced his best series of the tournament to claim a 518 to 426 triumph.
Templeton had a smoother progression to the women’s title.
She entered the grand final undefeated and then defeated another first-time finalist Sharon Gore 480 to 442. Association president Peter McKane, who was tournament director, said the pair’s achievements were significant.
“It’s a great effort to go through undefeated as Diana did,” he said.
“For Brad, quite often someone will fight from the loser’s bracket and win the first series but it’s not often the undefeated bowler doesn’t steady and come back. He (Michael) was a few games fresher but Brad just kept on going.
“The grand final rechallenge was the best score he had for the whole event. He definitely deserved to win it. It wasn’t just a fluke.”
McKane said all four grand finalists were in unchartered territory, having not reached that stage before.
“It’s quite a prestigious event to win. Leo Kenshole, he was a great stalwart of bowling events for years.”
Men’s defending champion Peter Dowlin was fifth while the women’s defending champion Sherene Sheen was sixth.
grbest@fairfaxmedia.com.au