Ashley Belten wins Chris Barnes Challenge

Before the 2006 Teen Masters National Finals qualifying rounds, a special Chris Barnes Leaders Challenge was held, open only to Teen Masters bowlers who won their local qualifiers.

Ashley Belden, Tigeras, New Mexico was one of the girls that defeated all the boys in her hometown qualifier, and here in Orlando, she did it again.

Belden rolled a 527 in the score part of the 'Score, Strike and Spare' competition. After her first three games, she made 8 of a possible 20 strike attempts and had six 9-counts, ending with a 495 out of a possible 600 in that phase of the event.

Then came the toughest test – the spares, and Ashley was superb, missing only two of the twenty spare combinations and scoring a huge 1030. The highest possible total was 1500. Among the tough spares made by Belden were the 5-10, the 1-3-6-7 washout, and the 3-6-7. Her overall total was 2052.

How did she do it? "It was a little skill and a little luck," she said. "I practice my spares a lot, usually for about an hour during my practice sessions. My coach says 'spares win the game'." In this very challenging and unique event, Ashley's coach was proven absolutely correct. Ashley earns a $1000 scholarship award for her outstanding performance.

Second place also went to one of the girls, with Jessica Earnest, Vadalia, Illinois earning a $750 scholarship award with her 1934 total. Andrew Koff, Miami won a $400 award with a 1925.

Professional bowling champion Chris Barnes donated $5,000 for this special scholarship event preceding the Teen Masters National Finals.