Norm Duke repeats as BWAA Kegel Bowler of the Month

Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., has been named the Bowling Writers Association of America (BWAA) Kegel Bowler of the Month for March. Duke also was named last month for the same honor.

In a nearly-unanimous decision, Duke was selected on the basis of his victory at the 65th U.S. Open at Brunswick Zone Carolier Lanes in North Brunswick, N.J. March 30.

Duke defeated Mika Koivuniemi in the final match, 224-216 by virtue of converting the "bucket" spare, completing his victories in the Grand Slam of professional bowling (USBC Masters, Tournament of Champions, World Championship and U.S. Open). Only Mike Aulby had been able to achieve the same distinction.

This was Duke's second Major victory in five weeks. He won the Denny's World Championship in February for his third Major title.

Other nominees garnering significant votes were Rhino Page, a PBA rookie and member of Team USA out of Topeka, Kan., who won his first title (GoRVing Classic) March 9 in Norwich, Ct., Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, who earned his 10th Denny's PBA Tour title winning the Don Johnson Buckeye Classic March 2, and Tommy Jones, who won the Geico Classic on Long Island March 23 for his 10th title.