Joe Lipan Wins 2009 Reser’s Portland Masters
Staying in the winners bracket proved very beneficial to this years Portland Masters winner. Salem’s Joe Lipan marched through the field of 119 bowlers to win the 24th Annual Portland Masters Tournament held at Kellogg Bowl in Milwaukie, Oregon. The title sponsor was Reser’s Fine Foods.
Joe, a first time entrant to this prestigious event, qualified 4th with 2382 for his 10 games of qualifying; then proceeded to win all 6 of his matches on his way to the title defeating last years champion and this years qualifying leader Jason Lower 707 to 624 in the title match.
The 25 year old left hander averaged 234 for his 6 matches, with 663 being his low 3 game set, when he defeated Corey Husted by 5 pins. His closes match was a 710 to 708 win over Jason Hollingsworth.
Lower, the defending champion had a long weekend. After winning his first match, he lost to John west dropping him into the loser’s bracket, which meant no breaks between matches for the rest of the weekend. But, the tournament tested veteran proceeded to win this next 7 matches before losing to Lipan for the title. In his 10 matches, Lower shot over 700 in 8 of those and averaged 236 in match play, after averaging 247 for qualifying.
Lipan, a regional PBA member called this his biggest title, and is really excited about going to the USBC Masters. He credits his good scoring in the match play to not losing his rhythm as each match started early all weekend.
Joe Lipan wins $2000, the Great Eagle Trophy, and a paid entry into the next USBC Masters. Jason Lower also gets a paid entry into the next USBC Masters plus $1000 for his 2nd place finish. John West finished 3rd, which now gives him 5 top finishes without a title (4 seconds and this year 3rd place).
Next years tournament will be the 25th anniversary and some special events are going to be added.
