I have by no means seen every PBA match on Youtube or have an encyclopedic memory of the history of the PBA. I have not seen the bowlers of yesteryears as much as the more current ones but from those I have seen, the list below are the ones that stayed with me until today. Not in order, all very fun and inspiring matches featuring the most popular stars of the PBA.
Norm Duke Vs Mika Koivuniemi (2008 and 2011)
Both amazing matches.
Came down to the last frame for each.
2008 was a lot of fun to watch since you just can’t help but feel happy
for Duke after he makes the bucket. To
think a pro as old and successful as he is can act like that inspires me to
give my best on every shot. I think I
reacted the way he did when I first broke 200.
Just jumping up and down, not believing I actually did it.
2011 was a stunner.
This time, you can’t help but feel bad for Mika. We’ve all been there, to work so hard and one
tiny mistake cost us so much. Though you
have to hand it to Duke, he struck out and doing that is not easy. Those last 4 strikes, though not dead flush
perfect, makes you notice how smooth Duke throws the ball. Really beautiful the way ball rolls.
2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my6hW78FNuQ
2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVqLnqE9GYw
Walter Ray Vs Pete Weber (Japan Cup 2006)
A hall of fame match made even more special since WRW nearly
shot a 300 and broke Earl Anthony’s record.
The match starts off with each of the legends matching each other strike
for strike, but it was obvious Weber’s look to the pocket was not as dead eye
accurate as Williams’. WRW’s shot is one
I would love to have someday and whenever I am in a slump, I’ll think back to
this match and imagine that the pins I see in front of me are falling the way
each time WRW throws the ball. Two true
masters of game, Norm Duke on commentary, Pete Weber crotch chops and an almost
300 game, what more could you ask for.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZohDkzxny0U
Not to mention this high five pose as epic as any sentai hand off
Norm Duke Vs WRW (300 game)
Norm Duke becomes the 15th player to shoot a
televised 300 game and it couldn’t have come against a better opponent as
WRW. Just look happy both of them are
after Duke achieves the feat. I doubt
anyone else could provide a tall target for Duke to leap onto. Just really a feel good match to watch. Just thinking about these two great bowlers
and friends as it seems smiling and celebrating together pus a smile on my
face. I’ll let the pictures speak for
themselves.
WRW Vs Chris Barnes (2010)
Poor Chris Barnes falling victim to WRW at the Masters
again. But when WRW is throwing the ball
so beautiful and perfect like that, it’s near impossible to beat him. My favorite part is when Rob Stone says Good
Lord on WRW’s 12th frame shot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owL8-piyYg4
Will Duke Em’
A fun video to watch.
Listening to these two joke around with Jeanette Lee is pure gold. Duke calling himself Yoda and WRW as Obi-Wan, priceless. Not to mention
these two living up to the expectations of teaming up together. I ask, how is it fair to the other
teams? Were they really expected to beat
a dream duo like these two? I really love watching these shootouts since it is a different change of pace in terms of fun. You get to hear some banter between the bowlers you would never hear in the serious tournaments. Seeing guys smiling and laughing doing what they love is pure estacy.
Just type WD’E on youtube and enjoy seeing these two
dominate the competition.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boKwQ8G6BJk
(At 2:30, Duke is Yoda and Williams is Obi-Wan)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJmuchc7s6w
(At about 3:00, a very fun segment of Duke and Williams explaining their team
name)
Parker Bohn III Vs Wes Mallott
Wes Malott could not be beat on these lanes. Shooting ridiculous numbers, he bowled two
300 hundred games in a span of 5 weeks.
But I chose this more for the humorous exchange between Parker Bohn III
and Wes after the game was all but over.
Really funny stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUk2439zGoY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lru2Sl20FNs
Kelly Kulick Vs Chris Barnes
As I’ve said before, Kelly just bowled so darn well. A near perfect game except for that split in
the 8th and victory shot in the 12th.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BUv0nJTzRY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-vAjuWgFZ4
