GUERRERO PERFORMS WELL AT USBC MASTERS

By Jay Leon Guerrero

Keith Guerrero made history this week after a 13th place finish at the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Masters Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

The USBC Masters is one of the major bowling tournaments hosted by the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA). The tournament is exclusive, and Guerrero had to earn his spot as an amatuer in the field of 415 players by winning a tournament in Colorado. 

“I won a masters tournament in Sterling,  Colorado, in January. The victory helped me win an entry to the USBC Masters and some prize money,” said Guerrero.

Born on Guam and now residing in Colorado, Guerrero had a good start in the qualifying rounds. Guerrero shot 1189 after five games to average 237, which ranked 4th out of 415 players after day 1. 

Guerrero, known as the “Guam Bomb” at his home bowling center in Colorado, finished 14th after three days of qualifying, which was good enough to make the top 64 cut. 

“One of the advantages I had was my speed, which helped me play a part of the lane most others couldn’t. My ball driller Al Wolfe III from Bowler Depot helped me see the moves and ball changes,” said Guerrero. Guerrero is a pure power player with a high ball speed and high revolution rate. 

In the first round, Guerrero defeated PBA veteran Steve Kloempken 685-503 in a three game match play. Guerrero continued to score with a second round with a victory over Frank Testa 673-601. 

Advancing in the winners bracket, Guerrero challenged Sam Cooley from Australia and lost 718-597. Guerrero was knocked down in the double elimination bracket and faced one of the surging players on tour, AJ Chapman. 

With Guam fans watching online, Guerrero knocked out Chapman 664-619. Guerrero had a shot of making the national TV stepladder match play but lost a close match to reigning PBA Rookie of the Year Cortez Schneck 655-644.

Guerrero said he dedicated the tournament to his Mom, Bea, and Sister, Janis, who both passed away recently. “Having lost my sister and mother recently, I wanted to win for them. I’m sure they’re still proud, but it would’ve been nice to win for them,” said Guerrero. 

Keith’s father and sister, Jess Guerrero and Lani Guerrero Rosario, both reside in Cañada, Barrigada. He is also a proud father to his daughter, Aaliyah. “I miss the food, atmosphere, and mostly my family. I miss Guam period,” said Guerrero. 

“I want to thank everyone near and far who showed support to me. Guam people are one family no matter what.”