Andrew Anderson and Kris Prather Claim Victory at Roth/Holman PBA Doubles Championship

Andrew Anderson and Kris Prather emerged victorious at the 2024 Roth/Holman PBA Doubles Championship, held at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park, Michigan. For Anderson, a Holly, Mich. native, this win was particularly special as he secured the championship in front of more than 50 family members and close friends.

A Hard-Fought Victory

The championship match saw Anderson and Prather face off against Jason Belmonte and Bill O’Neill. The match started on a rough note, with Prather opening in the first and third frames of the baker doubles match. However, the duo remained composed and mounted an incredible comeback. Prather adjusted in the fifth frame, triggering a streak of seven consecutive strikes that led to a 233-215 victory.

This win marks Anderson’s fourth career PBA Tour title and his first since winning the 2021 doubles championship with Prather. For Prather, this is his sixth PBA title and his first since his 2022 PBA World Championship victory. Together, they split the $30,000 prize.

“The entire time in the eighth, ninth, and tenth frames, I was just mumbling to myself, ‘I believe,’” Prather said. “Both of us have been working insanely hard over the past few years. We’ve been through injuries and setbacks, but this moment makes it all worth it.”

Anderson echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing their deep understanding of each other’s struggles. “I think we know what each other has gone through. We want it more for each other than some others might. That’s why some of those shots mean so much to us,” Anderson shared.

Thrilling Path to the Championship

The road to victory was filled with intense competition. Defending champions Packy Hanrahan and Mitch Hupé started strong, defeating Kyle Troup and Jesper Svensson in the opening match (231-182). However, in the second match, they fell to Anthony Simonsen and Dom Barrett (224-187).

O’Neill and Belmonte, determined to reach the finals, took down Simonsen and Barrett in the semifinal match (204-179). O’Neill, a top contender for the 2024 PBA Player of the Year, delivered a crucial strike in the ninth frame, setting up Belmonte for a potential game-winning moment. However, Belmonte left a 4-pin on his first shot in the tenth, opening the door for Anderson and Prather.

With ice-cold composure, Anderson stepped up and delivered the final strikes, clinching the title.

A Memorable Day for Anderson

April 6, 2024, will be a day to remember for Anderson. Earlier that day, he had already secured a victory for his PBA Elite League team, the Las Vegas High Rollers, against Prather’s Portland Lumberjacks. Then, just hours later, he delivered another game-winning moment in the doubles championship.

“I’ve thrown a lot of shots when I needed them, and they tend to work out,” Anderson said. “That was one of the hardest ones I’ve had. In front of all the fans, I knew how crazy they would go. What a special moment.”

What’s Next in the PBA World Series of Bowling XV

The PBA World Series of Bowling XV continues with three consecutive days of televised championship rounds on FS1 at 7 PM ET:

• Monday: Cheetah Championship finals featuring top seed Marshall Kent, BJ Moore, and three first-time finalists
• Tuesday: Scorpion Championship finals featuring top seed Matt Russo, Jason Belmonte, and four left-handers
• Wednesday: Shark Championship finals featuring Japan’s Shota Kawazoe, EJ Tackett, Anthony Simonsen, Prather, and Russo

On Thursday, the top 16 players in the PBA World Championship will compete in match play to determine the nine bowlers advancing to the semifinals and finals, airing next weekend on FS1 and FOX.

Stay tuned for more thrilling PBA action!