Halifax bowler claims singles knockout title

BREWER – Chris Hollett of Halifax, Nova Scotia, featured consistency and captured $2,000 by winning the singles knockout in the World Team Candlepin Championships Monday at the Bangor-Brewer Bowling Lanes.

Hollett, a member of the defending team champ, MacLaughlin Truck & Trailer, edged Ray Dube of Saco 127-125 to finish first. Each bowler emerged from a 72-man field where they had to roll five strings to qualify for a round of 32, with each advancing to the final after winning four strings in head-to-head competition.

Hollett and Dube each averaged a 136 in their five-string matches with Hollett rolling a high string of 163 and Dube a 151.

Hollett eliminated local favorite Shawn Morrison of Orrington in the fourth round 130-121. Morrison, a member of the Maine Heat, posted a four-string average of 140 and a high string of 159. He collected $500 for his third-place finish and Dube won $1,000 for placing second.

The singles knockout was a warm-up event for the team tourney, which begins today at 9 a.m. Matches will be played throughout the week with the finals set for Saturday when two teams will vie for the $10,000 first-place prize.

The team tourney features bowlers from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.