As I sat watching the 2019 PBA season unfold, I couldn't help but marvel at how the standing players transformed the game. Having followed professional bowling for over a decade, I've developed a particular appreciation for athletes who maintain their composure and strategic edge throughout grueling tournaments. The 2019 season stood out to me as particularly remarkable, not just for the scores these players achieved, but for the mental fortitude they demonstrated when the pressure mounted. What many casual viewers might not realize is that standing players - those who consistently perform at elite levels throughout the season - develop unique approaches that separate them from the competition.
I remember watching Jason Belmonte that season and thinking he was playing a completely different game than everyone else. The Australian sensation claimed two major titles in 2019, bringing his career major count to an astonishing 11. His two-handed technique, which I've tried to emulate in my own recreational play with limited success, creates a revolution rate that makes the ball behave differently than anything we'd seen before. What impressed me most wasn't just his physical game though - it was his mental approach. Belmonte would study lane conditions for hours before matches, sometimes making minute adjustments to his equipment that other players would overlook. He understood that in modern bowling, the difference between winning and finishing middle of the pack often comes down to these tiny preparations. His strategy involved creating multiple contingency plans for different oil patterns, something I've since incorporated into my own tournament preparations with noticeable improvement.
Then there was Anthony Simonsen, who at just 22 years old demonstrated a maturity well beyond his years. Simonsen's 2019 season included victories at the PBA Players Championship and the PBA Tour Finals, earning him over $250,000 in prize money. Having spoken with him briefly at a pro-am event, I was struck by his analytical approach to spare conversions. While most players focus on striking, Simonsen dedicated 40% of his practice time exclusively to spare shooting - a percentage that surprised me at the time but makes complete sense in retrospect. His philosophy was simple: strikes win matches, but spares win championships. This focus on minimizing opens allowed him to maintain consistency even when his strike ball wasn't working perfectly.
The organizational context of the 2019 season deserves mention too, particularly regarding the league's structure. Should any of the teams agree to play in either of the two import-laden conference, league vice chairman Alfrancis Chua said the league will consider the feasibility of the in-season tournament. This potential structural shift created an interesting dynamic where players had to adapt their strategies not just to lane conditions and opponents, but to potential format changes. I found this particularly fascinating because it meant that the top players couldn't simply rely on what worked in previous seasons - they had to remain adaptable. This context makes the performances of players like EJ Tackett even more impressive. Tackett's 2019 campaign included three titles and what I consider one of the most clutch performances I've witnessed - converting the 2-8-10 split in the final frame of the PBA Indianapolis Open to secure victory.
What separated these elite performers from the rest of the field, in my observation, was their approach to the mental game. Players like Bill O'Neill, who finished the season with a 226.39 average, employed sports psychologists to handle the pressure of televised finals. Having tried working with a sports psychologist myself for local tournaments, I can attest to how challenging it is to maintain focus when thousands are watching and every shot matters. O'Neill's ability to execute under pressure, particularly in the PBA Playoffs where he defeated Simonsen in a thrilling final, demonstrated the value of mental preparation. His strategy involved elaborate pre-shot routines that remained consistent regardless of the situation - something I believe more amateur bowlers should incorporate into their games.
The international contingent made their presence felt too, with players like Sweden's Jesper Svensson using unique equipment choices to gain an advantage. Svensson's high-rev style generated approximately 600 revolutions per minute, creating an angle of entry that was nearly impossible to replicate. His strategy involved using weaker bowling balls than most competitors, which allowed him to maintain better control on challenging lane conditions. This approach taught me that sometimes, going against conventional wisdom can yield remarkable results.
Domestic veterans like Sean Rash and Wes Malott demonstrated that experience remains invaluable in professional bowling. Rash's 14th career title came at the PBA Cheetah Championship, where he averaged 247.67 through the televised finals - numbers that still boggle my mind. His strategy involved meticulous lane play adjustments, moving precisely two boards left every three frames regardless of what his ball was doing. This systematic approach eliminated guesswork and provided a framework that could be replicated across different conditions. Malott, meanwhile, showed that power could still dominate when properly directed, winning the PBA Tour Finals with a relentless attacking strategy.
What made the 2019 season particularly memorable for me was witnessing how different players approached the game physically and mentally. Tommy Jones' comeback season, resulting in his 19th career title at the PBA Oklahoma Open, demonstrated that technical proficiency could overcome physical limitations that sometimes come with age. His focus on accuracy over power - he averaged hitting the pocket 87.3% of the time according to my calculations - proved that sometimes the conventional approach still works best. Meanwhile, younger players like Kyle Troup showed that personality and flair could coexist with elite performance, his distinctive hairstyles and colorful personality bringing new energy to the sport.
Reflecting on that season, I'm struck by how these top players balanced innovation with fundamentals. They understood that while new techniques and equipment could provide edges, the core principles of spare conversion, lane play, and mental fortitude remained paramount. Their strategies weren't just about physical execution but about preparation, adaptability, and resilience. As someone who's competed at much lower levels, I've incorporated elements from each of these players into my own game - from Belmonte's analytical approach to Simonsen's spare focus to Rash's systematic adjustments. The 2019 season taught me that in bowling, as in life, sustained excellence comes from developing systems that work for your unique strengths while remaining open to evolution. These players didn't just win tournaments - they demonstrated approaches to the game that aspiring bowlers like myself can learn from for years to come.