Jason Belmonte Wins 2020 U.S. Open To Complete Super Slam

Jason Belmonte of Australia won the 2020 U.S. Open on February 23rd and brought home not only the iconic “eagle” trophy but also the coveted green jacket. He won the competition by defeating Anthony Simonsen 226-201.

This victory was extra sweet for Belmo as this meant that he became the second bowler in PBA history to complete the “super slam”. The super slam requires winning the U.S. Open, the USBC Masters, PBA Tournament of Champions, PBA World Championship and PBA Players Championship. The only other bowler to do this, and the first one to do so, is Mike Aulby. This was Belmo’s 12th major title and 23rd career victory in his PBA career.

The road to the green jacket was not easy for Belmo. During the final frame of the game with the opportunity to shut Anthony Simonsen out, he struck in the first shot but left a 3-6-9-10 combo. If Belmo were to only convert the 3-9, this would give Simonsen the chance to win the competition by one pin. Using his plastic spare ball, Belmo converted the spare for the U.S. Open win.

There were 108 total competitors during this event and they bowled 24 games of qualifying over three days. The field was then cut to the top 36 for the eight-game cashers round. A different oil pattern was used each day of qualifying and a fourth conditions was used during the cashers round, match play and the TV show semi-final and final.