Chris Barnes with ‘Clash’
May 01, 2009
In bowling’s version of the battle of the sexes, Columbia 300’s Chris Barnes took the crown.
The Double Oaks, Texas, resident picked up where his wife, Lynda, left off last year in the United States Bowling Congress’ Clash of Champions on April 30 in Kingston, N.Y.
Barnes, who earned his position on the battlefield by being the Professional Bowlers Association Player of the Year for 2007-2008, defeated collegiate bowler Rebekah Diers, of Kingston, 257-207 at the Reno Events Center.
Barnes’ wife, Lynda, procured the crown in last year’s inaugural Clash, which pits the men against the women.
“Having watched it last year, I was a little more familiar with the format,” Barnes said. “I believe that success breeds success, so her victory last year was very instrumental to the victory this year.”
It wasn’t an easy victory for Barnes. Diers, a bowler for McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill., opened the match with four consecutive strikes compared to Barnes’ strike and spare.
“(Diers) bowled just terrific and her first six frames were way better than my first six frames,” Barnes said.
Barnes took home $50,000 for his win while Diers netted $25,000. The college senior defeated 2008 USBC Women’s Championships Classic All-Events winner Liz Johnson, of Cheektowaga, N.Y., to earn her spot in the finale; Barnes narrowly knocked off collegiate bowler Dan Vick, of Pittsford, N.Y., 226-223.
The possibility of losing to a girl did not add anxiety for him, Barnes said.
“Ten years ago, the male versus female aspect might have added a lot more pressure,” he said. “But since Lynda beats me all the time anyway, I have no hang-ups about that.”
In the end, gender is a non-issue, Barnes said.
“Talent is talent and gender doesn’t apply.”
The special made-for-TV event will air at 4 p.m., May 9 on CBS Sports.
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