The lucky 13th Times-News Open was lucky for a couple of bowlers. First was Dave Zimmerman who bowled the first 300 in Times-News Open history at North East Lanes in game 3 finished (1,283) holding down the second spot behind Bob Montgomery who had 1,322.

The qualifier’s next 6 games were at Frontier Lanes and Dave Zimmerman moved into the lead with a 1,273 block, good enough for a 51-pin lead over Dave Schaeffer.

The top 32 then traveled to Eastland for the final 8 games. Zimmerman shot 1,639 for a 4,205 20-game total and the qualifying title. ’73 Champ John Hriscina blistered 1,796 for his last 8 to help him move into the number 2 slot, 79 pins behind.

Ray Sheridan, the #5 qualifier, averaged 216 in round one of the finals at Eastland and won 6 of his 8 matches to forge a 75-pin lead over youngster Mike Laughlin who won 7 of 8 matches.

Pat Malone, third after round one led most of day two until Laughlin lined 233-237 and 233 in his final 3 games to lead by 49 over Sheridan and 111 over Malone.

Sheridan took the lead but the 21-year old Laughlin remained close all day as did Malone. Finally, heading into the position round (2 games) Sheridan held a 44 pin lead over Laughlin and, after besting Laughlin in the first of those two games 210-206, Sheridan’s lead expanded to 98 (50 bonus pins). With the home crowd cheering his every shot Laughlin went to work outdueling Sheridan 255-191, the 64-pin victory coupled with the 50 bonus pins was enough to eliminate Sheridan’s comfortable lead and gave Laughlin the title by 16 pins. At the time Laughlin, at 21, was the youngest Times-News Open champion.