EJ Tackett moved into the top position after the opening two rounds of qualifying at the PBA Ohio Classic, setting the pace through 12 games at Columbus Square Bowling Palace.
Tackett leads the field with a total of 2,996 pins, averaging 249, putting him ahead of Packy Hanrahan, who is second, by 27 pins as the tournament reaches the halfway point of qualifying.
The right-hander sat in 21st place after the opening round with 1,447 over six games, but followed it with a strong second block, averaging over 258 to jump into the lead.
EJ Tackett's Climb to 1st Place
Hanrahan sits in second place with 2,969, followed closely by Chris Via in third with 2,968. Ryan Barnes holds fourth position with 2,967, while Darren Tang completes the top five with 2,954.
Kyle Sherman currently stands sixth with 2,947, followed by Bill O’Neill in seventh with 2,929.
Gary Haines, hwo led the field after the opening round, is eighth with 2,926, while Matt Russo takes ninth with 2,913. Spencer Robarge rounds out the top ten with 2,900.
The current cut line for the top 40 sits at 2,804, held by Finland's Tomas Käyhkö in 40th position.
Just below the cut, Timmy Tan is in 41st place with 2,799, only five pins behind Käyhkö.
Qualifying continues on Wednesday with two more six-game blocks. After those rounds are completed, the field will be reduced to the top 40 players, who will advance to Thursday’s Advancer rounds.
The stepladder finals will be broadcast live on Sunday, April 5 at 4 p.m. ET on The CW.
Top 10 After Qualifying Round 2
| Rank | Player | Total Pins | Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EJ Tackett | 2,996 | 249.00 |
| 2 | Patrick Hanrahan | 2,969 | 247.00 |
| 3 | Chris Via | 2,968 | 247.00 |
| 4 | Ryan Barnes | 2,967 | 247.00 |
| 5 | Darren Tang | 2,954 | 246.00 |
| 6 | Kyle Sherman | 2,947 | 245.00 |
| 7 | Bill O'Neill | 2,929 | 244.00 |
| 8 | Gary Haines | 2,926 | 243.00 |
| 9 | Matt Russo | 2,913 | 242.00 |
| 10 | Spencer Robarge | 2,900 | 241.00 |
| ... | |||
| 40 | Tomas Käyhkö | 2,804 | 233.00 |
| CUT TO ADVANCER ROUND | |||
| 41 | Timmy Tan | 2,799 | 233.00 |
