EJ Tackett Leads PBA Ohio Classic After Half of Qualifying

Apr 01, 2026 | By Erikas Jansonas

PBA

Article hero image

Picture credit: Professional Bowlers Association (PBA)

EJ Tackett Leads PBA Ohio Classic After Half of Qualifying

Apr 01, 2026 | By Erikas Jansonas

Picture credit: Professional Bowlers Association (PBA)

PBA

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

Round 1
21st Place
1,447 Total
⬆+20 Positions
Round 2
1st Place
1,549 Block / 2,996 Total

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.


Best bowling balls review article banner


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
Click here to see full results.

Similar Articles

see more