Monday, 11 February 2019:
Australian tenpin bowling star Jason Belmonte has equalled the record for most major wins in the Professional Bowlers Association.
The two-handed sensation claimed his third Tournament of Champions trophy on Sunday, and first since 2015, by defeating American EJ Tackett in the final.
The victory in Fairlawn, Ohio, was 35-year-old Belmonte's 10th major, tying him with hall-of-famers Pete Weber and Earl Anthony on the all-time list.
Belmonte says it is "madness" to become the youngest player to reach the mark, with Anthony having achieved it as a 46-year-old.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would achieve this," he said.
"It doesn't seem real to have my name on that list with two of the greatest bowlers of all time."
It was Belmonte's 19th career title after starting on the PBA tour in 2008.
The Tournament of Champions is the PBA's premier major and offers $US1 million ($A1.4m) if a players bowls a perfect 300-game in the title decider.
But Belmonte had to be content walking away with $US50,000 ($A70,500) after defeating Tackett 225-196 in the final.
He could have the majors record to himself by this weekend as the PBA's Players Championship takes place in Columbus, Ohio.
"Now that I've won 10 I can't wait to get to 11," Belmonte said.
"If I get to 11, I'll be able to put my total focus on bowling and not so much on the records."
