'Most dominant in history': Aussie bowler stuns world with rare 'super slam'
Fans have heaped praise on Australian tenpin bowling ace Jason Belmonte after the man from Orange, NSW, completed a historic career grand slam of the sport's major titles by winning the US Open.
Recently named the male bowler of the past decade, two-handed sensation Belmonte had accrued 11 titles in the five majors, including a record four USBC Masters, but the US Open continued to elude him until Sunday.
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The 36-year-old from Orange, NSW, rallied to a 226-201 win over American Anthony Simonsen in the final, securing a long-sought green jacket and the $US30,000 top prize in Lincoln, Nebraska.
"Let me first say I misspoke - I'm not retiring now. I meant to say I can retire fulfilled, 'now' just slipped out," Belmonte wrote on Instagram.
"My 12th major championship victory and the one I wanted so much. To wear the green jacket and hold the eagle is one of the proudest moments of my career.
"The struggles on TV this year have made this win even sweeter.
"When you are critiqued by everyone for every move you make, the weight of poor performances can weigh heavy. This was my chance to break those shackles and win this one for me."
Fans jumped at the opportunity to praise the “Greatest of All Time” after becoming just the second man to complete a ‘Super Slam’.
In case anyone is wondering what someone who won $30,000 today looks like- here is Australian bowler, Jason Belmonte, who claimed the 2020 U.S. Open title. pic.twitter.com/UoG4CK6QMV
— Emily Haney (@emilymhaney) February 23, 2020
Jason Belmonte is probably the most dominant player in the history of any professional sport. He just won the U.S. Open to give him the super slam!
— Zach Tallevast (@CardHard11in11) February 23, 2020
I detailed @JBelmo’s case as the 🐐 of bowling a few months ago. Since then:
❌ Top 5 in 3 straight majors
❌ Wins major title number 12
❌ Wins first US Open Title
❌ Becomes 2nd player to win all 5 majors
Do I need to write part 2 already?https://t.co/XyrxOhF0hQ— Nolan Hughes (@nolan_hughes24) February 23, 2020
Jason Belmonte is your 2020 U.S. Open Champion taking down Anthony Simonsen! pic.twitter.com/3gRdi8mlXW
— FloBowling (@FloBowling) February 23, 2020
@GolicAndWingo I know bowling is not your thing, but it would be nice if you guys gave a shout out to Jason Belmonte for becoming just a second bowler in PBA history to claim the super slam. https://t.co/VdUfuFN1BX
— Christian G (@truckerdad76) February 23, 2020
Next up for Belmonte is the Indianapolis Open next week.