Arleta’s Branham Wins 2nd Bowling Tournament

George Branham III averaged 247 for four games and defeated four opponents to capture the $150,000 AC-Delco bowling tournament Saturday.

The Arleta resident climaxed his performance by routing top-seeded Steve Wunderlich, 225-182, in the title game. It was the second Professional Bowlers Association title for Branham, who picked up $27,000 for the win.

Wunderlich, of St. Louis, had four bowling balls stolen Friday night and had to use backup equipment for the finale. He struggled, leaving the 4-6-7-10 split in the third frame; Branham opened with five straight strikes.

“I couldn’t believe I had such a great shot today,” said Branham, who became the PBA’s first black champion when he won the Brunswick Memorial World Open last November.

Branham had 31 strikes in four games.