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Nathan DeMello Captures First Singles Title at Yankee Lanes Manchester Singles Open

130 entries took to the lanes at Yankee Lanes Manchester in Manchester, NH, for the 2025 Yankee Lanes Manchester Singles Open on September 13–14, 2025. This stop, contested on the 39’ PBA Aulby pattern (26.85 mL, 4.4:1 ratio), tested shot execution and adaptability across all squads.

High qualifier Ian M. Fitzpatrick led qualifying with a 1202 series, but it was Nathan DeMello who powered through match play and claimed his first NEBA singles title (and second overall career title and second of the season) with a dominant run through the bracket.

Match Play Breakdown

32 bowlers advanced into the single elimination bracket.

Nathan DeMello’s road to the championship:

Round of 32 – 202 def. Jesse Gibson (134)

Round of 16 – 226 def. Gavin Brod (178)

Quarterfinal – 237 def. Tay Bernier (205)

Semifinal – 231 def. Kevin Thibeault (211)

Championship Match – 249 def. Zach Bienkowski (222)

Other standout performances:

Zach Bienkowski put together a strong performance and finished runner-up.

Kevin Thibeault and Keith Laing each advanced to the semifinals, finishing tied for third/fourth respectively with consistent play.

Championship Match Recap – DeMello vs. Bienkowski

The final match featured two players searching for breakthrough wins in securing their 2nd titles. Zach Bienkowski came in hot, averaging 246.5 across his prior 4-game matchplay, while DeMello looked to continue his dominance after dispatching the defending champion, Kevin Thibeault.

Strikes from both competitors in the starting frames showed why they were successful in their run to the title match. The strikes continued to fly in the first half of the match with Zach and Nathan each carding X’s in 4 of the 5 frames. It was clear whoever blinked first was going to succumb to their opponents grit. A missed 10-pin from Bienkowski gave the first sign of the tides swinging in one direction. DeMello smelled blood in the water and took full advantage by connecting for a 5-bagger leading into the 8th frame. Zach responded in kind with needed a double of his own, signaling to Nathan that the match would not be settled without a fight. A spare in the 9th from Nathan put the ball back in Zach’s hands with a must-strike situation on deck. Bienkowski would gather a breathe of life with his strike in the 9th which put him in play to pressure DeMello in the 10th. An errant shot and open from Bienkowski would prove to be the final nail and allow Nathan to give a sigh of both relief and realization that his match was won.

Final Score:

Nathan DeMello – 249

Zach Bienkowski – 222

With the win, DeMello becomes the latest bowler to add his name to the long list of NEBA singles champions — marking a milestone moment in his young career.

CHAMPIONS MESSAGE

"I would like to extend a special thank you to the NEBA team for organizing a smooth and competitive tournament, to the pro shop staff and coaches for their support, and a heartfelt gratitude to my friends and family for their unwavering encouragement and for being present to cheer me on. Thank you to everyone for the support!"

Top Payouts:

1st – Nathan DeMello: $2,300 + TOC Entry

2nd – Zach Bienkowski: $1,150

T-3rd – Kevin Thibeault & Keith Laing: $750 each

5th–8th – Taylon Bernier(SMART), Ed Roberts, Matthew Brockett, Jayme Silva Jr.: $550 each

High Scores & Notables

High Qualifier: Ian M. Fitzpatrick – 1202

Storm / Roto Grip / 900 Global Ball Winners: Stephen Major (1050) & Tom DeCarlo (raffle)

Senior High Cut: Chris Forry (1141)

Super Senior High Cut: Ed Roberts (1067)

Hall of Fame Match Play Participants Several NEBA Hall of Famers advanced to match play, including:

-Chris Forry

-Joey Transue

-Ed Roberts

$10,000 Vincent Hall Memorial Cup Survivor Round 2 Cut - Bill Webb (-4)

Thanks to Our Partners

A special thank-you to Jeff Barden, who generously added $5,000 to the prize fund, making this one of the season’s strongest events. Appreciation also goes to Storm, Roto Grip, and 900 Global for their ongoing support of NEBA competition, as well as Yankee Lanes Manchester for their hospitality.

On Deck: Lang’s Bowlarama 65th Anniversary Singles Open Presented By Lang’s, DJBT & Northeast Megabucks

Lang’s Bowlarama - Cranston, RI

October 11–12, 2025

$7,500 added to the prize fund ($6,500 main event and $1,000 youth prize fund)

3rd Survivor round of the $10,000 Vincent Hall Memorial Cup Series.

NEBA thrives thanks to its bowlers, sponsors, and volunteers. Thank you for making it one of the most respected tournament series in the country.

Full story to be posted soon.