WNY/Troup One Win Away from Reaching PBA Tournament Finals

Kyle Troup dominates qualifying round, eyes TV finals spot at ABC Gates Bowl

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:42pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action and tension of a professional bowling match, with overlapping planes of color and form capturing the sport's competitive energy.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes match play battle between two top professional bowlers vying for a spot in the televised finals.Plainfield Today

Kyle Troup, a 34-year-old right-handed two-hander from Taylorsville, North Carolina, is one match play victory away from reaching the Sunday TV finals of the Surfside PBA New York Classic at ABC Gates Bowl in Rochester. Troup dominated the qualifying round earlier this week, averaging 238 for 16 games, including a perfect 300 game, to earn a bye through the elimination match play bracket Round of 24.

Why it matters

Troup, a 12-time PBA tournament champion with two major titles, has struggled through the first seven events of the season, earning just $14,000. Reaching the TV finals would be a significant boost for Troup's season and provide him an opportunity to win his first title of the year.

The details

Troup will take on Kris Prather of Plainfield, Illinois, in a best-of-seven match when competition resumes on Friday morning. Because Troup was the high qualifier, he needs to win just one head-to-head match to earn a spot in the five-bowler finals, which will be televised live at 1 p.m. Sunday on The CW.

  • Troup averaged 238 for 16 games in the qualifying round earlier this week.
  • Troup bowled a perfect 300 game during the qualifying round on Wednesday.
  • The match play Round of 24 got underway on Thursday.
  • Troup's match against Kris Prather will take place on Friday morning at 11 a.m.

The players

Kyle Troup

A 34-year-old right-handed two-hander from Taylorsville, North Carolina, who is a 12-time PBA tournament champion with two major titles.

Kris Prather

A professional bowler from Plainfield, Illinois, who will face Troup in a best-of-seven match play on Friday morning.

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What they’re saying

“If I do win that first match, I don't know what that's going to feel like, knowing I'm guaranteed on TV.”

— Kyle Troup

“I've never been in that situation before. It definitely makes the route to TV easier, getting the number one qualifier. I feel good, but there's not really too much to celebrate. If I don't win my first match tomorrow, then all this was for nothing.”

— Kyle Troup

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Troup's dominant performance in the qualifying round has put him in a prime position to reach the TV finals of the Surfside PBA New York Classic, which would be a significant boost for his season after a slow start. However, he must first win his match play bout against Kris Prather on Friday to secure his spot in the finals.