Anthony Simonsen is top qualifier, Deo Benard’s back-ups grab spotlight at 2026 Groupon PBA Illinois Classic
JEFF RICHGELS | Posted: Thursday, March 12, 2026 11:00 pm
Anthony Simonsen is the top qualifier at the 2026 Groupon PBA Illinois Classic. Photo by PBA.
Anthony Simonsen shook off a tough loss in Sunday’s title match of the 2026 U.S. Open to lead the 2026 Groupon PBA Illinois Classic through the cashers round, putting him one match win from making Sunday’s stepladder finals and two match wins from earning the top seed.
But it was 2-handed lefty Deo Benard who stole the spotlight by continuing to find success throwing back-ups using urethane on the right side on the 2026 PBA Carmen Salvino 43 lane pattern, making match play and...