LIMA, Peru – Team USA’s Matt Russo and Chris Via achieved silver medals in men’s doubles on Monday, October 1, during the 2024 PANAM Bowling Champion of Champions. Competing at the VIDENA Bowling Center, the pair outscored Peru’s team by just 17 pins with a total of 3,132. Russo and Via, who scored 1,623 and 1,509 respectively, were edged out for gold by Canada’s Mitch Hupe and Francois Lavoie, who posted a combined 3,302 – the only score averaging above 200 per game on the tournament’s challenging 39-foot oil pattern.

Despite facing challenging lane conditions, both American bowlers emphasized the importance of teamwork and maintaining focus. “Chris and I worked well together,” Russo noted, emphasizing the role of strategy and support in achieving their finish. Via added, “It’s a great feeling to bring home a silver medal, and we’ve gathered some insights from today that will help us in singles.”

On the women’s side, Team USA’s Bryanna Coté and Crystal Elliott fought hard in their eight-game series but fell short of the podium by six pins, finishing fourth with 3,096 points. El Salvador’s team took bronze, while Venezuela secured the gold.

The tournament continues with singles rounds, where competitors will complete two eight-game blocks over two days. Beyond singles, medals for overall performance will also be awarded, with Russo and Coté both currently ranked in the top three for all events.