Milligan advances to Round of 16 at U.S. Open

Costa Mesa resident Tennelle Milligan recently tied for ninth in the 2008 U.S. Women’s Open, a United States Bowling Congress event featuring the best women bowlers in the world.

In an event that started with 186 competitors, Milligan, a Team USA member, was eliminated in the round of 16. The No. 11 seed, she fell to No. 6 Shalin Zulkifli of Malaysia, 192-178, on Aug. 5. The 14-point spread was the closest among eight quarterfinal matches.

Milligan was one of 16 players who advanced to the TV portion of the event, which will air on ESPN for five consecutive Sundays beginning this Sunday at 11 a.m. Milligan’s round of 16 match is scheduled to be shown on Sept. 14.

Milligan, 31, won two gold medals at the Pan American Games in Brazil last year. She also won the 2000 U.S. Open women’s championship in her first year on the women’s pro tour.

— From staff reports