Australian tenpin champion Jason Belmonte has become the first bowler in almost 50 years to win back-to-back US Masters titles.
The 30-year-old defeated EJ Tackett 221-177 in the tournament's final at North Brunswick, New Jersey, on Sunday to clinch the crown and $US50,000 ($A55,837) prize money.
Belmonte joins Billy Welu (1964-65) and Dick Hoover (1956-57) as the only players to successfully defend a Masters title.
He is also just the seventh bowler in history to win back-to-back to majors, after last month claiming the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tournament of Champions title.
"This tournament is so difficult to win," said the New South Welshman and reigning PBA Player of the Year.
"I always have high expectations for myself, but to go down in history as the third one and first in 50 years to win back-to-back is a huge honour."
The victory brings to nine Belmonte's PBA tour wins and third major.
