A tournament named after the man who achieved the 300 score in 1964 is to be held on Sunday. 

President of Mount Isa Area Tenpin Bowling Association Bazza Rodgers said the Rip Sullivan 300 scratch bowling tournament takes its name from “living legend and gentleman” of the sport. 

Wayne William “Rip” Sullivan was 20-years-old when he bowled the second 300 game in Australia, at the old bowl in Mount Isa. 

“The sport was growing fast at this point in time and was sponsored by Ampol,” Mr Rodgers said. 

“For this feat he received one thousand pounds, which he tells me would have been enough to buy a brand new car, 300 free games, and a bowling ball.” 

The Charters Towers raised bowler was quoted in the media at the time explaining what he would do with the money. 

“I might buy a small motorbike to get around on but I’ll send most of it home to mum,” Sullivan said. 

Mr Rodgers said that Sullivan also bowled two unofficial 300 games, one only a month after his first month. 

The second time was at the currently existing tenpin bowling alley. 

Sullivan remains alive, having left Mount Isa in 1992. 

He is now based in Western Australia but his legacy in the Isa remains.

“One of the leagues he started, ‘Divisional Singles’, is still going on Saturday afternoons. 

“He was always an inspiration and willing to lend advice to lower division bowlers,” Mr Rodgers said. 

The tournament to be held Sunday is a scratch competition with no handicap given. 

Each bowler will bowl 10 games and then the top five with overall pinball progress to the finals. 

The finals are a low game knockout, sudden death, until the winner remains. 

“Very exciting to watch. 

“Some of the bowlers expected to do well are Luke O’Meara, John Price, Gunther Czmock and Jay Gardner,” he said. 

Check in for bowlers is at 11am with an 11.30am start.