By Matt Cannizzaro, USBC Communications

LAS VEGAS – For more than 40 years, Chris Warren of Grants Pass, Oregon, has looked up to and learned from United States Bowling Congress and PBA Hall of Famer Norm Duke of Clermont, Florida.

Warren was able to put those lessons to work Sunday at the Sam’s Town Bowling Center as he defeated his childhood friend, live on BowlTV, two times to win the 2018 USBC Senior Masters for his first PBA50 title. 

He earned $20,000 for the victory and became the third bowler in history to win both the USBC Masters and Senior Masters, joining Dave Soutar and Walter Ray Williams Jr. in the exclusive club. Warren’s Masters title came in 1990 as one of his six career wins on the PBA Tour. 

As the undefeated top seed in the double-elimination format, Duke had a second chance at the title after falling 269-220 in the first game of the title tilt. 

Duke got out to an early lead in the rematch after Warren left, and failed to convert, a 7-10 split in the second frame. Warren rallied to finish with seven consecutive strikes and a nine-count on his fill ball, forcing Duke to strike on the first shot of his final frame and get at least eight and a spare to win by a single pin.  After delivering the strike he needed, Duke left the 3-4-6-7-9-10 combination to fall short, 246-241. 

“There’s no words to describe how good Norm Duke is,” said Warren, a PBA journeyman whose last national title came in 1992. “Norm beat me at what I do best, which is throwing strikes, but it came down to one error. I outscored him, but he bowled an incredible game. You never want to see that happen to your buddies, and it happened. I just feel fortunate to have been there, and winning really is incredibly special.” 

Prior to making the deciding shot, Duke did the math, knew what he needed to win, or at least tie, and used his decades of experience to make the best shot he could. 

“I trusted myself to make my shot, and I didn’t,” said Duke, who has 38 PBA Tour titles and four PBA50 wins. “But, I look back and say, ‘Norm, you made the greatest shot in the history of your lifetime for the win, and you won it there, and then you lost it.’ I won it with one shot and lost it with another. That is sport. This is hurting right now, and it’s supposed to. If it didn’t hurt, we wouldn’t care. And if we care, it hurts. This is a tough one, but Chris is an excellent, excellent, excellent player, and a well-deserving champion, and I’m so happy for him.” 

Warren, Duke, hall of famer Del Ballard Jr. and a slew of other Southwest standouts grew up bowling together in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. They’ve pushed each other for decades and shared countless successes and defeats. 

In Warren’s recollection, they beat up on him pretty handily, but it helped make him the bowler he is. That’s still true today, along with the continued support of his six brothers, three sisters, wife, Michelle, and mother, Mary, who turned 92 this weekend. 

“Norm is someone who could always execute and make his spares, and I learned a lot from him in those areas, and Del is someone I always looked up to because he had no fear,” Warren said. “Del still helps me work on a lot of things, both mentally and physically, and Norm has helped me with my spare game tremendously. It’s amazing. Yes, we’re competitors, but we’re also lifelong friends. We’re family.” 

On the way to the 2018 Senior Masters title, Warren broke four tournament records. Including the shootout round that helped him earn his spot in the stepladder finals, and the second game with Duke on Sunday, Warren bowled a record 14 matches at the Sam’s Town Bowling Center. He collected 13 wins, which were consecutive, both records, after losing his first match to Jerry Smith or Englewood, Colorado, 511-501. The streak includes surviving the shootout round. 

In his 14 matches, Warren averaged a record 243.9, including a high series of 847 in a win over Noel Vazquez of Sacramento, California, and a 300 game on the way to eliminating Williams, the defending champion, 772-756. 

Two-time Senior Masters champion Tom Baker of King, North Carolina, previously held the tournament records for most matches (13), most wins in one tournament (12) and most consecutive wins (nine), all set in 2006 on the way the first of his two consecutive Senior Masters wins. Ross Packard of San Jose, California, averaged 243.8 in match play at the 2005 event. 

As he climbed his way to the title from the No. 4 position Sunday at Sam’s Town, Warren averaged 255 for his five games, shooting 236, 234, 290, 269 and 246. 

In the semifinal Sunday at Sam’s Town, Warren defeated 2017 PBA50 Rookie of the Year and 2018 PBA50 Player of the Year frontrunner Michael Haugen Jr. of Phoenix, 290-197. 

Warren left a 2 pin in the first frame and then rattled off 11 consecutive strikes, while Haugen left a 7-10 split on his first offering and only was able to throw one double the rest of the way. 

Warren earned the meeting with Haugen by defeating PBA50 newcomer Keith Lesko of Prosper, Texas, who was competing in the first major event of his career, 234-168. 

The opening match of the stepladder was a nail-biter against two-time PBA50 Player of the Year Ron Mohr of North Las Vegas, Nevada, in which Mohr had an opportunity to shut out Warren with two strikes and nine pins in his final frame. 

Instead, Mohr left a ringing 10 pin on his first shot, allowing Warren to strike on his first shot to seal the win. He achieved that and tossed two more strikes to escape with a 236-217 victory. 

The Senior Masters is the premier event for USBC members age 50 and older, and the 2018 edition featured 272 entries.

PBA50 News

LAS VEGAS – Known as Major Mika during a 16-year career on the PBA Tour, 14-time PBA Tour winner Mika Koivuniemi lived up to that nickname by winning the Suncoast PBA Senior U.S. Open presented by Storm Friday for his first title on PBA’s tour for players 50 and over.

The 51-year-old native of Finland, who was top qualifier for the stepladder finals, reeled off the first six strikes in a 259-237 win over Brian Kretzer of Dayton, Ohio, in the title match at the Suncoast Bowling Center to win the season’s third PBA50 Tour major.

“We may be getting older but winning never gets old,” said Koivuniemi, who won three majors during his PBA Tour career. “There’s a lot of great bowlers out here and many of them are bowlers who I bowled against on the PBA Tour so the competition is still tough.”

With the first six strikes in the title match, Koivuniemi was able to build a lead that was just too much for Kretzer to overcome.

“I really felt good mentally and couldn’t have thrown the ball better considering I don’t bowl as much as I used to,” said Koivuniemi. “I used a ball that I felt good about but it’s one that I either throw a lot of strikes with or throw a lot of splits. Fortunately, it was strikes today.

“My attitude has always been to focus on what I can do to win,” he added. “Even though Brian was bowling well it didn’t have any effect on what I needed to do going into the (title) match.”

Koivuniemi, who has been retired from the PBA Tour for three years, isn’t able to bowl as much because he is the full-time head coach for the United Arab Emirates national bowling team.

“I’m fortunate that I’m still able to get time off to bowl these tournaments,” Koivuniemi said of competing in the Senior U.S. Open and USBC Senior Masters. “I believe I can win these tournaments so that’s why I make the trip.”

The two-time PBA Player of the Year also joined Amleto Monacelli of Venezuela as the only international players to win  the Senior U.S. Open.

Koivuniemi’s previous best PBA50 major finishes were seventh in the 2017 Senior Masters and ninth in the 2017 Senior U.S. Open.

Kretzer, who qualified fifth for the finals after making a big move from 14th after Friday’s first match play round, started by winning the opening match against No. 4 qualifier five-time PBA Tour winner Ryan Shafer of Horseheads, N.Y., 208-196. He then went on to beat PBA Hall of Famers Parker Bohn III of Jackson, N.J., 243-193, and Brian Voss of Centennial, Colo., 257-196, on his way to the title match.

Kretzer, who owns one PBA Tour title, was trying for his first PBA50 Tour title. Bohn was trying for his fifth PBA50 Tour title and Voss was trying for his third and second of the season.

In danger of missing the cut to match play, PBA Hall of Famer Pete Weber of St. Ann, Mo., who was trying to become the Senior U.S. Open’s first three-time winner rallied in the final two rounds of match play with an 11-1 match play record but fell just short of making the finals finishing sixth.

The PBA50 Tour will take a four-week break and return to action with the PBA50 River City Xtreme Open presented by Ebonite in Monticello, Minn., July 17-20.

SUNCOAST PBA SENIOR U.S. OPEN

Presented by Storm

Suncoast Bowling Center, Las Vegas, Friday

Final Standings:

1, Mika Koivuniemi, Finland, $10,000.

2, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, $6,000.

3, Brian Voss, Centennial, Colo., $5,000.

4, Parker Bohn, III, Jackson, N.J., $4,000.

5, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., $3,500.

Stepladder Results:

Match One – Kretzer def. Shafer, 208-196.

Match Two – Kretzer def. Bohn, 243-193.

Semifinal Match – Kretzer def. Voss, 257-196.

Championship Match – Koivuniemi def. Kretzer, 259-237.

SIXTH ROUND

(after 36 games. Includes match play record and total pinfall including bonus pins. Top five players advance to stepladder finals).

1, Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich., 9-3, 8,206. 

2, Brian Voss, Centennial, Colo., 7-5, 8,095. 

3, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 8-3-1, 8,078. 

4, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 5-6-1, 8,057. 

5, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, 8-4, 8,042. 

6, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 11-1, 7,974, $3,000. 

7, Allan Sennevall, Sweden, 9-3, 7,966, $2,800. 

8, n-Steven Smith, San Diego, 8-4, 7,964, $2,600. 

9, Eric Forkel, Henderson, Nev., 6-6, 7,959, $2,500. 

10, Rolando Sebelen, Dominican Republic, 6-6, 7,944, $2,400. 

11, Kimmo Lehtonen, Finland, 7-5, 7,926, $2,300. 

12, Ron Mohr, Las Vegas, 7-5, 7,912, $2,200. 

13, Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, 4-7-1, 7,894, $2,100. 

14, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 5-7, 7,859, $2,050. 

15, Andrew Frawley, Australia, 8-4, 7,842, $2,000. 

16, Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix, 4-8, 7,841, $1,950. 

17, Mark Williams, Beaumont, Texas, 7-5, 7,832, $1,900. 

18, Harry Sullins, Chesterfield Twp., Mich., 4-8, 7,788, $1,850. 

19, n-Steven Badovinac, Parker, Colo., 7-5, 7,778, $1,800. 

20, Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., 8-4, 7,771, $1,750. 

21, n-Paul Fleming, Bedford, Texas, 4-8, 7,767, $1,700. 

22, Doug Kent, Newark, N.Y., 6-6, 7,755, $1,650. 

23, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Oxford, Fla., 6-6, 7,714, $1,600. 

24, Bo Goergen, Sanford, Mich., 7-5, 7,705, $1,575. 

25, Eddie Graham, Kettering, Ohio, 4-8, 7,698, $1,550. 

26, Chris Warren, Grants Pass, Ore., 6-6, 7,690, $1,525. 

27, Rick Minier, Houston, 4-8, 7,675, $1,500. 

28, Jeff Johnson, Freeport, Ill., 6-6, 7,625, $1,475. 

29, Bob Learn Jr., Erie, Pa., 6-6, 7,590, $1,450. 

30, Todd Kjell, Roscoe, Ill., 4-8, 7,579, $1,425. 

31, (tie) Kevin Croucher, Grants Pass, Ore., 4-8, 7,567, and n-David Bolles, Stockton, Calif., 6-6, 7,567, $1,388. 

33, n-Ben Hoefs, Mobile, Ala., 7-5, 7,558, $1,350. 

34, Ricky Schissler, Brighton, Colo., 5-6-1, 7,550, $1,325. 

35, Wayne Garber, Modesto, Calif., 7-5, 7,531, $1,300. 

36, Mark Mazzulla, Brentwood, Calif., 5-7, 7,442, $1,290. 

37, Jan Larsen, Sweden, 4-8, 7,421, $1,280. 

38, Sammy Ventura, Syracuse, N.Y., 2-10, 7,370, $1,270. 

39, Robert Lawrence, Austin, Texas, 3-9, 7,361, $1,260. 

40, *Pat Nolan, Japan, 2-3-0, 7,348, $1,250. 

41, Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla., 2-5-0, 6,490.

*Alternate Pat Nolan replaced Mike Edwards who withdrew in second game.

FIFTH ROUND

(after 30 games. Includes match play record and total pinfall including bonus pins. All players advance to sixth round)

1, Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich., 5-1, 6,697. 

2, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 3-3, 6,691. 

3, n-Steven Smith, San Diego, 5-1, 6,660. 

4, Brian Voss, Centennial, Colo., 4-2, 6,655. 

5, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 4-1-1, 6,630. 

6, Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix, 3-3, 6,615. 

7, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 4-2, 6,592. 

8, Allan Sennevall, Sweden, 5-1, 6,559. 

9, Harry Sullins, Chesterfield Twp., Mich., 3-3, 6,533. 

10, Eric Forkel, Henderson, Nev., 3-3, 6,517. 

11, Ron Mohr, Las Vegas, 3-3, 6,502. 

12, Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, 2-4-0, 6,497. 

13, Rolando Sebelen, Dominican Republic, 2-4, 6,491. 

14, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, 3-3-0, 6,487. 

15, Mark Williams, Beaumont, Texas, 3-3, 6,453. 

16, Doug Kent, Newark, N.Y., 4-2, 6,438. 

17, Kimmo Lehtonen, Finland, 2-4, 6,426. 

18, n-Steven Badovinac, Parker, Colo., 4-2, 6,421. 

19, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 5-1, 6,418. 

20, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Oxford, Fla., 4-2, 6,389. 

21, Todd Kjell, Roscoe, Ill., 2-4, 6,369. 

22, Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla., 2-4, 6,366. 

23, Bo Goergen, Sanford, Mich., 3-3, 6,356. 

24, Jeff Johnson, Freeport, Ill., 4-2, 6,342. 

25, Rick Minier, Houston, 2-4, 6,340. 

26, Bob Learn Jr., Erie, Pa., 4-2, 6,335. 

27, Eddie Graham, Kettering, Ohio, 2-4, 6,311. 

28, Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., 3-3, 6,293. 

29, Andrew Frawley, Australia, 3-3, 6,290. 

30, (tie) Chris Warren, Grants Pass, Ore., 3-3, and n-Paul Fleming, Bedford, Texas, 1-5, 6,287. 

32, Wayne Garber, Modesto, Calif., 4-2, 6,286. 

33, Kevin Croucher, Grants Pass, Ore., 1-5, 6,285. 

34, n-David Bolles, Stockton, Calif., 3-3, 6,258. 

35, Ricky Schissler, Brighton, Colo., 3-2-1, 6,243. 

36, n-Ben Hoefs, Mobile, Ala., 3-3, 6,237. 

37, Robert Lawrence, Austin, Texas, 2-4, 6,181. 

38, Sammy Ventura, Syracuse, N.Y., 1-5, 6,178. 

39, Jan Larsen, Sweden, 1-5, 6,150. 

40, Mark Mazzulla, Brentwood, Calif., 1-5, 6,126.

n-Non-member

PBA50 News

MONTICELLO, Minn. – Michael Haugen Jr. defeated Bob Learn Jr., 247-246, in the title match to win the PBA50 River City Extreme Open presented by Ebonite Friday for his second title of the season and third of his career.

Haugen, the 2017 PBA50 Rookie of the Year, became the first two-time winner this season and further tightened his grip on the PBA50 Player of the Year points lead with four tournaments remaining in the season.

In the title match, Haugen, who finished the match first, was able to shut Learn out when he struck on the first ball in the 10th frame and then made the 6-10 spare.

“It was a good thing I got eight and not six or seven on the second ball otherwise I might not be standing here,” said Haugen of his second shot in the 10th frame. “I lost focus for a moment and the result of that shot could have been a lot worse.”

It was a long road for Haugen to reach the No. 1 qualifying position for the stepladder finals coming all the way from 20th after the first round of qualifying on Wednesday. Haugen made his dramatic climb with the help of a 5-0-1 match play round earlier in the day Friday.

“The lanes were tough for me at the start of the tournament but that just meant I had to do what I do best and that is adjust,” said Haugen, who won the Johnny Petraglia BVL Open in May for his first win of the season. “As the tournament went on I started getting more comfortable to the point where I was able to use my ball speed to make the adjustments I needed.

“I’m just keeping it simple and continuing to do what I have been doing all season,” Haugen continued. “If I keep executing and making good decisions I’ll keep getting good results.”

In the opening stepladder match No. 4 qualifier Brian Kretzer beat No. 5 qualifier PBA Hall of Famer and four-time PBA50 Tour winner Norm Duke, 290-228, to advance to the second match. Kretzer left a 10 pin in the first frame, made the spare, and then strung the next 11 strikes.

In the second match Kretzer, who was trying for his first PBA50 Tour title, beat No. 3 qualifier four-time PBA50 Tour winner Lennie Boresch Jr., 202-199, to advance to the semifinal match against Learn. Kretzer, the 2018 Suncoast PBA Senior U.S. Open runner-up, threw three strikes in the 10th to beat Boresch after Boresch chopped the 6-10 spare.

Learn, who qualified second for the finals, then beat Kretzer, 238-225, in the semifinal to advance to the title match against Haugen. Learn was trying for his fourth PBA50 Tour title and first since 2015.

The next stop for the PBA50 Tour will be the PBA50 South Shore Open presented by Hammer July 23-26 at Olympia Lanes in Hammond, Ind.

Fans can catch all the action on PBA’s online bowling channel PBA Xtra Frame on FloBowling. For subscription and schedule information visit www.flobowling.com.

PBA50 RIVER CITY EXTREME OPEN  presented by Ebonite  River City Extreme, Monticello, Minn., Friday

Final Standings:

1, Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix, $7,500.

2, Bob Learn Jr., Erie, Pa., $4,000.

3, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, $2,500.

4, Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., $2,000.

5, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., $1,750.

Stepladder Results:

Match One – Kretzer def. Duke, 290-228.

Match Two – Kretzer def. Boresch, 202-199.

Semifinal Match – Learn def. Kretzer, 238-225.

Championship Match – Haugen def. Learn, 247-246.

Modified Match Play Round 2 (after six games, including match play bonus pins. Top five advance to stepladder finals )

1, Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix, 5-0-1, 1,617. 

2, Bob Learn Jr., Erie, Pa., 5-1, 1,604. 

3, Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., 5-1, 1,575. 

4, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, 4-2, 1,538. 

5, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 4-2, 1,530. 

6, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 4-2, 1,506, $1,500. 

7, ss-Ron Mohr, Las Vegas, 3-3, 1,492, $1,500. 

8, Gary Alstott, Washington, Ill., 4-2, 1,453, $1,500. 

9, Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, 2-4, 1,447, $1,250. 

10, Mark Sullivan, Indianapolis, 3-3, 1,446, $1,250. 

11, n-Thomas Jones, Blaine, Minn., 2-4, 1,367, $1,250. 

12, Scott Greiner, Sunrise Beach, Mo., 1-5, 1,357, $1,250. 

13, Eddie Graham, Kettering, Ohio, 3-3, 1,335, $1,250. 

14, ss-Edward Silva, Manteca, Calif., 1-4-1, 1,294, $1,250. 

15, ss-Don Blatchford, Santa Monica, Calif., 1-5, 1,245, $1,250. 

16, Ralph Brunt Jr., Jensen Beach, Fla., 0-6, 1,192, $1,250.

Modified Match Play Round 1 (after five games, including match play bonus pins.)

17, Peter Knopp, Germany, 2-3, 1,135, $1,100. 

18, Joel Carlson, Omaha, Neb., 0-4-1, 1,126, $1,100. 

19, ss-Sammy Ventura, Syracuse, N.Y., 1-3-1, 1,120, $1,100. 

20, Greg Thomas, Irmo, S.C., 2-3, 1,106, $1,100. 

21, ss-Harry Sullins, Chesterfield Twp., Mich., 2-3, 1,100, $1,100. 

22, ss-Tom Carter, Columbus, Ohio, 3-2, 1,090, $1,100. 

23, Jeff Johnson, Freeport, Ill., 2-3, 1,062, $1,100. 

24, ss-John Dudak, Orland Park, Ill., 1-4, 995, $1,000.

Other Cashers (after five-game cashers’ round)

25, ss-Christopher Keane, Cape Coral, Fla., 1,032, $1,000. 

26, ss-Henry Dawson, Elma, Wash., 1,027, $1,000. 

27, John Marsala, St. Louis, Mo., 1,022, $1,000. 

28, ss-Mike Dias, Lafayette, Colo., 1,021, $1,000. 

29, ss-Kevin Foley, Reno, Nev., 1,013, $1,000. 

30, ss-James Storts, Westfield, Ind., 1,010, $1,000. 

31, Tony Johnson, Canton, Ohio, 948, $1,000.

n-non-member

ss-PBA60 player ages 60 and older.

PBA50 News

HAMMOND, Ind.  – Eugene McCune of nearby Munster, Ind., a 31-year member of the Professional Bowlers Association before “retiring” at the end of the 2016 season, won the PBA50 South Shore Open presented by Hammer at Olympia Lanes Thursday with a convincing 259-202 victory over leading PBA50 Player of the Year contender Michael Haugen Jr. of Phoenix.

“This is the first time since I retired I’ve bowled three days in a row,” McCune said. “I was really surprised after the way Mike spanked me twice in match play earlier in the day. He’s the best there is on the senior tour right now.”

McCune, who won three PBA Tour titles in 600 events and another 23 titles in 365 PBA Regional events, made a decision to not renew his PBA membership because of his work load and lack of time. While he won in his first PBA50 Tour event, he won’t get credit for a title because he’s not a PBA member.

“I work all of the time and the odds of making a show aren’t easy out here,” said McCune, who turned 50 in June. “These guys are still good; if they can get the ball to the pocket, they’ll strike all day long.

“It’s not a lack of desire to compete; it’s a financial decision now,” he added. “It’s always good to win, but right now it’s all about the money. I looked at the finals like bowling pot games – the first game was for $4,500, the next one for $7,500.”

Despite losing in his bid for a third PBA50 title this year, Haugen extended his PBA50 Player of the Year points lead.

“Eugene isn’t a member, so that means no one gained points on me,” Haugen said. “He out-bowled me, and if I couldn’t win, no one was a better story than Eugene. I always say, if a guy out-bowls me, I’m happy to shake his hand and tell him I’ll get him the next time.”

In the opening match, PBA50 Tour rookie Greg Thomas of Irmo, S.C., threw an early turkey that proved to be the difference in a 225-197 win over PBA Hall of Famer Bryan Goebel of Shawnee, Kan., who didn’t throw back-to-back strikes until the 10th frame.

In the second match, Bob Learn Jr. of Erie, Pa., the 2017 South Shore Open runner-up, gave Thomas an opening when he left the 4-6-7-10 split in the fifth frame, but Thomas missed a 9 pin in his seventh frame and failed to strike on his next three shots, handing Learn a 209-203 win.

McCune advanced to the championship match with a 248-215 victory over Learn in the semifinal match after Learn left a 7-10 split on his first shot and a 3-4-6-7-10 split on his second, failing to convert both. McCune struck on seven of his first eight shots and never trailed.

The tour’s next stop is the PBA50 Security Federal Savings Bank Championship presented by Track at Dave Small’s Heritage Lanes in Kokomo, Ind., beginning Saturday and concluding on Tuesday, July 31. After a brief respite, Xtra Frame on FloBowling resumes live coverage with the PBA50 Dave Small’s Championship Lanes Classic, presented by Roto Grip, in Anderson, Ind., Aug. 4-7, and the PBA50 Cup, presented by DV8, from Wyoming, Mich., Aug. 9-12, the concluding event of the PBA50 season.

PBA Xtra Frame on FloBowling wraps up the “senior tour” regular season with the PBA60 Dick Weber Championship for players 60 and older, presented by 900 Global, at Pro Bowl West in Fort Wayne, Ind., Aug. 14-16.

All of the PBA50 Tour’s events will be covered from start to finish live, exclusively on PBA’s online bowling channel, PBA Xtra Frame on FloBowling. For subscription information, visit FloBowling.com.

PBA50 SOUTH SHORE OPEN

presented by Hammer  Olympia Lanes, Hammond, Ind., Thursday

Final Standings:

1, n-Eugene McCune, Munster, Ind., $7,500.

2, Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix, $4,000.

3, Bob Learn Jr., Erie, Pa., $2,500.

4, Greg Thomas, Irmo, S.C., $2,000.

5, Bryan Goebel, Shawnee, Kan., $1,750.

Stepladder Results:

Match One – Thomas def. Goebel, 225-197.

Match Two – Learn def. Thomas, 209-203.

Semifinal Match – McCune def. Learn, 248-215.

Championship Match – McCune def. Haugen, 259-202.

Modified Match Play Round 2 (after six games, including match play bonus pins):

1, Haugen, 6-0, 1,711. 

2, McCune, 4-2, 1,619. 

3, Learn, 5-1, 1,540. 

4, Goebel, 2-4, 1,481. 

5, Thomas, 4-2, 1,477. 

6, Doug Kent, Newark, N.Y., 4-2, 1,432, $1,500. 

6, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, 4-2, 1,432, $1,500. 

8, ss-Harry Sullins, Chesterfield Twp., Mich., 3-3, 1,391, $1,500. 

9, ss-Christopher Keane, Cape Coral, Fla., 3-3, 1,361, $1,250. 

10, Chris Gibbons, Madison, Wis., 2-4, 1,352, $1,250. 

11, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 2-4, 1,347, $1,250. 

12, ss-Tom Baker, King, N.C., 2-4, 1,342, $1,250. 

13, Scott Greiner, Sunrise Beach, Mo., 2-4, 1,337, $1,250. 

14, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 3-3, 1,318, $1,250. 

15, ss-Ron Mohr, Las Vegas, 2-4, 1,298, $1,250. 

16, Mark Sullivan, Indianapolis, 0-6, 1,236, $1,250.

Modified Match Play Round 1 (other cashers after five games, including match play bonus pins, $1,100 each):

17, n-ss-Leroy Johnson, Chicago, 3-2, 1,130. 

18, Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., 2-3, 1,112. 

19, Steve Kenyon, Grosse Ile., Mich., 2-3, 1,108. 

20, ss-Darryl Bower, Middletown, Pa., 1-4, 1,085. 

21, ss-Don Blatchford, Santa Monica, Calif., 2-3, 1,072. 

22, n-John Chapman, Canada, 1-4, 1,062. 

23, ss-Sammy Ventura, Syracuse, N.Y., 3-2, 1,044. 

24, ss-Henry Dawson, Elma, Wash., 2-3, 1,030. 

Other Cashers (after five-game cashers’ round, $1,000 each):

25, ss-Dale Traber, Cedarburg, Wis., 1,085. 

26, ss-Tom Carter, Columbus, Ohio, 1,077. 

27, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Oxford, Fla., 1,076. 

28, Jeff Johnson, Freeport, Ill., 1,072. 

29, Don Herrington, Ballston Lake, N.Y., 1,057. 

30, Ernie Segura Jr., Taylor, Mich., 1,040. 

31, ss-Mike Dias, Lafayette, Colo., 1,019. 

32, ss-Bruce Hall, Westborough, Mass., 998. 

33, ss-Warren Nelson, Hemet, Calif., 971. 

34, ss-Lee Brosius, Ashburn, Va., 958.

n-denotes non-PBA member; ss-denotes PBA60 player.

300 Games: Chris Gibbons, Doug Kent.

PBA50 News

KOKOMO, Ind. – After two tough losses in PBA50 Tour majors earlier in the season, PBA Hall of Famer Norm Duke of Clermont, Fla., was starting to question his ability to close the deal.

He regained his confidence Tuesday by defeating five-time PBA Tour winner and stepladder finals top qualifier Ryan Shafer of Horseheads, N.Y., 236-222, in the title match to win the PBA50 Security Federal Savings Bank Championship presented by Track at Dave Small’s Heritage Lanes for his first win of the season.

“I’m just elated to get the monkey off my back,” said the 54-year-old Duke, who finished second in the PBA50 National Championship and USBC Senior Masters. “In my opinion a second-place finish is one of the worst places you can finish.”

In the title match, Duke got off to a strong start with four strikes in a row and took advantage of an open frame by Shafer in the third frame when he left the 4-6-7-10 split. Shafer, whose second-place finish was his career best on the PBA50 Tour, was able to make a run by throwing five consecutive strikes to close the match but Duke through a nine-count on his first ball in the 10th frame to seal the win.

“The main thing for me was to manage the pocket hits,” said Duke, who qualified second for the finals. “You had to work to put a string of strikes together because light hits weren’t getting it done.

“When you do get on a string you’re adjusting on every shot,” he added. “It’s not like you get lined up and you can stay in one place for a while.”

Duke, who won his fifth career PBA50 Tour title, last won on the tour for players 50 and over in the 2017 Race City Open in Mooresville, N.C.

“I’ve had a lot of second-place finishes,” said Duke, a 38-time winner on the PBA Tour. “I knew I would win again but I just didn’t know when. I needed this and I’m glad I won it the way I did.”

In the semifinal match, Duke beat No. 3 qualifier Brian Kretzer of Dayton, Ohio, 244-226, to advance to the title match. Kretzer’ third-place finish was his third top-five of the season.

In the opening match, No. 4 qualifier Dale Csuhta of Wadsworth, Ohio, making his fifth career stepladder finals appearance and trying for his first PBA50 Tour win, defeated No. 5 qualifier two-time PBA50 Tour winner Jack Jurek of Lackawana, N.Y., 236-207.

In the second match Kretzer beat Csuhta, 216-201, to advance to the semifinal match against Duke.

The next stop for the PBA50 Tour will be the PBA50 Dave Small’s Championship Lanes Classic presented by Roto Grip Aug. 4-7 in Anderson, Ind.

Fans can catch all the action on PBA’s online bowling channel PBA Xtra Frame on FloBowling. For subscription and schedule information visit www.flobowling.com.

PBA50 SECURITY FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK CHAMPIONSHIP

Presented by Track

Dave Small’s Heritage Lanes, Kokomo, Ind., Tuesday

Final Standings:

1, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., $7,500.

2, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., $4,000.

3, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, $2,500.

4, Dale Csuhta, Wadsworth, Ohio, $2,000.

5, Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., $1,750.

Stepladder Results:

Match One – Csuhta def. Jurek, 236-207.

Match Two – Kretzer def. Csuhta, 216-201.

Semifinal Match – Duke def. Kretzer, 244-226.

Championship Match – Duke def. Shafer, 236-222.

Modified Match Play Round 2 (after six games, including match play bonus pins. Top five advance to stepladder finals)

1, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 5-1, 1,592. 

2, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 4-1-1, 1,528. 

3, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, 4-2, 1,485. 

4, ss-Dale Csuhta, Wadsworth, Ohio, 4-2, 1,430. 

5, Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., 4-2, 1,420. 

6, ss-Sammy Ventura, Syracuse, N.Y., 3-3, 1,381, $1,500. 

7, Bryan Goebel, Shawnee, Kan., 3-3, 1,376, $1,500. 

8, Doug Kent, Newark, N.Y., 3-3, 1,372, $1,500. 

9, ss-Ron Mohr, Las Vegas, 2-4, 1,366, $1,250. 

10, Tony Johnson, Canton, Ohio, 2-3-1, 1,345, $1,250. 

11, ss-Harry Sullins, Chesterfield Twp., Mich., 3-1-2, 1,344, $1,250. 

12, Greg Thomas, Irmo, S.C., 3-3, 1,327, $1,250. 

13, Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix, 2-4, 1,324, $1,250. 

14, Stoney Baker, Canton, Ga., 2-4, 1,304, $1,250. 

15, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Oxford, Fla., 2-4, 1,295, $1,250. 

16, ss-Lee Brosius, Ashburn, Va., 0-6, 1,123, $1,250.

Modified Match Play Round 1 (after five games, including match play bonus pins) 

17, ss-Mike Dias, Lafayette, Colo., 2-3, 1,130, $1,100. 

18, Ernie Segura Jr., Taylor, Mich., 3-2, 1,126, $1,100. 

19, ss-Bruce Hall, Westborough, Mass., 2-3, 1,079, $1,100. 

20, Neil Kassel, Beavercreek, Ohio, 2-3, 1,075, $1,100. 

21, ss-Tom Baker, King, N.C., 3-2, 1,060, $1,100. 

22, Rick Zakrajsek, Lorain, Ohio, 1-4, 1,054, $1,100. 

23, Ed Carter, Austintown, Ohio, 2-3, 1,051, $1,100. 

24, Eddie Graham, Kettering, Ohio, 1-4, 1,022, $1,100.

Other Cashers (after five-game cashers’ round)

25, John Marsala, St. Louis, Mo., 981, $1,000. 

26, ss-Warren Nelson, Hemet, Calif., 966, $1,000. 

27, ss-Christopher Keane, Cape Coral, Fla., 963, $1,000. 

28, ss-Tom Carter, Columbus, Ohio, 960, $1,000. 

29, ss-Darryl Bower, Middletown, Pa., 959, $1,000. 

30, ss-Johnny Petraglia, Jackson, N.J., 947, $1,000. 

31, ss-Edward Silva, Manteca, Calif., 942, $1,000. 

32, Dave Han, Birmingham, Ala., 927, $1,000. 

33, Gary Alstott, Washington, Ill., 919., $1,000.

ss-PBA60 player ages 60 and older.

PBA50 News

ANDERSON, Ind. – Newcomer John Marsala of St. Louis, beat Michael Haugen Jr. of Phoenix, 224-218, in the title match to win the PBA50 Dave Small’s Championship Lanes Classic presented by Roto Grip Tuesday for his first PBA50 Tour title.

Marsala, bowling in his fifth PBA50 Tour tournament, took control after five consecutive strikes in the middle of the title match and sewed up the win with a nine count on his first ball in the 10th frame. Haugen, whose second-place finish was enough to win PBA50 Player of the Year, was unable to string strikes until the ninth and 10th frame but by then it was too late.

Marsala won all six of his matches in the final round of match play earlier in the day to earn the top spot for the stepladder finals.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Marsala, who won his first title in topflight competition. “It’s something I’ve thought about since I was a kid.

“I knew I had to stay relaxed because I had to make sure I kept the ball in play,” the 55-year-old left-hander said of the title match. “I just had the attitude that win or lose, this tournament was a win for me. It was beyond my expectations.”

Haugen, the only two-time winner this season, also has two second-place and two third-place finishes which helped him take the player of the year crown.

The 51-year-old Haugen had to work hard for his runner-up finish earning the last position in the cashers’ round and then advanced through two match play rounds to earn the No. 2 qualifying position for the finals.

“To win player of the year was a goal but you never know when it’s going to happen,” said the 2017 PBA50 Rookie of the Year. “As the season went on the confidence was building especially after my second win but all you can do is believe in yourself and hope good things will happen.

“Like I often say; wash, rinse and repeat,” Haugen added. “My goal is to keep it simple because it puts me in the best position to make the right adjustments and ball choices. I knew if I kept making shows I’d have a good shot at player of the year so I guess the formula worked.”

In the opening stepladder match between two of PBA’s all-time greats, No. 5 qualifier Parker Bohn III of Jackson, N.J. beat fellow PBA Hall of Famer and 11-time PBA50 Tour winner Walter Ray Williams Jr. of Oxford, Fla., when he won a one-frame roll-off, 10-9, after tying the match 247-247.

In the second match, Bohn, a four-time PBA50 Tour titlist, defeated seven-time PBA Tour winner Steve Jaros of Yorkville, Ill., 279-241, to advance to the semifinal where he lost to Haugen, 257-178.

The PBA50 Tour regular season concludes with the season’s final major when Spectrum Lanes in Wyoming, Mich., hosts the PBA50 Cup presented by DV8 Aug. 9-12. Players 60 and over will conclude the season with the PBA60 Dick Weber Championship Aug. 14-16 at Pro Bowl West in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Fans can catch all the action on PBA’s online bowling channel PBA Xtra Frame on FloBowling. For subscription and schedule information visit www.flobowling.com.

PBA50 DAVE SMALL’S CHAMPIONSHIP LANES CLASSIC

Presented by Roto Grip

Dave Small’s Championship Lanes, Anderson, Ind., Tuesday

Final Standings:

1, John Marsala, St. Louis, $7,500.

2, Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix, $4,000.

3, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., $2,500.

4, Steve Jaros, Yorkville, Ill., $2,000.

5, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Oxford, Fla. $1,750.

Stepladder Results:

Match One – Bohn def. Williams, 247-247 (Bohn won one-frame roll-off, 10-9).

Match Two – Bohn def. Jaros, 279-241.

Semifinal Match – Haugen def. Bohn, 257-178.

Championship Match – Marsala def. Haugen, 224-218.

Modified Match Play Round 2 (after six games, including match play bonus pins. Top five advance to stepladder finals)

1, John Marsala, St. Louis, Mo., 6-0, 1,701. 

2, Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix, 5-1, 1,618. 

3, Steve Jaros, Yorkville, Ill., 3-3, 1,613. 

4, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Oxford, Fla., 4-2, 1,577. 

5, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 3-3, 1,575. 

6, Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, 3-3, 1,520, $1,500. 

7, Bryan Goebel, Shawnee, Kan., 4-2, 1,515, $1,500. 

8, Bob Learn Jr., Erie, Pa., 4-2, 1,509, $1,500. 

9, Eddie Graham, Kettering, Ohio, 3-3, 1,496, $1,250. 

10, Doug Henry, Columbus, Ind., 2-3-1, 1,446, $1,250. 

11, Kevin Duncan, Mexico, Mo., 3-3, 1,441, $1,250. 

12, ss-Harry Sullins, Chesterfield Twp., Mich., 1-4-1, 1,431, $1,250. 

13, ss-Ron Mohr, Las Vegas, 1-5, 1,354, $1,250. 

14, ss-David Axon, Bellevue, Neb., 2-4, 1,348, $1,250. 

15, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 2-4, 1,320, $1,250. 

16, Brian Voss, Centennial, Colo., 1-5, 1,307, $1,250.

Modified Match Play Round 1 (after five games, including match play bonus pins)

17, Doug Kent, Newark, N.Y., 2-3, 1,228, $1,100. 

18, Rolando Sebelen, Dominican Republic, 3-2, 1,190, $1,100. 

19, Stoney Baker, Canton, Ga., 2-3, 1,179, $1,100. 

20, ss-Mike Dias, Lafayette, Colo., 2-3, 1,157, $1,100. 

21, Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., 3-2, 1,153, $1,100. 

22, ss-Christopher Keane, Cape Coral, Fla., 2-3, 1,098, $1,100. 

23, ss-Tom Carter, Columbus, Ohio, 1-4, 1,086, $1,100. 

24, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, 1-4, 942, $1,100. 

Other Cashers (after five-game cashers’ round)

25, Danny Clark, New Palestine, Ind., 1,124, $1,000. 

26, ss-Marty Berke, Allentown, Pa., 1,099, $1,000. 

27, Chris Gibbons, Madison, Wis., 1,094, $1,000. 

28, ss-Gary Reh, Fort Mohave, Ariz., 1,064, $1,000. 

29, ss-Charlie Tapp, Kalamazoo, Mich., 1,047, $1,100. 

30, ss-Sammy Ventura, Syracuse, N.Y., 1,041, $1,000. 

31, n, ss-Julius Mickel, Omaha, Neb., 1,029, $1,000. 

32, ss-John Dudak, Orland Park, Ill., 1,024, $1,000. 

33, ss-Warren Nelson, Hemet, Calif., 1,016, $1,000. 

34, ss-Paul Mielens, Menomonie, Wis., 1,012, $1,000. 

35, ss-Tom Baker, King, N.C., 1,007, $1,000. 

36, ss-Ron Profitt, Brookville, Ohio, 697, $1,000.

n-non-member

ss-PBA60 player ages 60 and older

PBA50 News

.@PBohn3 advances to face the hottest hand right now on the PBA50 Tour, Michael Haugen Jr. at the Dave Small’s Championship Lanes Classic now on https://t.co/0ULSoa1rrm. #PBA #PBA50 #GoBowling pic.twitter.com/VSIkq33Tpr

— PBA Tour (@PBATour) August 7, 2018

WE HAVE A ROLL-OFF!! #PBA50 WRW III vs. PB III pic.twitter.com/W59igCxqWS

— PBA Tour (@PBATour) August 7, 2018

WYOMING, Mich. – Brian Kretzer of Dayton, Ohio, defeated PBA Hall of Famer Amleto Monacelli, 259-225, in the title match of the PBA50 Cup presented by DV8 Sunday at Spectrum Lanes to win his first title on PBA’s tour for players 50 and over.

Monacelli jumped out to the early lead with four strikes in a row to start the title match and looked to be well in control with a 20-pin lead in the fifth frame. A turning point in the match came when Kretzer was able to convert the 2-4-10 split in the fifth frame to stay in the match and then went on to finish with seven consecutive strikes for the win. Still in contention in the ninth frame, Monacelli got a bad break when he left a pocket 7-10 split which ended his hopes of winning his fifth PBA50 Tour major title.

“When I left the 2-4-10 in the fifth frame I told myself that the match isn’t over if I can make this split,” Kretzer said. “I was fortunate to make it and then I just had to buckle down. It was up to me to make the right adjustments and make good shots for the rest of the match.”

Kretzer finished second after the qualifying portion of the tournament and put together a 10-6 record in match play earlier in the day Sunday which helped him earn the No. 1 qualifying position for the stepladder finals.

“I had a good feeling the whole tournament,” said the 52-year-old Kretzer, who also owns one PBA Tour title. “There was really never a time in the tournament where I felt like I was in trouble. It just seemed like all the ingredients were there to get it done this time.”

Earlier this season Kretzer finished second in the Suncoast PBA Senior U.S. Open and had other top finishes of third in the Security Federal Savings Bank Championship and River City Extreme Open.

Monacelli beat South Shore Open winner Eugene McCune of Munster, Ind., who qualified second for the finals, 250-181, in the semifinal match to advance to the title match against Kretzer.

In the second match, Monacelli, who qualified third for the finals, beat fellow Hall of Famer Parker Bohn III, 237-192, to advance to the semifinal.

It was a memorable fourth-place finish for Bohn after taking a side trip to New York between the first and second rounds to participate in a National Bowling Day segment on “FOX & Friends” Saturday morning in New York City. He returned just in time to make the second round Saturday afternoon and went on to take top qualifier honors. In Sunday’s match play, he posted a 10-6 record which helped him earn the No. 4 position for the finals.

In the opening stepladder match Bohn defeated PBA Hall of Famer Ron Mohr of Las Vegas, 248-214, to advance to the second match against Monacelli. Bohn was trying for his fifth PBA50 Tour title and Mohr was trying for his 11th.

The 2018 PBA50 Tour season ends Aug. 14-16 with the PBA60 Dick Weber Championship presented by 900 Global for players 60 and over at Pro Bowl West in Fort Wayne, Ind.

The PBA60 Dick Weber Championship will be streamed live on PBA’s online bowling channel PBA Xtra Frame on Flo Bowling. Subscription information is available by visiting www.flobowling.com.

PBA50 CUP

Presented by DV8

Spectrum Lanes, Wyoming, Mich., Sunday

Final Standings:

1, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, $10,000.

2, Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, $5,500.

3, Eugene McCune, Munster, Ind., $3,000.

4, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., $2,500.

5, Ron Mohr, Las Vegas, $2,000.

Stepladder Results:

Match One – Bohn def. Mohr, 248-214.

Match Two – Monacelli def. Bohn, 237-192.

Semifinal Match – Monacelli def. McCune, 250-181

Championship Match – Kretzer def. Monacelli, 259-225.

FOURTH ROUND RESULTS (after 32 games. Top five advance to stepladder finals. Includes match play record and total pinfall including bonus pins)

1, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, 10-6, 7,316. 

2, n-Eugene McCune, Munster, Ind., 13-3, 7,252. 

3, Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, 10-6, 7,238. 

4, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 10-6, 7,233. 

5, Ron Mohr, Las Vegas, 10-6, 7,216. 

6, Brian LeClair, Albany, N.Y., 12-4, 7,212, $1,800. 

7, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 13-3, 7,142, $1,700. 

8, Greg Thomas, Irmo, S.C., 11-5, 7,067, $1,650. 

9, Rolando Sebelen, Dominican Republic, 9-7, 7,047, $1,600. 

10, Mark Williams, Beaumont, Texas, 11-5, 7,046, $1,550. 

11, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 8-8, 7,004, $1,500. 

12, Doug Kent, Newark, N.Y., 10-6, 6,978, $1,450. 

13, Harry Sullins, Chesterfield Twp., Mich., 8-7-1, 6,902, $1,400. 

14, Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix, 8-7-1, 6,866, $1,375. 

15, Brian Voss, Centennial, Colo., 8-8, 6,851, $1,350. 

16, Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., 7-9, 6,792, $1,325. 

17, Steve Jaros, Yorkville, Ill., 6-10, 6,772, $1,300. 

18, Tony Johnson, Canton, Ohio, 8-8, 6,739, $1,275. 

19, Keith Lesko, Prosper, Texas, 5-11, 6,732, $1,250. 

20, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Oxford, Fla., 5-10-1, 6,728, $1,240. 

21, Tom Baker, King, N.C., 7-9, 6,712, $1,230. 

22, John Burkett, Southlake, Texas, 8-8, 6,706, $1,220. 

23, n-Michael Kereluk, Warren, Mich., 6-10, 6,613, $1,210. 

24, Scott Greiner, Sunrise Beach, Mo., 5-11, 6,577, $1,200. 

25, Bob Learn Jr., Erie, Pa., 6-10, 6,543, $1,190. 

26, Mark Sullivan, Indianapolis, 5-11, 6,531, $1,180. 

27, Bryan Goebel, Shawnee, Kan., 4-11-1, 6,517, $1,170. 

28, David Axon, Bellevue, Neb., 5-11, 6,489, $1,160. 

29, Tony Rodriguez Jr., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., 7-9, 6,475, $1,155. 

30, Tom Carter, Columbus, Ohio, 1-7, 6,101, $1,150.

THIRD ROUND RESULTS (after 24 games. Includes match play record and total pinfall including bonus pins. All players advance to fourth round)

1, Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, 5-3, 5,457. 

2, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, 5-3, 5,412. 

3, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 7-1, 5,350. 

4, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 4-4, 5,348. 

5, Ron Mohr, Las Vegas, 5-3, 5,320. 

6, Brian LeClair, Albany, N.Y., 6-2, 5,305. 

7, n-Eugene McCune, Munster, Ind., 7-1, 5,301. 

8, Rolando Sebelen, Dominican Republic, 4-4, 5,258. 

9, Harry Sullins, Chesterfield Twp., Mich., 4-3-1, 5,257. 

10, Greg Thomas, Irmo, S.C., 5-3, 5,231. 

11, Mark Williams, Beaumont, Texas, 5-3, 5,186. 

12, Tony Johnson, Canton, Ohio, 5-3, 5,153. 

13, Steve Jaros, Yorkville, Ill., 4-4, 5,134. 

14, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Oxford, Fla., 4-3-1, 5,124. 

15, Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix, 4-3-1, 5,112. 

16, Doug Kent, Newark, N.Y., 5-3, 5,107. 

17, Brian Voss, Centennial, Colo., 3-5, 5,098. 

18, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 6-2, 5,087. 

19, (tie) Tom Baker, King, N.C., 4-4, and John Burkett, Southlake, Texas, 4-4, 5,048. 

21, Keith Lesko, Prosper, Texas, 1-7, 5,023. 

22, Bryan Goebel, Shawnee, Kan., 3-4-1, 5,017. 

23, n-Michael Kereluk, Warren, Mich., 2-6, 5,009. 

24, Mark Sullivan, Indianapolis, 3-5, 4,983. 

25, Peter Knopp, Germany, 2-6, 4,966. 

26, Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., 2-6, 4,923. 

27, Scott Greiner, Sunrise Beach, Mo., 2-6, 4,898. 

28, Bob Learn Jr., Erie, Pa., 2-6, 4,896. 

29, David Axon, Bellevue, Neb., 2-6, 4,824. 

30, Tony Rodriguez Jr., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., 3-5, 4,818.

n-non-member

PBA50 News

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – PBA Hall of Famer and Fort Wayne native Ron Mohr won all four stepladder finals matches and threw three strikes in the 10th frame of the title match to win the PBA60 Dick Weber Championship presented by 900 Global Thursday at Pro Bowl West.

The 62-year-old Mohr, who qualified fifth for the finals, defeated top qualifier Harry Sullins of Chesterfield Twp., Mich., 237-235, for his second tournament win for players 60 and over. His first came in the 2017 Super Senior Classic.

Sullins, who finished the match first, made a late run finishing with five consecutive strikes and a nine-count which forced Mohr to get the first two strikes and at least nine on his fill ball in the 10th to win.

“I felt really confident on the right lane so I wasn’t worried about that,” said Mohr, who bowled his 10th frame on the right lane. “The left lane was the challenge and I found myself having to make a number of adjustments. I just had to read and react, stay in the moment and keep telling myself to stay slow.”

It was Mohr’s second senior win of the season after winning the PBA50 Northern California Classic in May for his 10th PBA50 Tour title. Sullins, a three-time PBA50 Tour winner, was trying for his first national senior title since winning the 2011 Senior Lake County Open.

Mohr found himself dangerously close to elimination more than once in the tournament. He started the tournament 44th after the first qualifying round and scrambled to make the cut to match play finishing second round qualifying in 25th after dropping as low as 31st. He then had to win his position round match in the final game of match play Thursday morning to take the fifth qualifying spot for the finals.

“I’ve made a lot of comebacks in a tournament for a good finish or to win but this one ranks right at the top,” said Mohr, who now makes his home in Las Vegas. “I don’t recall ever being on the brink of being eliminated as much as I was in this tournament.

“It’s a spectacular way to wrap up the season in a season where I accomplished way more than I thought I would,” he added. “This is extra special because I grew up here.”

Mohr, who earned his third consecutive PBA60 Player of the Year award, started the finals with a 288-215 win over No. 4 qualifier Christopher Keane of Cape Coral, Fla., who was trying for his first national senior title.

Mohr then went on to beat No. 3 qualifier, PBA Hall of Famer Brian Voss of Centennial, Colo., who turned 60 earlier this month to become eligible for the Dick Weber Championship, 249-212, in the second match.

In the semifinal, Mohr beat PBA50 Tour veteran Sammy Ventura of Syracuse, N.Y., also trying for his first senior title, 224-184, to advance to the title match against Sullins.

The Dick Weber Championship was streamed live on PBA Xtra Frame on Flobowling now featuring multiple streams. Next on the Xtra Frame calendar is the PBA Tour’s Xtra Frame Gene Carter Pro Shop Classic Aug. 18-19. For subscription information visit www.flobowling.com.

PBA60 DICK WEBER CHAMPIONSHIP

Presented by 900 Global

Pro Bowl West, Fort Wayne, Ind., Thursday

Final Standings:

1, Ron Mohr, Las Vegas, $7,500

2, Harry Sullins, Chesterfield Twp., Mich., $4,000.

3, Sammy Ventura, Syracuse, N.Y., $2,500.

4, Brian Voss, Centennial, Colo., $2,000.

5, Chris Keane, Cape Coral, Fla., $1,750.

Stepladder Results:

Match One – Mohr def. Keane, 288-215

Match Two – Mohr def. Voss, 249-212.

Semifinal Match – Mohr def. Ventura, 224-184.

Championship Match – Mohr def. Sullins, 237-235.

FOURTH ROUND RESULTS (after 26 games. Top five advance to stepladder finals. Includes match play record and total pinfall including bonus pins)

1, Harry Sullins, Chesterfield Twp., Mich., 8-4, 6,500. 

2, Sammy Ventura, Syracuse, N.Y., 9-3, 6,447. 

3, Brian Voss, Centennial, Colo., 9-2-1, 6,327. 

4, Christopher Keane, Cape Coral, Fla., 8-4, 6,226. 

5, Ron Mohr, Las Vegas, 8-4, 6,180. 

6, n-Leroy Johnson, Chicago, 8-4, 6,167, $1,600. 

7, Tom Carter, Columbus, Ohio, 6-6, 6,157, $1,500. 

8, Bruce Hall, Westborough, Mass., 7-5, 6,089, $1,450. 

9, Mike Dias, Lafayette, Colo., 7-5, 6,084, $1,400. 

10, Ed Silva, Manteca, Calif., 8-4, 6,066, $1,350. 

11, Darryl Bower, Middletown, Pa., 7-5, 6,003, $1,300. 

12, (tie) Dale Csuhta, Wadsworth, Ohio, 5-7, 6,001, and Charlie Tapp, Kalamazoo, Mich., 7-5, 6,001, $1,238. 

14, Kevin Foley, Reno, Nev., 6-6, 5,985, $1,200. 

15, Johnny Petraglia, Jackson, N.J., 7-5, 5,954, $1,175. 

16, William Peters, Dayton, Ohio, 6-6, 5,947, $1,150. 

17, n-Julius Mickel, Omaha, Neb., 6-6, 5,922, $1,140. 

18, n-Ed Austreng, Wterford, Mich., 9-3, 5,909, $1,130. 

19, n-Gary Kinyon, Lockport, N.Y., 7-5, 5,857, $1,120. 

20, Sam Maccarone, Williamstown, N.J., 6-6, 5,854, $1,110. 

21, Tom Baker, King, N.C., 7-5, 5,823, $1,105. 

22, Warren Nelson, Hemet, Calif., 4-8, 5,817, $1,100. 

23, Paul Mielens, Menomonie, Wis., 5-7, 5,754, $1,095. 

24, James Storts, Westfield, Ind., 4-7-1, 5,743, $1,090. 

25, Don Blatchford, Santa Monica, Calif., 5-7, 5,721, $1,085. 

26, Michael Chrzanowski, Shepherd, Mich., 4-8, 5,713, $1,080. 

27, Patrick King, Yankton, S.D., 3-9, 5,701, $1,075. 

28, John DiSantis, Wilmington, Del., 4-8, 5,694, $1,070. 

29, n-Gus Yannaras, Greenfield, Wis., 3-9, 5,642, $1,065. 

30, Henry Dawson, Elma, Wash., 3-9, 5,619, $1,060. 

31, Phillip Moros, Lombard, Ill., 4-8, 5,588, $1,055. 

32, Mark Everette, Aliquippa, Pa., 1-11, 5,414, $1,050.

n-non-member

SHALLOTTE, N.C. – In a showdown between two of the Professional Bowlers Association’s all-time greats, PBA Hall of Famer Walter Ray Williams Jr. beat fellow hall of famer and top qualifier Norm Duke, 259-237, in the title match Sunday to win the PBA50 Storm Invitational at Planet Fun Bowling & Entertainment Center.

Williams and Duke were part of an elite 14-player field that competed in the “all-star” non-title special event that featured the top 12 in points from PBA’s tour for players 50 and over plus invitees hall of famers Johnny Petraglia and Brian Voss.

Down by eight pins in the fourth frame of the title match, Williams, the PBA Tour’s career titles leader with 47 wins and an 11-time PBA50 Tour winner, took advantage of a missed 9-pin by Duke in the fifth frame and then struck on the next seven of eight shots to take the title.

“When I got done with practice I wasn’t real excited about how I was going to play the lanes,” said Williams, who turns 59 on Oct. 6. Going into the semifinal match I planned on playing the lanes straighter but I had to make an adjustment a little further inside and hook it a little more. When I go to the title match against Norm I started to feel pretty comfortable and didn’t miss the pocket.

“Both of us threw good shots in the title match,” Williams added. “I was fortunate that I only left two 10 pins.”

Both Williams and Duke, who is third on the all-time PBA Tour titles list with 38 wins and also owns five PBA50 Tour titles, have been bowling against each other in tour competition for more than three decades.

“We’ve been bowling against each other for a long time and he’s a great player,” Williams said. “When you bowl someone like Norm, you always feel fortunate to come out on the winning end.”

Williams finished the season fourth in points with three runner-up finishes and two other top-five finishes including fifth in the PBA50 National Championship. Duke, who finished fifth in points, had one title in 2018 and runner-up finishes in the PBA50 National Championship and USBC Senior Masters.

Williams, who qualified second for the finals after two seven-game match play rounds, defeated No. 3 qualifier five-time PBA Tour winner Ryan Shafer of Horseheads, N.Y., 256-212, in the semifinal to advance to the title match against Duke.

Shafer, who finished ninth in points, had six PBA50 Tour top-10 finishes including a career best of second.

In the second match, Shafer beat USBC Hall of Famer and 2018 PBA50 National Championship winner Lennie Boresch Jr. of Kenosha, Wis., who qualified fifth for the finals, 257-222, to advance to the semifinal match against Williams.

In the opening match Boresch, who finished the season seventh in points, beat 2018 PBA50 Player of the Year and season points leader Michael Haugen Jr., of Phoenix, 225-207, to advance to the second stepladder match against Shafer.

Haugen, a five-time tour and three-time PBA50 Tour winner, had two wins, two second and two third-place finishes in 2018

PBA50 STORM INVITATIONAL

Planet Fun Bowling & Entertainment Center

Shallotte, N.C.

Final Standings

1, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Oxford, Fla., $10,000

2, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., $5,000

3, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., $3,500

4, Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis. $2,500.

5, Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix, $2,000.

Stepladder Results

Match One – Boresch def. Haugen, 225-207.

Match Two – Shafer def. Boresch, 257-222.

Semifinal – Williams def. Shafer, 256-212.

Final – Williams def. Duke, 259-237.

SECOND ROUND RESULTS

(after 14 games. Includes match play record and total pinfall including bonus pins. Top five advance to stepladder finals)

1, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 8-5-1, 3,633. 

2, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Oxford, Fla., 10-4, 3,573. 

3, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 10-4, 3,566. 

4, Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix, 8-6, 3,505. 

5, Lennie Boresch Jr, Kenosha, Wis., 9-5, 3,494. 

6, Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, 8-6, 3,449, $1,700. 

7, Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, 8-6, 3,350, $1,600. 

8, Brian Voss, Cornelius, N.C., 6-8, 3,257, $1,500. 

9, Bob Learn Jr, Erie, Pa., 6-8, 3,241, $1,400. 

10, Ron Mohr, Las Vegas, 4-8-2, 3,030, $1,300. 

11, Johnny Petraglia, Jackson, N.J., 5-8-1, 2,935, $1,200. 

12, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 3-11, 2,931, $1,100.

13, Harry Sullins, Chesterfield Twp., Mich., 4-10, 2,921, $1,050. 

14, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 4-7, 2,436, $1,000, WD.

PBA 50 NEWS