2003/02/28

Williams to Set Single-Season Money Record

Walter Ray Williams Jr.

Walter Ray Williams Jr. didn't show any signs of rust as he won his Round of 32 match in the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Odor-Eaters Open at Executive Strike and Spare Friday night.

Williams, Ocala, Fla., who missed last week's event in Burlington, N.C., had no trouble defeating challenger Steve Wilson four-games-to-one in their best-of-seven match.

With the victory, Williams is guaranteed to break the single-season earnings record of $298,237 formerly held by Mike Aulby in 1989. Williams entered the event with $296,100.

"It felt good to pass the mark, but I'm not finished yet," said the 36-time titlist. "I knew I would do it at the World Championship next week, but I wanted to do it this week."

Wilson, Lake Worth, Fla., took the first match 255-182, but was overwhelmed by a barrage of strikes from Williams. The five-time Player of the Year won the next four games with scores of 239, 237, 289 and 279.

"I'm pleased with the way I'm bowling this week," he said. "I'm playing more inside, which is not my strong suit, but I'm just glad I could make good shots when I needed them."

Danny Wiseman locked a seed in the top eight of next week's PBA World Championship with a 4-3 win over Chris Barnes. Wiseman, Baltimore, defeated Barnes 243-223 in game seven to advance to the next round.

In other action, Doug Kent, Nick Vogelgesang, Mike Mineman and Mike Shoemaker each advanced 4-0 in their Round of 32 matches. Jim Tomek Jr. advanced 4-1 over Steve Jaros. Jaros, Bolingbrook, Ill., needed a win to advance as the only player that could have contested Wiseman for the last World Championship seed.

Leading qualifier Mike Edwards survived a seven-game match with Lee Vanderhoef. Edwards, Tulsa, Okla., finished the match with a 268-224 win to qualify for the Round of 16.

Other winners from Friday night's competition were: Lonnie Waliczek, Bryon Smith, Michael Fagan, Steve Hoskins, Patrick Healey Jr., Tommy Jones, and Dave D'Entremont.

　

　　【PBA】　PBA Odor-Eaters Open　【Round 2】

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2003/02/27

Two Tied for Top Position

Joe Petrowski and Brian Kretzer each averaged 228.11 to share the first-round lead at the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Odor-Eaters Open at Executive Strike and Spare on Thursday.

Petrowski, a part-time players from E. Syracuse, N.Y., recorded a 2,053 score for nine games in the morning qualifying session. Kretzer, a second-year player from Dayton, Ohio, matched the score during the evening qualifying round.

"This is a big thrill for me," said Petrowski, a four-year PBA member. "Everything fell my way today, and I hope I can keep it going tomorrow."

Although this is only his fifth Tour event, Petrowski says he's up to the challenge of competing for the title.

"I feel like I can compete out here with these guys," he said. "We've seen patterns like this in regional events, so it was just a matter of having the right ball in my hand at the right time."

Kretzer, who has one finals appearance, says his ability to strike was an all or nothing proposition.

"This is a difficult center to strike in," he said. "Luckily I made the right ball change, and everything fell into place."

In third place was Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla., with a 2,037 total. The one-time champion averaged 226.33, and is only 16 pins behind Petrowski. Rounding out the top five were Hall of Famer Tom Baker, Buffalo, N.Y., with 2,023 and Mike Shoemaker, Conroe, Texas, who recorded a 2,020 score.

Defending champion Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., withdrew from the competition due to illness. Local favorite Mike Wolfe, New Albany, Ind., failed to make the cut, falling two pins short of 64th place with 1,839.

Michael Fagan, Greenlawn, N.Y., rolled the first 300 game of the event during qualifying. Fagan qualified for the second round with a 1,936 score (215.11 average).

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2003/02/23

Tar Heel Repeat

Pete Weber

For the first time in his career, Pete Weber successfully defended a title Sunday at the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tar Heel Open at Country Club Lanes - West.

Weber, St. Ann, Mo., earned his 29th career title and the $40,000 first prize with a 245-182 victory over Brian Voss. It was Webers first win since he won at Burlington in the 2001-02 season. He is now tied with Parker Bohn III for fourth on the all-time win list.

"I tried to downplay the repeat thing, but it feels a lot better than I thought," said Weber. "When I hear the crowd cheering and realized it happened, it really hit me that I repeated."

A pair of 10-pin spares in frames two and three were all that separated Weber from perfection in the first nine frames. Voss recorded strikes in frames two and four, but a 1-2-4-10 leave and a 6-7-10 split was too much to overcome.

"He just had the wrong ball in his hand," said Weber of Voss. "We've all done it. I feel sorry for him now, but I didn't feel sorry for him during the match."

Voss, Atlanta, was looking to surpass the $2 million career earnings mark with a win, but just couldn't find the right ball reaction in the championship match.

"It was Petes day today," said Voss, who earned $20,000 for second. "You had to be really sharp on the pattern, and Pete was the better player."

In the end, Weber says his aggressive style was the difference.

"I was catching every bit of the shot in the finals," said Weber. "I took advantage of what I had, and you if want to win you have to take advantage of the breaks."

In the semifinals, Weber defeated Ryan Shafer 248-198, while Voss beat Steve Jaros 224-222. Shafer, Elmira, N.Y., and Jaros, Bolingbrook, Ill., tied for third place worth $10,000. In the wild-card match, Shafer defeated Mike Wolfe, 216-194. Wolfe, New Albany, Ind., received $9,000 for fifth place.

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2003/02/22

PDW Defends Tar Heel Open

Pete Weber

Pete Weber is in position to win defend his title Sunday at the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tar Heel Open at Country Club Lanes - West.

In a battle of PBA Hall of Famers, Weber, St. Ann, Mo., used a three-games-to-two victory over Tom Baker, Buffalo, N.Y., to advance to the semifinals. Weber, a 28-time titlist, has never successfully defended a title on the PBA Tour, but made it a possibility with a win on Saturday night.

"I've won titles in the same bowling center in consecutive years, but I've never defended," said Weber. "I'm not worried about defending. My goal is to win."

Weber entered the match with a 7-1 record for the tournament, and rolled 267 to win in game five. He was guaranteed a spot in the five-player finals, but said he didn't want to depend on advancing as a wild-card.

"I didn't want to be the wild-card," he said. "I think it's a cheap way to make the show. So I didn't want to leave any doubt."

Joining Weber in the finals is fellow Hall of Famer Brian Voss, Atlanta. He swept past part-time player Bruce Falcon, Bay City, Mich. to advance to his third finals of the season. A win tomorrow would push Voss over the $2 million mark for career earnings.

"I'm definitely on top of my game," said Voss, a 22-time titlist. "I'm looking forward to the $2 million mark, but I just want to win. You can never get enough of that winning feeling."

Ryan Shafer, Elmira, N.Y., makes his fourth telecast with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y. Shafer, a three-time titlist won the first two games, but needed all five to advance to the finals.

"Brad should have won the match, but I'm very happy to be on the show," he said. "I should have made the shows in Detroit and Las Vegas, so I feel I have something to prove."

Steve Jaros advanced to the finals with a 3-0 sweep of Mike Wolfe. Jaros, Bolingbrook, Ill., is making his third show of the season.

"I'm looking forward to tomorrow," said Jaros, who faces Voss in the semifinals. "To be the best, you have to beat the best. The guys in the finals are great champions, and I feel I'm up tot the challenge."

Wolfe was able to qualify for the finals as the wild-card. He faces Shafer in the opening match for the right to bowl Weber in the semifinals.

　

Baker Bounces Back

Tom Baker

Tom Baker continues to be pushed to the limit at the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tar Heel Open at Country Club Lanes - West Saturday afternoon.

Baker, Buffalo, N.Y., was down two-games-to-none in his best-of-five game match against David Traber, Woodstock, Ill. But Baker recovered with games of 248, 246 and 233 to win the match 3-2 and advance to the Round of 8 matches this evening.

"It's not exactly the way I want to move on, but a win is a win," he said. "I just hope my next match doesn't go that long."

It's been that kind of tournament for Baker. The PBA Hall of Famer was down 3-0 in his best-of-seven match with Mike Shoemaker last night and managed to come back to win the match.

"When you're down in a match, you just have to keep grinding," he said. "As long as you still have a pulse, you still have a chance to win."

In other Round of 16 matches, Pete Weber continues his trek to a repeat title by sweeping Brian Waliczek, 3-0. By virtue of his 7-1 overall record, Weber is guaranteed a spot in the finals. Brad Angelo, a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year, moved closer to his first finals appearance with a 3-1 win over Patrick Allen. He will face three-time champion Ryan Shafer, who advanced 3-1 over Randy Weiss.

Bob Learn Jr. ended his run for two straight finals appearances with a 3-2 loss to Mike Wolfe. Wolfe faces Steve Jaros in the Round of Eight. Brian Voss' stellar play continued on Saturday with a 3-0 victory over Michael Fagan. He faces Bruce Falcon, who swept past Tyler Jensen 3-0.

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2003/02/21

Voss Wins Match of the Year

Brian Voss

Brian Voss and Norm Duke answered the "friend or foe" question Friday night at the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tar Heel Open at Country Club Lanes - West.

Duke, Clermont, Fla., and Voss, Atlanta, put their friendship aside for a seven-game battle that lived up to the advanced billing. In the end, it was Voss who won the Round of 32 match 4-3. Voss survived being down three games to one and a 298 game, and finished the slugfest with a 289-268 decision in game seven.

"We rode to the center together, but there are no friends on the approach," said Voss, a PBA Hall of Famer. "We both knew it was going to be a good match, but I don't think either of us expected this."

The players split the first two games before Duke rolled 298 in game three, and followed with 262 in game four. Duke lost his strike line in games five and six, and Voss took advantage, winning with scores of 247-237.

Game seven was a pitchers duel, with both players starting with the first five strikes before Duke left a seven pin. Voss wouldn't stop until the 10th frame, and finished with a 289-268 victory.

"It's what the crowd wanted," said Voss. "A win like this will only make me tougher to beat."

Defending champion Pete Weber took out Jason Couch 4-1. Weber, St. Ann, Mo., rolled games of 234, 247, 214, 225 and 257, to move to the next round. Leading qualifier Bob Learn Jr. was pushed to seven games before defeating Brian LeClair 4-3. In the deciding game, Learn bested LeClair 247-214 to move advance to the Round of 16 for the second straight week.

Brian Waliczek, Tyler Jensen, and Mike Wolfe, all swept their first round matches 4-0. Waliczek will face Weber, Wolfe will bowl Learn, and Jensen will bowl Bruce Falcon in the Round of 16. Other winners on Friday night were: Steve Jaros, Tommy Jones, Michael Fagan, Tom Baker, David Traber, Randy Weiss, Ryan Shafer, Brad Angelo and Patrick Allen.

　

Learn Tops Qualifying for Second Straight Week

Bob Learn Jr.

Bob Learn Jr., rolled 268 in his final game of qualifying to take over first place at the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tar Heel Open at Country Club Lanes - West Friday afternoon.

For the second consecutive week, Learn, Erie, Pa., led qualifying entering match play. He had a high game of 278 in posting a 4,193 score for 18 games.

"With me, it's been a confidence thing in terms of my performance," said Learn, who finished fifth at last week's VIA Bowling Open. "I'm seeing the ball do what I want it to do, and it's made me a more confident bowler."

Learn averaged 232.94 in qualifying and says that although he's been the qualifying leader the past two tournaments, the way he played the lanes were totally different.

"I played much straighter last week, where this week I'm swinging the ball more," he said. "I'm happy with my game, and the fact that I've led using the full spectrum of my game."

Defending champion Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., moved from sixth place to second with a 4,186 total. The 28-time champion and Hall of Famer averaged 232.55 in qualifying, and is seeking his first win since his triumph in Burlington last year.

First-round leader Tim Criss, Bel Air, Md., fell to third place with 4,175. The five-time titlist is in search of his first victory since the 1999 PBA National Championship.

Ritchie Allen, Tulsa, Okla., fell from second to fourth with a 4,167 score (231.5 average). Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., used a 300 game to move from 40th place to fifth at 4,114 (228.55 average).

Reigning PBA Rookie of the Year Tommy Jones rolled the fourth 300 game of the Tar Heel Open in his final game of the second round. Jones, Greenville, S.C., finished qualifying in ninth place.

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2003/02/20

Criss Keeps Lead

Tim Criss

Tim Criss may be nicknamed "Turtle," but his start was anything but slow Thursday in the PBA Tar Heel Open at Country Club Lanes - West.

Known for his slow ball speed, Criss, Bel Air, Md., recorded a 2,153 score to take the first round lead. He rolled games of 243, 247, 268, 248, 208, 257, 207, 215 and 260 for a nine-game average of 239.22.

"I felt great out there today," said Criss, a five-time winner on Tour. "I was able to play a straighter angle with a weak bowling ball, and I had a great reaction."

Criss is seeking his first title since 1999 when he won the PBA National Championship.

"It's something I think about," he said. "Some of the changes in the sport have forced me out of my comfort zone. But today I was able to play my game, and I hope I can keep it going tomorrow."

Trailing Criss by 18 pins is Ritchie Allen, Tulsa, Okla., with a 2,135 total. The one-time PBA champion averaged 237.22 in his opening round. Chris Warren, University Place, Wash., is in third place with a 2,109 total. The five-time titlist averaged 234.33 for his opening round.

Lonnie Waliczek, Wichita, Kan., is in fourth place with 2,095. Waliczek broke through for his first Tour victory earlier this season at the Storm PBA Las Vegas Classic. John Gaines, Sebring, Fla., rounds out the top five with a 2,083 score.

Justin Hromek, Towanda, Kan, and David Traber, Woodstock, Ill., rolled 300 games during round one of qualifying. Hromek is tied for 19th place, while Traber is in 35th place.

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2003/02/16

Hayden Takes VIA

Chris Hayden

Chris Hayden spoiled the homecoming party for Jason Couch by winning the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) VIA Bowling Open Sunday at Boardwalk Bowl.

Hayden, Greenville, S.C., claimed his first PBA Tour title and became only the second player to go undefeated (12-0) in the PBA's single-elimination match play format. His 236-227 defeat of Couch, Clermont, Fla., earned him the top prize of $40,000.

"It's such an unbelievable feeling to win a title," said Hayden. "To beat a champion like Jason for my first title makes it that much better."

Hayden and Couch were even after four frames, with both players starting with a spare and three strikes. Couch took a one-pin lead after Hayden left the 4-7, and he spared and doubled in the sixth and seventh frames. After a strike in the sixth and a 7-pin spare left Hayden struck in the eighth and ninth frames, while Couch left back-to-back 7-pins.

"Corner-pin leaves have been a concern for every bowler this week," he said. "You just hope that you don't see them in the finals. Unfortunately I didn't carry when I really needed it."

Hayden wrapped up the match with a strike in the 10th, making him the sixth first-time champion on the Tour this season. He says you never would have expected him to win in his rookie season of 1997.

"In my first year on Tour, I only cashed in two of the 16 tournaments I bowled," said Hayden. "So to go from that low of a point to the winner's circle is very rewarding."

In the semifinals, Hayden breezed past Paul Fleming, Bedford, Texas, 265-185. Couch, who qualified as the wild card, defeated qualifying leader Bob Learn Jr., Erie, Pa., 278-209, and Tommy Delutz Jr., Flushing N.Y., 223-209 in the semifinals.

Couch, a 10-time winner on Tour, received $20,000 for finishing second. Fleming and Delutz took home $10,000 each for finishing third, and Learn earned $9,000 for fifth.

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2003/02/15

Couch Coronation Continues

Jason Couch

The homecoming coronation for Jason Couch continued Saturday in the PBA VIA Bowling Open at Boardwalk Bowl.

Couch, Clermont, Fla., kept the hometown crowd on the edge of their seats as he defeated Dennis Horan Jr., Temecula, Calif., 3-2 to qualify for the finals.

"I think half of Clermont was out there tonight," he said. "The pressure of bowling in front of the home folks is tough, but I enjoyed it."

The 10-time titlist has won every deciding match in the tournament, and beat Horan 246-182 in the fifth game. He is one of two lefthanders in the field of five.

"I'm going to be pumped and ready to bowl tomorrow," said Couch. "It's a high-scoring event, and my attitude is to stay aggressive."

The other southpaw in the field is Chris Hayden, Greenville, S.C. He solidified his spot in the finals by sweeping challenger Peter Hernandez, Miami, 3-0.

"It made me more comfortable knowing I was already in the show," said Hayden, who went undefeated in match play. "My game plan for tomorrow will be to try and maintain what I've been doing all week."

Hayden will face Paul Fleming, Bedford, Texas, who qualified for his second consecutive finals appearance. He says his 3-2 victory over leading qualifier Bob Learn Jr. was a building block towards his longevity.

"I was able to learn from the mistakes I made last week," said Fleming. "I know have to bring it on every shot, and I know that's what it will take to win."

Tommy Delutz Jr. advanced to his fourth finals of the season with a 3-1 victory over Michael Machuga, Erie, Pa. Delutz, a two-time winner from Flushing, N.Y., says his ready to win his first title of the season.

"I'm glad I can continue to put myself in position to win, but it's time for me to put the hammer down," he said. "I'm in the top five in earnings, and I've done it without a title. I want to change that tomorrow."

Even with the loss to Fleming, Learn, Erie, Pa., qualified as the wild card, and faces Couch in the opening match. Learn is attempting to become the first player to win a title after leading the qualifying rounds.

"That gives me incentive to bowl tomorrow," he said. "If I'm going to do it, I might as well do it that way."

　

　　【PBA】　PBA VIA Bowling Open　【Round 4】

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2003/02/14

Couch Wins Battle of Jasons

Jason Couch

Jason Couch wowed the hometown crowd with a perfect game as he advanced to the Round of 16 at the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) VIA Bowling Open at Boardwalk Bowl Friday night.

Couch, Clermont, Fla., rolled 300 in the opening game of his best-of-seven game match against Jason Queen, Oreana, Ill. But it wasn't easy for Couch as Queen pushed him to the limit. Couch eventually won a 4-3 decision with a 246-238 victory in game seven.

"It's a shame that someone had to lose that game," said Couch, a 10-time winner on Tour. "Between the two of us, I don't think we missed the pocket five times in the seven games we bowled."

Although he says he felt pressure bowling in front of his home crowd, Couch said he fed off of them as he bowled the match.

"I'm all emotion when I bowl," he said. "So the fact that I had the crowd on my side gave me a nice advantage."

With the win, Couch advances to the Round of 16 to face fellow Floridian Norman Titus, Sebring, Fla. He beat two-time Tour champion Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas, 4-2 in their head-to-head match.

In other matches, Lonnie Waliczek, Wichita, Kan., was pushed to the brink by Brian LeClair, Athens, N.Y., But the Storm Las Vegas Open champion advanced with a 248-235 deciding game win. He will face leading qualifier Bob Learn Jr., Erie, Pa., who advanced with a 4-1 win over Dennis Rakauskas, Apopka, Fla. Also winning in seven games was Michael Machuga, Erie, Pa. He beat 29-time champion Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 4-3.

Hall of Famer Pete Weber was swept 4-0 by Christopher Sand, Chesterfield, Mich. Sand will face Chris Hayden, Greenville, S.C., in the Round of 16. Along with Sand and Hayden, Patrick Allen and Rick Lawrence swept past their opposition in the first round of match play. Other winners on Friday night were Paul Fleming, Lee Johnson, Tommy Delutz Jr., Dennis Horan Jr., Peter Hernandez, Steve Hoskins, Mike Aulby, and Rick Lawrence.

　

　　【PBA】　PBA VIA Bowling Open　【Round 2】

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2003/02/13

Perfect Game Puts Mr. 300 on Top

Bob Learn Jr.

Bob Learn Jr. used a 300 game to power his way to the first round lead Thursday at the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) VIA Bowling Open at Boardwalk Bowl.

Learn, Erie, Pa., rolled 300 in the final game of his qualifying block, and posted a 2,305 score for an average of 256.11. Along with his perfect game, Learn rolled games of 268, 259, 269, 249, 215, 257, 267 and 221.

"I was definitely in a zone out there today," said Learn, who owns five titles. "I was able to play an outside line, and match up quickly. It came down to pin carry, and I was able to get it done."

Learn's 2,305 score was 52-pins short of the nine-game PBA record rolled by Dave D'Entremont in 2002. Learn says his straighter trajectory on the outside line made the difference in his scoring.

"I like to play the gutter," he said. "I think the fact that I played straighter helped me to match up well, and made the difference in my pin carry. It's not hard to get to the pocket today, but you've got to know how to knock all the pins down."

Senior Touring professional and three-time Tour champion Dale Eagle finished second in the nine-game qualifying round with a 2,238 total. Eagle, a former PBA Senior Player of the Year, averaged 248.67. Tommy Delutz Jr., Flushing, N.Y., sits in third place with 2,224. The two-time titlist rolled 299 in game eight of qualifying, and averaged 247.11.

Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas, is in fourth place with 2,201, while Patrick Allen, Tarrytown, N.Y., is in fifth with 2,198.

Along with Learn, Chris Hayden and Bill Guthrie rolled 300 games during round one of qualifying. Hayden, Greenville, S.C., is tied for 27th place, while Guthrie, Orlando, Fla., finished in 96th place, failing to make the cut.

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2003/02/09

Barnes Delivers at Home

Chris Barnes

Chris Barnes ended a 35-tournament winless streak by winning the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Days Inn Open at Don Carter's All-Star Lanes - West Sunday afternoon.

Barnes picked up his fourth PBA Tour title in his adopted hometown of Dallas with a 244-194 victory over Parker Bohn III. It marked only the fifth time a wild card qualifier has won in the ESPN finals.

"It's a big thrill to win here in Dallas," said Barnes, who earned $40,000. "It was great to win here, but I know I don't want to wait 18 months to win again."

Barnes survived a moderate scoring match in the wild card against Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 201-189, before topping fellow Dallas-area player Paul Fleming, 234-201.

Bohn, Jackson, N.J., entered the finals undefeated, and beat Hugh Miller, Seattle, 191-166 in the semifinals, but never got lined up on the championship pair.

"I tried everything out there, and I never really found it," said Bohn, who was seeking his 30th win. "The first 190 game I bowled got me to the final, but I knew 190 wasn't going to be good enough to beat Chris."

In the title match, Barnes started with a spare before stringing three strikes. Bohn chopped the two pin off a 2-4 leave, and only had one strike in the first five frames. A 4-9 split in the fifth frame kept Bohn alive in the match. Barnes rebounded with strikes in frames six through 10 to lock up the match, 244-194.

"I've been able to learn from my mistakes, and not get ahead of myself," said Barnes, who posted four second-place finishes this season. "When you bowl on TV, you don't have a lot of time to think about your game plan. Today I was able to make the right changes at the right time."

Bohn received $20,000 for his runner-up finish, while Fleming and Miller tied for third place, worth $10,000. Weber, who was making his second straight finals, earned $9,000 for fifth.

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2003/02/08

Bohn Finally Cracks Finals

Parker Bohn III

Parker Bohn III used a perfect 10-0 record to advance to the finals in the PBA Days Inn Open at Don Carter's All-Star Lanes - West Saturday afternoon.

Bohn, Jackson, N.J., was guaranteed a spot in the finals by remaining undefeated through the Round of 8 matches. With his ticket to the finals already set, he cruised past fellow Hall of Famer Mark Williams, Beaumont, Texas, with games of 249, 214 and 192.

"Knowing I was in the show definitely made my swing a little easier," said Bohn, a 29-time Tour champion. "Even when you're guaranteed a spot, you never want to have a letdown in a match. You may have to face the same player the next day, and you don't want him to have any kind of advantage."

Bohn will be making his first ESPN finals of the season. He says the longer format of last week's U.S. Open helped him this week.

"We bowled 51 games last week, and it was a grind," he said. "To be focused for that event made me feel I was one step above everyone else this week."

To get to his 30th title, Bohn will have to get by Hugh Miller in the semifinal match. Miller, Seattle, Wash., swept past reigning ABC Masters champion Bryon Smith, three-games-to-none. Miller, who won the season opening Dream Bowl tournament in Japan, is making his fourth finals appearance.

"I've been pushed the entire tournament," said Miller. "I had a match with Ryan Shafer where we tied in back-to-back games. The more I'm pushed, the better I bowl."

Paul Fleming, Bedford, Texas, also advanced to the championship round with a 3-2 victory over Rick Steelsmith, Wichita, Kan. After splitting the first four games, Fleming took advantage of a 4-6-7-10 split in the 10th frame by Steelsmith to escape with a 236-224 win.

"None of my matches this week have been dull," said Fleming, who is making his second finals appearance of the season. "I kept my family and friends on the edges of their seats as they've watched."

Fleming will face the winner of the wild card match, which features Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., and Chris Barnes, Dallas. Weber, who qualified first for match play this week, won their best-of-five match 3-2 and earned his second straight finals berth. No player has won as the No. 1 qualifier in the PBA's single-elimination format (28 total events).

Barnes, by virtue of his match play record, qualifies for his fifth championship round as the wild card.

　

　　【PBA】　PBA Days Inn Open　【Round 4】

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2003/02/07

Barnes Vaults to Saturday

Chris Barnes

Chris Barnes used a 300 game in his match against Mike Wolfe Friday night to advance to the Round of 16 in the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Days Inn Open at Don Carter's All-Star Lanes - West.

After taking a two-games-to-one lead, Barnes, who lives in Dallas, tossed his perfect game to give him a 3-1 edge. He ended the match with a 246-233 decision over Wolfe, New Albany, Ind.

"I didn't expect to shoot 300 on the pair we bowled on," said Barnes. "It was one of the tougher pairs we hit all week. But I'll take it any way it comes."

This was the second meeting between Barnes and Wolfe during the 2002-03 season. The two batted for the right to qualify for the finals of the Greater Wichita Open, which Barnes won 3-0.

"Both times we bowled, we've had hard-fought matches," said Barnes, who faces Randy Weiss in the Round of 16. "I look forward to another good match tomorrow morning."

Barnes is seeking his fifth finals appearance of the season. His last appearance was at the Empire State Open in December, where he finished second for the fourth time this season.

In other matches, top qualifier Pete Weber needed a 289 final game to defeat Michael Machuga, 4-3, while first round leader Bryon Smith swept past Randy Pedersen 4-0. Parker Bohn III, Dave Arnold and Jim Tomek Jr., also swept past their opponents in the first round of match play. Former Senior Player of the Year Bob Glass advanced with a 4-1 victory over Tim Criss. Other winners on Friday were Walter Ray Williams Jr., Paul Fleming, Jason Queen, Rick Steelsmith, Hugh Miller and Mark Williams.

Weber will face Chris Warren, with Walter Ray Williams Jr. squaring off against Fleming. Other matches on Saturday include: Miller vs. Glass; Arnold vs. Smith, Queen vs. Bohn, and Mark Williams vs. Tomek.

　

　　【PBA】　PBA Days Inn Open　【Round 2】

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2003/02/06

Smith Moves Into First

Bryon Smith

Bryon Smith leads the 167-man field Thursday after the first round of qualifying at the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Days Inn Open at Don Carter's All Star Lanes - West.

Smith, Roseburg, Ore., opened the nine-game qualifying block with a 268 game, and knocked down 2,120 pins for a 235.56 average.

"I'm glad I could get off to a good start," said Smith, who has one PBA title. "I was able to get out of the gates quickly, and get my swing loose. When that happens, it's easier for me to score well."

The reigning American Bowling Congress Masters champion said he struggled with equipment choices at the U.S. Open last week. Smith says he went home, retooled and practiced to prepare for this week's event.

"I bowled so horrible last week," said Smith. "So it's great that I could make changes to my game and see the results so soon."

PBA Hall of Famer Walter Ray Williams Jr. continues his hot streak by placing second with 2,084. Williams, Ocala, Fla., is trying to win back-to-back tournaments after winning his 36th title last week at the U.S. Open.

"I was able to play outside and get into a good rhythm," said Williams, who had a high game of 269. "Most of the guys were playing inside, but if I can play outside, I'm going to be there."

Last week's victory made Williams the first bowler in PBA history to top the $3 Million mark. He is only $5,637 from topping the single-season earnings mark of $298,237 set by Mike Aulby in 1989.

In third place is Baltimore's Danny Wiseman at 2,041, followed by Steve Jaros, Bolingbrook, Ill., with 2,040. Rounding out the top five is Mika Koivuniemi, Finland, who posted a 2,028 score.

Ten-time champion Bryan Goebel rolled the first 300 game of the Days Inn Open during round one of qualifying. Goebel, Shawnee, Kan., won earlier this year at Medford, Ore., and is currently in 55th place.

Paul Koehler, Brian Kretzer and Jamie Sensabaugh all tied for 64th place with a nine-game total of 1,869. Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, won the one-game roll-off with a 209 game to Koehler's 207 game and Sensabaugh's 197.

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2003/02/02

Dead Eye Claims Fourth Major

Walter Ray Williams Jr.

Walter Ray Williams Jr. became the first player to earn $3 million in career earnings with his win at the 60th U.S. Open, presented by Jackson Hewitt Tax Service at Fountain Bowl.

Williams, Ocala, Fla., used a 236-198 victory over Michael Haugen Jr., Victorville, Calif., for his second U.S. Open title and the first prize of $100,000.

"It's a great feeling to win this tournament again," said Williams, who has earned $3,004,701 on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour. "I was able to play my game today, and I was fortunate to get good breaks when I needed them."

Williams was seeded first for the stepladder finals, but fell behind to Haugen, after a 4-7-10 leave. Haugen started with three strikes before leaving a solid seven in frame four. Williams followed his open with six consecutive strikes, while Haugen left the 4-6-7 in frame six.

"I didn't want to be in the position where I had to come from behind," said Williams. "Even when he left the split, I knew I still had to finish strong to win."

After leaving a 10 pin in frame eight, Williams sealed the victory with a strike in the ninth frame and a spare in the 10th.

"I knew as long as I threw good shots, good things were going to happen," said Williams, who was making his ninth appearance in the championship round this season. "It's a game of breaks, and I got a few good ones today."

Haugen, who rolled the only 300 game of the tournament, took home $50,000 for second place.

"I threw one bad shot today, and I paid the price for it," said the 36-year-old. "When you're bowling someone like Walter Ray, you can't afford to make mistakes. Today he proved why he is such a great champion."

In the opening match of the day, two-time U.S. Open winner Pete Weber defeated defending champion Mika Koivuniemi, 233-220. Weber then fell to Haugen, 206-202 in the semi-final match. Weber received $25,000 for third and Koivuniemi earned $15,000 for fourth.

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2003/02/01

Williams Running Away

Walter Ray Williams Jr.

The final round of match play was a mere formality for Walter Ray Williams Jr. at the 60th U.S. Open, presented by Jackson Hewitt Tax Service at Fountain Bowl.

The No. 1 player on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour averaged 216.39 for 51 games to qualify first for the stepladder finals Sunday. Williams, Ocala, Fla., won 19 of 24 matches for the right to bowl for his second U.S. Open title.

"It feels good to lead the tournament," said Williams, who won the 1998 U.S. Open title. "I'd rather be the leader, because I only have to win one match for the title. The worst I could do is second."

Williams didn't appear to be a dominant player early the in the tournament, placing 144th after the first round of qualifying. But the five-time PBA Player of the Year steadily climbed through the 348-player field to eventually lead the tournament by 203 pins.

If Williams wins the $100,000 first place prize, he will surpass $3 million in career earnings.

"The more we bowled, the more comfortable I became with the lane conditions," said Williams. "If the pins cooperate the way they've done all week, I should be tough to beat."

Michael Haugen Jr., Victorville, Calif., was able to hang on to second place with a 11,403 score. The 36-year-old rolled the only 300 game of the tournament, and will make his first appearance in the championship round this season.

Finland's Mika Koivuniemi qualified in third place with a 11,399 score. Koivuniemi, the defending champion, is looking to become the second repeat champion at the U.S. Open.

Rounding out the final four and making his first championship round appearance of the year is two-time U.S. Open winner Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo. The PBA Hall of Famer averaged 211.51, and is seeking his 29th career title.

　

Williams Running Away

Walter Ray Williams Jr.

Walter Ray Williams Jr. is preparing to leave the field behind at the 60th U.S. Open, presented by Jackson Hewitt Tax Service at Fountain Bowl.

Williams, Ocala, Fla., stretched his lead to 285 pins after the second round of match play. The 1998 U.S. Open champion has won 15 straight matches (15-1 overall) for a 9,833 43-game pinfall total.

"I don't know if I've ever won that many matches in a row," said Williams, who had a high game of 278. "I haven't had many big games shot at me, and I've become more comfortable with the lane conditions as the tournament has gone on."

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Hall of Famer admits that his comfort with playing the lanes straighter gives him an advantage.

"A lot of guys aren't comfortable going up the lane," said Williams. "They want to swing the ball and make the pins go sideways. But because I'm going straighter, I think I'm able to break up splits, and leave easy spares."

With eight match games remaining, Williams has a chance to break the PBA record for number of matches won in a 24-game round robin. Hall of Famer George Pappas went 22-2 at Kansas City in 1974.

"I doubt that I'll break the record, but I'll certainly be trying for it," said Williams. "Obviously I'm very positive about the way I'm bowling, and I want to be in the position to bowl one game for the title."

Michael Haugen, Victorville, Calif., has been the bowler that has stayed closest to Williams with a 9,548 score. The 36-year-old rolled the first 300 game of the tournament, and led briefly in the sixth round.

Defending champion Mika Koivuniemi continued his march towards a third major title as he moved into third place with 9,498. Norm Duke moved from eighth to fourth with 9,379. With a win in the U.S. Open, Duke would become the fifth player to win the PBA Triple Crown (U.S. Open, PBA Tournament of Champions, PBA World Championship).

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