Lakewood – Wes Malott came from behind to win his first career Professional Bowlers Association title on Sunday at Brunswick Zone with a 215-211 victory over Mika Koivuniemi in the championship round of the Mile High Classic.
Malott trailed Koivuniemi, the reigning PBA player of the year, by 19 pins before Koivuniemi missed converting a 3-4-6-7 split in the ninth frame. Malott had qualified for the final in the three previous PBA events this season.
Malott bowled a strike in the ninth frame, but missed out in the 10th, forcing Koivuniemi to double. Koivuniemi, a six-time titlist, left the No. 10 pin standing on his first shot to give Malott the win and a $40,000 check.
“Finally, some breaks went my way and we got it,” Malott said. “That’s what I’ve been working on, making clutch shots when I need them.”
PBA Mile High Classic
Sunday
At Brunswick Zone Lakewood
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
1. Wes Malott, Austin, Texas, 514 (two games) $40,000. 2. Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich., 437 (2 games) $20,000. 3. Patrick Healey Jr., Flower Mound, Texas, 223 (1 game) $10,000. 4. Patrick Allen, Tarrytown, N.Y., 236, (1 game) $10,000.
Semifinals
Malott def. Allen, 299-236.
Koivuniemi def. Healey, 226-223.
Championship
Malott def. Koivuniemi, 215-211.
