 Himmler Repeats In ChicagoVernon Hills, IL - November 7, 2004 Brian Himmler became just the 26th player in PBA Tour history to successfully defend a title as he defeated Brian Voss, Alpharetta, Ga., 277-217, in the PBA Chicago Open Sunday at Hawthorn Lanes. Himmler, Cincinnati, who won the 2003 PBA Miller High Life Open at Hawthorn Lanes last season, was two shots away from a perfect game as he struck with his first seven shots and 10 of 12 frames. Voss began the game with a strike but two spares in his next three shots gave Himmler a comfortable 40-pin lead after the fourth. “It could be a coincidence but I’ve always had good pin carry here which helped this week because the scores were so high,” Himmler said regarding defending his title from last season. “The more I bowl on TV the more comfortable I get. I rise to the occasion when the heat is on.” Himmler advanced to the final via a 257-191 win in the second semi-final over Rick Steelsmith, Wichita, Kan. Himmler opened the match with seven strikes in his first eight shots to take a commanding 208-142 lead after eight frames. Steelsmith had a pair of open frames, including one in the second frame, giving Himmler a comfortable lead from the start. Voss defeated Chris Johnson, Garland, Texas, 279-228, in the first semi-final. Voss was nearly perfect, striking 11 of 12 times. Johnson, who threw three consecutive strikes to begin the match, had two spares in two of the next three frames, opening the door for Voss to advance to the title match. Himmler picked up his 3rd career title, a $40,000 first-place prize and a one-year Tour exemption. Voss won $20,000 for his 2nd place finish. Johnson and Steelsmith won $10,000 for 3rd place. The Tour will continue next week with the PBA Uniroyal Tire Classic at Freeway Lanes of Wickliffe in Wickliffe, Ohio. The PBA Tour Qualifying Round will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 10. ESPN will televise the finals live Sunday, Nov. 14 from 1 p.m. -2:30 p.m. ET. PBA Tour PBA Chicago Open Hawthorn Lanes Vernon Hills, Ill. Sunday, Nov. 7 CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND Pos. Name, hometown Total/Games Money 1. Brian Himmler, Cincinnati 534 (2 games) $40,000 2. Brian Voss, Alpharetta, Ga., 496 (2 games) $20,000 3. Rick Steelsmith, Wichita, Kan. 191 (1 game) $10,000 Chris Johnson, Garland, Texas 228 (1 game) $10,000 SCORES – In the semifinals, Voss def. Johnson, 279-228, and Himmler def. Steelsmith, 257-191; and in the finals, Himmler defeated Voss, 277-217. |
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