Himmler Holds On

Medford, OR - Brian Himmler came through in the clutch, picking up a 3-6-10 spare in the 10th frame to defeat Mika Koivuniemi in the title match of the 2006 Professional Bowlers Association Earl Anthony Medford Classic, 214-204, Sunday at Lava Lanes.

The victory, which gave Himmler the $40,000 top prize and his fourth career Denny’s PBA Tour title, almost slipped through his hands.

The 13-season veteran opened in the 6th frame, failing to convert a 2-10 split, but Koivuniemi failed to strike in the 7th and 8th frames. After recovering with strikes in the 8th and 9th, Himmler needed to mark in the 10th to win his third title in his last four championship round appearances.

“Fortunately [the 3-6-10 spare] is makeable, but I almost blew it,” said Himmler. “I was lucky to make that spare. As they say, ‘all breaks are well earned’ and I’m a believer in that now.”

The Cincinnati native advanced to the title match after he defeated Tim Criss, who was looking to snap a 132-event winless streak, 259-242, in the semifinals. Himmler opened the match with six straight strikes and capitalized on a Criss open in the 11th frame by striking out in the 10th.

Koivuniemi defeated Ritchie Allen in their semifinal, 237-215. The 2004 PBA Player of the Year struck out in the 10th to shut out Allen, who was making his second career televised finals appearance.

Koivuniemi earned $20,000 for his 2nd place finish while Allen and Criss earned $10,000 apiece for their respective 3rd and 4th place finishes.