September 1, 2020 spopp

Fitchburg, Wis. – A.J. Johnson of Oswego, Ill., defeated Timothy Gruendler of St. Louis, Mo. in the championship match, 232-212, to win the PBA Ten Pin Alley Midwest Open at Ten Pin Alley on Saturday.

Johnson compiled a 4-2 match play record and a 12-game 2849 total pinfall, including bonus pins, to lead the tournament heading into the championship match. Gruendler had an opportunity to win his first PBA tournament with a strike in the 10th, but threw an errant shot which eliminated his chance of winning and secured the victory for Johnson.

Johnson earned $2,000 for the win, while adding a seventh overall PBA Regional Tour title to his career total. Gruendler, who had his best finish, earned $1,200 as the runner-up.

The PBA Midwest Region travels to Valley Park, Missouri for the PBA Bowlersmart Midwest Open on September 12.

PBA TEN PIN ALLEY MIDWEST OPEN
Ten Pin Alley, Fitchburg, Wis., Saturday

Stepladder Results:
Match One – Heinzelman def. Staninger, 211-158
Semifinal Match – Gruendler, def. Heinzelman, 222-184
Championship Match – Johnson def. Gruendler, 232-212

Final Match Play Standings (after 12 games, including match play bonus pins)

  1. A J Johnson, Oswego, Ill., 4-2, 2,849, $2,000
  2. n-Timothy Gruendler, St. Louis, Mo., 4-2, 2,783, $1,200
  3. Matthew Staninger, Charlotte, N.C., 4-2, 2725, $1,000
  4. Jay Heinzelman, Evansville, Wis., 3-3, 2,695, $850
  5. Michael Schlabach, Goshen, Ind., 3-2-1, 2,691, $750
  6. Tom, Hess, Granger, Iowa., 3-3, 2,677, $650
  7. Brady Stearns, Saint Augusta, Minn., 3-2-1, 2,667, $600
  8. n-Chris Pounders, Sun Prairie, Wis., 2-3-1, 2,662, $590
  9. Victor Cortez, Waukegan, Ill., 2-4, 2,623, $580
  10. Liz Johnson, Palatine, Ill., 2-3-1, 2,615, $570
  11. Christopher Hill, Franklin, Wis., 2-4, 2,601, $560
  12. n-Corey Schmidt, Madison, Wis., 2-4, 2,597, $550.

n-designates non-PBA member

Note: A photo of the winner has been posted in PBA's Media Gallery.

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