Australia’s world number one Tenpin Bowler, Jason Belmonte has won his 14th Professional Bowlers Association major title, the 2022 PBA Players Championship in Euless, Texas.
With $100,000US on the line, it was the first-time professional bowling fans got to see Belmonte battle it out against his long-time bitter rival, Sean Rash, in a major tournament final which was broadcast live on FS1 in the US.
Belmonte would edge out Rash 210-202 to extend his all-time major titles record to 14, and his 26th title overall, which now ties him with the legendary Don Johnson in 10th for most PBA tour titles.
The 10th frame of a 3-time PBA Players Championship winner 👏 pic.twitter.com/vSDAFaMbOk
— PBA Tour (@PBATour) January 30, 2022
It was an emphatic return to the PBA for Belmonte, shouting ‘I’m back’ the moment he claimed victory after a 10-month absence due to the pandemic.
His third PBA Players Championship victory also ended a two-year title draught for the Aussie, who endured his first winless season since 2016.
“I’ve missed this so much.
“We know the story that last season wasn’t one of my better ones. I was determined to come out and prove to those who thought I was done WRONG,” Belmonte said in an Instagram post.
Belmonte now looks ahead towards the PBA US Open in Indianapolis, Indiana.
PBA PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL STANDINGS
- Jason Belmonte $100,000US
- Sean Rash $60,000US
- Arturo Quintero $45,000US
- Graham Fach $35,000US
- Tommy Jones $30,000US
STEPLADDER FINALS RESULTS
Match 1 – Fach def. Jones 279-219
Match 2 – Quintero def. Fach 248-204
Match 3 – Belmonte def. Quintero 248-212
Championship match – Belmonte def. Rash 210-202
Feature Photo: Courtesy of PBA.com