John Janawicz Wins 2023 USBC Senior Masters, Secures First Major Championship

Janawicz Claims Victory in His PBA50 Tour Debut

John Janawicz of Winter Haven, Florida, capped off a remarkable week by winning the 2023 United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Senior Masters at Sam’s Town Bowling Center. In his debut event on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) 50 Tour, Janawicz defeated Lennie Boresch of Kenosha, Wisconsin, 204-200, to secure his first major championship title.

At 50 years old, Janawicz is a newcomer to the senior circuit but has already made a significant impact. Reflecting on his victory, he acknowledged the prestige of the event, noting that many legendary bowlers have also won the Senior Masters, including Pete Weber and Walter Ray Williams Jr.

A Tight Championship Match Turns in Janawicz’s Favor

Janawicz entered the stepladder finals as the No. 1 seed after going undefeated in the double-elimination match play. Since he had to be beaten twice in the finals to lose the title, Boresch appeared to have the momentum to force a second game, striking in the first five frames.

Meanwhile, Janawicz struggled early, converting a 3-10 split, leaving an open frame with a pocket 7-10 split, and making two single-pin spares. However, Boresch’s game unraveled in the second half of the match. He left three consecutive open frames, missing key spares and leaving splits that he could not convert.

Sensing an opportunity, Janawicz made a ball change in the seventh frame, switching to a Phaze II that helped him strike in the next three frames. His strike in the ninth frame gave him the lead for the first time.

Needing a strike in the 10th frame to secure the title, Janawicz left a 4 pin but converted the spare and finished with eight pins for a final score of 204. Boresch needed a strike in the 10th to force another game but left a 4-7, handing Janawicz the championship and the $20,000 first-place prize.

“I knew I had to do something on that right lane,” Janawicz said. “I felt like I needed to switch to a ball that rolled just a little bit earlier and was a little bit smoother. So I switched to a Phaze II and was able to use that ball on both lanes the rest of the way.”

Boresch Finishes Second for the Second Time

Boresch, a five-time champion and two-time major winner on the PBA50 Tour, received $12,000 for his runner-up finish. At 61, he was the only “Super Senior” (60 or older) in the stepladder finals. It was the second time he finished second at the Senior Masters, with his first runner-up finish coming in 2013 against Pete Weber.

“I just didn’t bowl good at the end,” Boresch admitted. “The most disappointing thing is I got a second chance and could’ve still won it in the 10th and just didn’t make a good shot.”

Strong Performances in the Stepladder Finals

The stepladder finals saw impressive performances from other top contenders:

• No. 4 seed Brad Angelo of Lockport, New York, defeated No. 5 seed Brian LeClair of Delmar, New York, 238-189, in the opening match.
• No. 3 seed Troy Lint of Blandon, Pennsylvania, came close to a perfect game, starting with 10 consecutive strikes before leaving an 8 pin, resulting in a 289-238 win over Angelo.
• Lint narrowly lost to Boresch in the semifinals, needing three strikes in the 10th frame to tie but leaving a 7 pin to finish with 228.

Lint earned $9,000 for third place, Angelo received $7,500 for fourth, and LeClair took home $6,000 for fifth.

Looking Ahead: The Senior U.S. Open in Colorado

The 2023 Senior Masters began with 309 competitors, battling through three five-game qualifying blocks to determine the top 64 for match play. Defending champion Dino Castillo led the field after qualifying but lost his first two matches, finishing tied for 33rd.

The senior circuit now heads to Greeley, Colorado, for the Senior U.S. Open, the second major championship of the season, beginning June 15. Fans can watch the live coverage on BowlTV.

For more details about the USBC Senior Masters, visit BOWL.com/SeniorMasters.