David “Boog” Krol Claims First Career PBA Title at Delaware Classic

David “Boog” Krol made history on Sunday by capturing his first-ever PBA Tour title at the PBA Delaware Classic. The 29-year-old bowler from Springfield, Missouri, defeated Bill O’Neill in the semifinal and secured victory over Tomas Käyhkö in the championship match at Mid County Lanes and Entertainment in Middletown, Delaware.

A Childhood Dream Fulfilled

Krol, who grew up watching professional bowlers on TV, described his win as a surreal moment.

“I dreamt of this as a kid growing up, watching these guys bowl on TV every Sunday,” Krol said. “I wanted to be them, and now that I actually am, it’s surreal.”

His journey to victory was anything but easy. Krol drove 16 hours from his home in Missouri just to compete in the pre-tournament qualifier (PTQ). He needed a top-10 finish among 79 players to advance to the main event.

“I drove 16 hours to be here. I didn’t want to bowl seven games in the PTQ and go home,” he said.

Hard-Fought Battles on the Lanes

The tournament featured fierce competition, including a tense semifinal match against Bill O’Neill. Krol’s unconventional luck played a role, as he managed three Brooklyn strikes and a fortunate pin fall on the left lane.

Despite these lucky breaks, O’Neill had a chance to win with a double in the 10th frame but ultimately forced a tie with a strike and a nine-count spare. The match was decided in a one-ball roll-off, where Krol struck while O’Neill left a 2-pin.

In the championship match, Krol faced Finland’s Tomas Käyhkö, another player seeking his first PBA title. Both bowlers, inspired by Finnish legend Osku Palermaa, struggled with the left lane conditions. However, Krol stayed clean while Käyhkö opened twice, allowing Krol to seal his victory with a 198-170 win.

A Career-Defining Moment

This victory marks a turning point for Krol. Before the event, he ranked 17th in PBA points, just outside the top 16 needed to qualify for the PBA Playoffs. His win not only secures him a playoff spot but also grants him priority entry into all remaining 2024 PBA Tour events, including the World Series of Bowling XV and the Tournament of Champions.

“Never in my wildest dreams would I think I would have a year like this, and hopefully this won’t be the last,” Krol said. “I’m going to soak it in and enjoy the moment. It hasn’t hit me yet, but on the car ride home, it’s going to.”

Final Standings & Prize Money

🏆 David Krol – $25,000
🥈 Tomas Käyhkö – $15,000
🥉 Bill O’Neill – $12,500
4️⃣ Tim Foy Jr. – $10,000
5️⃣ EJ Tackett – $8,000

Krol’s win cements his place among bowling’s rising stars. His dedication and resilience have paid off, and with his first PBA title secured, the future looks bright for the bowler from Springfield.