Marshall Kent Wins PBA Illinois Classic, Claims First Singles Title Since 2017

Marshall Kent has officially returned to the winner’s circle, securing his sixth career PBA Tour title at the PBA Illinois Classic. The victory at Bowlero Mount Prospect, near Chicago, marks his first singles championship since 2017.

A Comeback Fueled by Dedication

Kent, the tournament’s top seed, defeated AJ Johnson 214-180 in the championship match. After missing a 3-6 spare in the seventh frame, Kent responded with four consecutive strikes to secure the win.

“I’m back,” Kent declared after the match. “I’m definitely back — and it feels great.”

Kent emphasized that his recent success is a result of intense offseason training. After feeling a renewed passion for the sport late last season, he rededicated himself, practicing harder than ever before.

“For the last two months, every practice has been about imagining throwing two strikes in the 10th to win a title,” Kent said. “That mental preparation made a huge difference.”

His ball rep, Jason Wojnar, noted that a year or two ago, Kent might not have rebounded so well from an open frame. However, his renewed focus and commitment made all the difference.

A Special Victory Close to Home

Kent recently moved to Michigan, where he spent the winter training at Holly Lanes. He credited Brian Aubuchon and the staff at Holly Lanes for providing a supportive practice environment, calling it a career-saving opportunity.

Winning in Mount Prospect was also special for Kent, as it’s just 30 minutes from Robert Morris-IL University (now Roosevelt University), where he was a three-time All-American and two-time MVP.

“Driving into town, this place brought back so many memories from college,” Kent said. “I think I subconsciously fed off that energy.”

After sealing the victory, Kent shared an emotional moment with his mother, Susan.

“She’s never seen me win a PBA event in person,” he said. “To have her and my girlfriend here, watching me win on TV, is something I’ve dreamed of my whole life. It means the absolute world to me.”

Kent’s father, Jim Kent, passed away in September 2020. Though he wasn’t physically there, Kent knew exactly what his father would have said:

“I’m so proud of you, budro.”

AJ Johnson Falls Short in Title Match

AJ Johnson, who was aiming for his second career PBA title in his home state, stuck to his game plan but struggled with lane transitions in the final.

“The lanes transitioned in a way I hadn’t seen all week,” Johnson explained. “I felt like I threw some great shots, but the ball just wouldn’t hook. I’ll learn from this and move forward.”

Johnson advanced to the final by defeating Jake Peters 234-226 in the second match and then Sean Lavery-Spahr 208-178 in the semifinal.

Championship Round Results

• No. 4 Jake Peters def. No. 5 EJ Tackett, 244-198
• No. 3 AJ Johnson def. No. 4 Jake Peters, 234-226
• No. 3 AJ Johnson def. No. 2 Sean Lavery-Spahr, 208-178
• No. 1 Marshall Kent def. No. 3 AJ Johnson, 214-180

Final Standings & Prize Money

1. Marshall Kent – $25,000
2. AJ Johnson – $15,000
3. Sean Lavery-Spahr – $12,500
4. Jake Peters – $10,000
5. EJ Tackett – $8,000

What’s Next?

The PBA Tour now moves to Springfield, Missouri, for the PBA Pete Weber Missouri Classic.

Before that, Rounds 5-6 of the PBA Elite League presented by Snickers will take place on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET on BowlTV. Qualifying for the main event begins Wednesday morning.

For more details on the PBA Illinois Classic, visit the PBA’s official website.