Anthony Simonsen Triumphs at PBA Pete Weber Missouri Classic

Simonsen Climbs the Ladder to Secure 14th Career PBA Tour Title

Anthony Simonsen delivered a stellar performance at the PBA Pete Weber Missouri Classic, winning four consecutive matches to claim his 14th career PBA Tour title. The fifth-seeded bowler defeated AJ Johnson, Matt Russo, EJ Tackett, and top-seeded Bill O’Neill in Sunday’s stepladder finals, securing the $25,000 top prize.

A Remarkable Comeback to Victory

Simonsen barely made it to the finals, clinching his spot with a dominant final game on Friday, where he struck the front-nine and confidently tapped his wrist, saying, “Too much time.”

“I really had nothing to lose that last game, and that was the motto today,” Simonsen said. “I barely made the show. I was on house money. Sometimes all it takes is just sneaking through until you get that opportunity.”

Despite his underdog status, Simonsen developed a strategic approach to mastering the 45-foot Dragon oil pattern. His ability to control the lanes at Enterprise Park Lanes in Springfield, Missouri, played a crucial role in his success.

“On TV shows, I like using balls that I’m comfortable with,” Simonsen explained. “I decided I was going to shuffle through a couple of those until hopefully we made the lanes dry enough to the right to throw that Attention Star. I think my game plan today was really solid, and I executed it to a tee.”

Dominant Performance in the Finals

In the opening match, Simonsen pulled away from AJ Johnson with a three-bagger, while Johnson struggled with multiple splits on the right lane. This marked the second consecutive week Johnson faced lane difficulties in a title match.

Next, Simonsen faced Matt Russo, the lone left-hander in the competition. Russo, who trains with bowling legend Pete Weber, started strong but faltered after leaving a pocket 7-10 in the fifth frame and a washout in the sixth. Simonsen capitalized on Russo’s mistakes, securing a 247-202 victory.

The semifinals saw Simonsen battle EJ Tackett, the reigning Player of the Year. Both struggled through lane transitions, failing to strike for five consecutive frames. However, Tackett came alive in the 10th frame with three clutch strikes, forcing Simonsen to double. As he did on Friday, Simonsen delivered in the most crucial moment, moving on to the championship match.

Clinching the Title in Dominant Fashion

Top-seeded Bill O’Neill awaited Simonsen in the final. O’Neill, a contender for 2024 Player of the Year, chose to finish on the left lane—a decision that proved costly. He left multiple splits in key frames, while Simonsen maintained his composure, sealing a commanding 225-156 victory.

Following his win, Simonsen shared an emotional moment with bowling legend Pete Weber, who presented him with the championship trophy.

“The sport of bowling wouldn’t be where it is today without him,” Simonsen said. “It’s emotional because we’re getting to the point where Father Time has taken over a lot of the guys I watched growing up. This is the first time in 66 yearswithout a Weber associated with the PBA Tour.”

PBA Tour Continues with No Breaks

There’s no time to rest as the PBA Tour moves on to the Just Bare PBA Indiana Classic, beginning Monday in Anderson, Indiana. Additionally, Rounds 7-8 of the PBA Elite League presented by Snickers will take place Monday night at 6 p.m. ET on BowlTV.

Championship Round Results

• Match 1: No. 5 Anthony Simonsen def. No. 4 AJ Johnson, 234-159
• Match 2: No. 5 Anthony Simonsen def. No. 3 Matt Russo, 247-202
• Match 3: No. 5 Anthony Simonsen def. No. 2 EJ Tackett, 203-193
• Championship Match: No. 5 Anthony Simonsen def. No. 1 Bill O’Neill, 225-156

Final Standings & Prizes

1. Anthony Simonsen – $25,000
2. Bill O’Neill – $15,000
3. EJ Tackett – $12,500
4. Matt Russo – $10,000
5. AJ Johnson – $8,000

Stay tuned for more updates on the PBA Tour! 🎳