John Janawicz Claims Victory at the 2024 PBA Senior U.S. Open

John Janawicz has once again demonstrated his mastery of the game, securing another major title in just his second season on the PBA50 Tour. With his victory at the 2024 PBA Senior U.S. Open, Janawicz adds to his already impressive resume, which includes wins at the 2023 USBC Senior Masters and the 2023 Johnny Petraglia BVL Tournament of Champions. This marks his second PBA50 title of the season, further solidifying his reputation as one of the tour’s most formidable competitors.

A Grueling Path to Victory

The road to the championship was far from easy. After competing in 42 games over the course of the week, Janawicz faced an additional three matches on Monday in the stepladder finals at Highland Park Lanes. He overcame Brad Angelo, Pete Weber, and Tom Hess to claim the prestigious title.

Janawicz thrives on the challenge of long oil patterns, where precise spare shooting plays a crucial role.

“The majors are where history is made, and I am really blessed to win another one,” Janawicz said. “I made a joke before the stepladder finals, saying this was kind of the PBA50 murderer’s row. To be able to beat these great players is an accomplishment in itself. Tom (Hess) has bowled just amazing all year long.”

Dominating the Championship Match

In the final match against Tom Hess, Janawicz started with two spares while Hess opened with a spare and a strike. However, Hess faced trouble in the third frame, leaving a 2-8-10 split, resulting in an open frame. Janawicz seized the opportunity, delivering five consecutive strikes to take a 31-pin lead after seven frames.

Hess fought back with three strikes between the sixth and eighth frames, but a 7-pin leave on the right lane ended his momentum. He finished strong with a double and a nine-count, posting a 214 score. However, Janawicz’s consistent performance secured him a 236-214 victory, along with the $15,000 top prize.

“This is the one you want to win,” Janawicz said. “You look at all the greats who have won it, and to say that I am a U.S. Open champion is definitely special—it’s a dream come true.”

Thrilling Matches Leading to the Final

The stepladder finals were filled with intense competition and high scores.

• Match 1: Brad Angelo took an early lead against Chris Barnes, maintaining an eight-pin advantage through five frames. Both players delivered an electrifying strike-for-strike battle in the final seven frames, with Angelo securing a 267-259 victory.
• Match 2: Angelo and Janawicz put on a striking clinic. Both players spared their first frames before unleashing a barrage of strikes—Janawicz with five straight and Angelo with six. In the tenth frame, Janawicz closed out with a five-bagger, while Angelo managed a double and a 7-pin spare, resulting in Janawicz’s 269-258 win.
• Match 3 (Semifinal): Janawicz faced PBA legend Pete Weber. Weber struggled with 10-pin leaves on the right lane, converting three out of four. Janawicz remained clean until the sixth frame, when he left a 3-4-6-7 split, picking up only two pins. Despite the setback, he maintained a 14-pin lead and finished strong with four consecutive strikes, securing a 221-194 victory.

“It has been quite the ride so far, and I am just trying to keep the good momentum going,” Janawicz said.

Final Standings and Prize Money

1. John Janawicz – $15,000
2. Tom Hess – $8,000
3. Pete Weber – $6,000
4. Brad Angelo – $5,000
5. Chris Barnes – $4,000

Championship Round Results

• Match 1 – Angelo def. Barnes 267-259
• Match 2 – Janawicz def. Angelo 269-258
• Match 3 – Janawicz def. Weber 221-194
• Championship Match – Janawicz def. Hess 236-214

With this victory, John Janawicz continues to cement his legacy in PBA50 history. If his performance this season is any indication, he is on track for even greater achievements in the future.