Cook Wins His 10th Bowling Title When Top-Seeded Perez Misses Twice at Finish

Steve Cook of Roseville, Calif., took advantage of a late collapse by top-seeded Rey Perez to win his 10th career title in the $125,000 Greater Hartford Open bowling tournament Saturday.

Cook won the title game, 192-168, after Perez failed to mark in the final two frames. Perez, who was trying for his first title, missed the 6 pin in the ninth and rolled his final ball in the 10th frame into the right-hand gutter after leaving the 3-6-9-10.

“I have mixed emotions about this win,” said Cook, who pocketed $18,000. “I’m glad to win my 10th title, but Rey is a nice guy, and it hurt him pretty bad.

“I’m out here to make a living, but you hate to see one of your friends lead a tournament by 300 pins and then lose the title on TV,” he added. “I am pleased and I am thrilled, but it’s a little hard to feel real happy right now.”