Koivuniemi Takes the Lead

Mika Koivuniemi, from Finland, won four matches in the final eight-game block to earn the position as tournament leader after the fourth round of qualifying in the Pro Bowlers Assn. U.S. Open at Fountain Bowl Saturday night at Fountain Valley.

The 34-year-old finished with a 21-11 match-play record and a 14,033, 62-game pinfall total, good for a 216 tournament average. Koivuniemi’s only PBA title is also a major, the 2000 American Bowling Congress Masters, Albuquerque, N.M. This is his third career championship round appearance and his first time as the tournament leader.

“I like to make history, so this could be a new one,” said Koivuniemi, who was the first international player to win the ABC Masters and would be the first to win the U.S. Open.”

Finishing in second place was Patrick Healey Jr. of Mexico, who bowled a 300 in the third round. Walter Ray Williams Jr is in third and Mike DeVaney, from Escondido, is in fourth and needed to defeat Dave Husted, 279-223, in his final game to qualify for today’s final round.

The top four will vie for the first-place prize of $100,000 and the title in today’s stepladder finals, beginning at 10 a.m.