Duke makes history with PBA World Championship win
PBA - USA Bowling October 28, 2008
Photo: Craig Hacker/Getty Images for PBA
Norm Duke is presented the championship trophy after defeating Chris Barnes in the finals of the PBA World Championships held at the Northrock Lanes on October 26, 2008 in Wichita, Kansas.
WICHITA, Kan. - Norm Duke became the first player in Professional Bowlers Association history to win three consecutive majors as he defeated Chris Barnes on Sunday to win the PBA World Championship.
Starting with seven consecutive strikes in the title match, Duke easily knocked off United States Bowling Congress Sport Bowling spokesperson Barnes, 259-189, to claim the season-opening event on the 2008-09 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour.
Duke closed the 2007-08 season by winning the final two majors - the World Championship and the U.S. Open. No other player in the 50-year history of the PBA Tour has claimed three consecutive major titles.
"That (making history) hasn't hit me," said Duke, who earned $50,000 and a two-year exemption for the victory. "I was focused on winning the World Championship. When I heard that, it kind of choked me up. It's a dream and I want to thank my family for standing by me the whole time."
In the semifinals, Duke defeated Sean Rash, 236-215. Rash, who lives in Wichita, entered the match undefeated on television in PBA events, but needing three consecutive strikes to tie the match in the final frame, he left a solid 9 pin.
Barnes advanced to the title match by defeating Steve Jaros of Yorkville, Ill., 202-181. Barnes delivered three clutch strikes in the 10th frame to shut Jaros out.
Starting with seven consecutive strikes in the title match, Duke easily knocked off United States Bowling Congress Sport Bowling spokesperson Barnes, 259-189, to claim the season-opening event on the 2008-09 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour.
Duke closed the 2007-08 season by winning the final two majors - the World Championship and the U.S. Open. No other player in the 50-year history of the PBA Tour has claimed three consecutive major titles.
"That (making history) hasn't hit me," said Duke, who earned $50,000 and a two-year exemption for the victory. "I was focused on winning the World Championship. When I heard that, it kind of choked me up. It's a dream and I want to thank my family for standing by me the whole time."
In the semifinals, Duke defeated Sean Rash, 236-215. Rash, who lives in Wichita, entered the match undefeated on television in PBA events, but needing three consecutive strikes to tie the match in the final frame, he left a solid 9 pin.
Barnes advanced to the title match by defeating Steve Jaros of Yorkville, Ill., 202-181. Barnes delivered three clutch strikes in the 10th frame to shut Jaros out.
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