After a four-year drought, Winger flies back to the top; Senior PBA: Epicenter Classic - Pro Tour Results - Brief Article

Bowling Digest, Oct, 2002

Ron Winger wondered if he was ever going to win another PBA title. He got his answer--and the $8,000 first prize--at the PBA Epicenter Classic when he defeated John Shreve Sr., 278-247, to win his fourth PBA Senior championship and first since 1998. "I was focused," the 60-year-old said. "I just kept focusing on [winning]. The ball was rolling well, and I was making good shots."

Although he had cashed in every tournament this year, the Epicenter was his first appearance in the finals. "I made it to the stepladder finals five times last year, but I could never get the win," Winger said.

Entering match play in fourth place, Winger eventually qualified for the stepladder finals as the second seed, behind Shreve. "It was fitting that John and I bowled against one other for the title," Winger said, referring to the fact that he and Shreve faced each other in the final game of match play (Winger won 247-204). "John bowled so well all week. I just got him in the end. I had a better carry, and that made the difference."

For Shreve, this was his first cash of 2002 and his first appearance in a championship final on the PBA Senior tour. "I was a little nervous, but after I threw the first two strikes, I was OK," the 52-year-old said. "When I left the 7-pin in the 4th, I opened the door for Ron, and he was just locked in and throwing the ball really well"

Shreve left the 7-pin in the 9th frame, and in the 10th he rolled a nine-spare and a strike. Winger needed 17 pins to win. Rolling off a strike, he hit nine pins and sealed the victory.

Epicenter Classic

June 19, 2002
Epicenter Bowling Complex, Klamath Falls, Ore.

Name                 Avg./Games   Winnings

1. Ron Winger          267/2        $8,000
2. John Shreve Sr.     247/1         4,000
3. Dale Eagle         234.3/3        3,000
4. Gene Stus           258/1         2,500
5. Barry Gurney        222/1         2,000

        Championship Finals

Match 1   Eagle def. Gurney    236-222
Match 2   Eagle def. Stus      279-258
Match 3   Winger def. Eagle    256-210

Final     Winger def. Shreve   278-247