Stus outduels a fellow Michiganian in cruising to the Classic title; Senior PBA: Northern California Classic - Pro Tour Results - Gene Stus, new champion - Interview

Gene Stus won his 11th Senior title when he captured first place in the PBA Senior Northern California Classic at Harvest Park Bowl. In a battle of fellow Michiganians, Stus (Taylor) defeated Bob Chamberlain (Auburn Hills) in the title match, 279-213.

With his 11th title, Stus secured second place on the all-time PBA Senior titles list. In front of Stus is only John Handegard, with 14 titles. Stus' last two wins were in 1998, when he completed back-to-back victories in the Seattle Senior Open and the Northwest Senior Classic.

"This one is special," the 61-year-old Stus said. "When you turn 60, you wonder if you still have it in you to win. I haven't won in a long time and this one feels good."

In the first frame of the championship game, Stus picked up the spare after leaving the 9-pin. Playing the gutter, he threw nine consecutive strikes.

Chamberlain struggled early in the game, failing to convert the spare and leaving the 7-pin in the 3rd frame and then again in the 8th. "It took the starch out when I missed that pin in the 3rd frame," said Chamberlain. "That was a letdown."

Northern California Classic

June 12, 2002
Harvest Park Bowl, Brentwood, Calif.

Name                 Avg./Games   Winnings

1. Gene Stus           279/1       $8,000
2. Bob Chamberlain     725/3       $4,000
3. Ernie Schlegel      234/1       $3,000
4. Dale Eagle          484/2       $2,500
5. Gregory Waldon      208/1       $2,100

             Championship Finals

Match 1       Eagle def. Waldon       235-208
Match 2    Chamberlain def. Eagle     268-249
Match 3   Chamberlain def. Schlegel   244-234

Final       Stus def. Chamberlain     279-213