The third time's the charm for King Kossert: PBA Senior: Lake County Open

The third time was the charm for Roger Kossert, who captured the season-ending PBA Senior Lake County Open on August 26. In just Kossert's third career Senior tour event, he managed to defeat legendary Hall-of-Famer Pete Couture, 21, in the chain pionship match at Olympia Lanes.

After taking the first game, 238-190, Kossert began the second game with two strikes and a spare while Couture, making his first championship round appearance of the season, struck on his first three shots.

The tables would turn for Couture, who would leave two 4-9 spare combinations. Kossert would continue to strike en route to the 257-215 victory, and the $8,000 top prize.

"I expected to compete, but in no way in my wildest imagination did I expect to win nght away," said Kossert, who is an electrical manufacturer sales rep from Brandon, Fla. in his days off of the lanes. "I had a great shot and executed well--I had a good look, and was comfortable all day."

In his semifinal match, the red-hot Kossert, who was appearing in his second championship round in as many weeks, dispensed of John Shreve Sr., the week's top qualifier, 2-1. Kossert won the final game by a score of 240-189.

In the other semifinal, Couture, of Titusville, Fla., defeated Jeff Bellinger, 2-1. Bellinger narrowly won the first game, 217-215. before Couture bounced back to take a 243-203 victory in Game 2. The 1998 PBA Senior Player of the Year topped Bellinger, 278-180, in the deciding game.

Couture won $4 500 for his second place finish, while Bellinger and Shreve took home $3,000 apiece by tying for third.

Kossert, who has won six PBA Regional tour titles, managed to continue the successful streak that's been compiled by one of the finest PBA Senior tour rookie classes in history. Amazingly, he is the fifty bowler this season to capture his first career PBA Senior tour championship.

The Lake County Open was the final event of the 2004 PBA Senior tour season.

Bob Glass of Lawrence, Kan., was the only two-time title winner on tour. Glass opted to sit out the final event of the season.

Bob Chamberlain, Glass, David Ozio, and Gary Hiday appear to be the frontrunners n what is sure to be a heated competition for the 2004 Player of the Year.

Lake County Open

August 26, 2004
Airport Lanes, Jackson, Mich.

Rank, Name            Avg./Games    Earnings

1. Roger Kossert        237.6/5       $8,000
2. Pete Couture         226.4/5        4,500
3. Jeff Bellinger        200/3         3,000
4. John Shreve Sr.      204.7/3        3,000

Championship Finals

Semifinal      Kossert def. Shreve     2-1
Semifinal    Couture def. Bellinger    2-1
Final         Kossert def. Couture     2-0