Wes Malott continued his blazing start to the 2005-06 Denny's Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour season, capturing his first career title in dramatic fashion with a 215-211 win over Mika Koivuniemi in the title match of the 2005 Mile High Classic Sunday at Brunswick Zone Lakewood.

Koivuniemi, the 2004 PBA Player of the Year, was up 19 pins before a failed 3-4-6-7 split conversion in the 9th frame opened the door for Malott, who has advanced to the televised finals in each of the first three events this season.

After converting a 10-pin in the 9th frame, Malott struck out in the 10th forcing Koivuniemi to double. The six-time title winner left the 10-pin on his first shot, however, to give Malott the win.

"This is awesome. I don't really know what to say," commented Malott. "Finally, some breaks went my way and we got it. That's what I've been working on in the summer, making clutch shots when I need them."

In the first semifinal, Malott flirted with history as a 6-pin on his final shot against Patrick Allen was the only thing that stood in the way of the 17th nationally televised perfect game in Tour history. Malott defeated the 2005 PBA Player of the Year, 299-236.

Koivuniemi defeated Patrick Healey Jr. in the other semifinal, 226-223. Koivuniemi was in control until a failed 2-6-7-10 split conversion in the 10th frame gave Healey life. Healey failed to strike to start his 10th, however, giving Koivuniemi a 226-223 win.

Koivuniemi takes home $20,000 for his runner-up finish while Healey and Allen both earn $10,000 for their third and fourth place finishes.

The Denny's PBA Tour moves to Council Bluffs, Iowa for the 2005 Greater Omaha Classic at Thunderbowl Nov. 9-13. The nationally televised ESPN finals take place Sunday, Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. ET.

PBA Mile High Classic

Brunswick Zone Lakewood in Lakewood, CO
November 2-6, 2005

Championship Round:
1. Wes Malott, Austin, Texas, 514 (2 games), $40,000
2. Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich., 437 (2 games), $20,000
3. Patrick Healey Jr., Flower Mound, Texas, 223 (1 game), $10,000
4. Patrick Allen, Tarrytown, N.Y., 236 (1 game), $10,000

Playoff Results:
Semifinal Match 1: Malott def. Allen, 299-236
Semifinal Match 2: Koivuniemi def. Healey, 226-223
Championship Match: Malott def. Koivuniemi, 215-211.

This is Malott's first career Denny's PBA Tour title. Picture courtesy of PBA LLC/Giase.

Party at Malott's!

Much of the talk this season has been centered around Tommy Jones, and with good reason. Jones won the first two events of the season and is arguably the hottest bowler on the Denny's PBA Tour over the last year.

But quietly, another star is emerging on Tour. It's hard for anyone who's six-foot-four and 250 pounds to go unnoticed. But with a reserved demeanor, Wes Malott's emergence as one of the brightest stars has been clouded thus far by the Tommy Jones hype.

With a win this weekend, however, Malott (pictured) can make a case for being the Tour's breakout story of the season. He's making his third consecutive television appearance, the first person since Mike Scroggins in 2003 to do so.

After winning his first career match on television last week against Mike Wolfe in the semifinals of the 2005 Tulsa Championship, and bowling well enough to win the title most weeks in a 289-248 loss to Jones, Malott's confidence is at an all-time high.

"I'm not going to say this was unexpected," said Malott of his recent success. "It was a matter of time and just learning out here and getting the confidence. It comes down to being able to make the shots when you need them. Obviously you need to get the breaks too, but the experience and confidence and dealing with the pressure are the main things."

Malott, who had problems with fouls and nerves on television in the past, has found a comfort level under the lights.

"On the show last week I felt pretty relaxed, but even if I seemed less nervous than before, the nerves were still there. In the match against Wolfe, I got into it more as far as emotion and reaction than I did against Tommy, and when I did that I felt my heart racing when Mike would bowl," Malott, 29, said. "I didn't do that against Tommy and felt a lot better. I'm going to try to relax a little more and learn from that. It's all confidence and experience really."

A change in eating habits over the summer has helped Malott slim down. "I've lost about 25 pounds and feel a lot better," the Austin, Texas native said. "Whether it's helped me a lot, who's to say?"

He's currently No. 1 in the PBA World Point Rankings for the first time in his career. Though it's a long season, he's well on his way to establishing himself as one of the game's stars.

"There's a lot left in the season, but it does relax me and give me confidence. I can tell myself I should be in the winner's bracket and I'm good enough to be there, instead of telling myself these guys are so good and I'm not quite there yet. Now I'm thinking all these different thoughts, and I feel like I belong in the winner's circle."

Re-match

Malott's opponent in the first semifinal on Sunday will be 2005 PBA Player of the Year Patrick Allen. Should Allen get by Malott, and Mika Koivuniemi get by Patrick Healey Jr. in the second semifinal, it will be a re-match for the ages.

Koivuniemi gave Allen fits in 2003-04, beating him three times on television, including the title match of the 2003 Cambridge Credit Classic. Koivuniemi called himself the "left-handers' worst nightmare," as he ran his record against lefties on TV to 11-0.

Allen got his revenge, however, in the semifinal match of the 62nd U.S. Open presented by Odor-Eaters last season. "Major Mika" needed to mark and knock down eight pins in the 10th frame to win, but after converting a 10-pin, Koivuniemi left three pins standing to leave the match in a 194-194 deadlock and send the match to a roll-off.

After both left nine counts in the first sudden-death, one-ball roll-off, Allen left the 3-pin, giving Koivuniemi another shot at the title match. The Hartland, Mich., native left two pins standing, however, giving Allen the win.

Koivuniemi, who watched Allen's animated reaction to the win and saw his left-handed dominance come to an end, could get a chance at redemption Sunday in the title match.

Should the re-match occur, it would mark just the third time ever, and the first time since 1987 that the last two PBA Players of the Year met in a title match. In the 1987 Hammer Open, Walter Ray Williams Jr. (1986 PBA Player of the Year) defeated Mike Aulby (1985 Player of the Year), 245-204.

Wes Malott makes it three in a row

Wes Malott defeated Ryan Shafer, 4-3, to become the first bowler since Mike Scroggins in 2003 to make three consecutive television appearances. Malott lost to Tommy Jones in the title match last week in the 2005 Tulsa Championship, 289-245. Jones, who won the first two titles this season, lost to Brian Himmler in the Round of 16, 4-2.

Malott will face 2005 PBA Player of the Year Patrick Allen in the first semifinal of the 2005 Mile High Classic Sunday at Brunswick Zone Lakewood. Allen defeated Mike Edwards, 4-2.

2004 PBA Player of the Year Mika Koivuniemi will look to earn an early exemption as he made quick work of Robert Smith, 4-0. Koivuniemi did not win a title last season until the 10th event after winning three titles in 2003-04.

"It's nice to be on the show and have a chance to win a title early in the season," said Koivuniemi, who is originally from Finland. "I've been feeling really good about my game. I worked on a lot of small things this summer and I've been bowling smart. One more day and then I'll be happy."

Against Smith, Koivuniemi averaged 238.75 in the four-game sweep. Koivuniemi will face Patrick Healey Jr. in the second semifinals. Healey defeated Brian Himmler, 4-3. He came back from a 0-2 deficit and clinched a spot in the final rounds with a 232-206 win in game seven.

The final four will bowl for the $40,000 top prize and an exemption for the 2006-07 Denny's PBA Tour season live on ESPN on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m. MST.

Mile High Classic - Round of 8
Best-of-seven, losers earn 5,000

#8 Patrick Healey Jr. def. #17 Brian Himmler, 4-3
(195-257, 166-196, 279-227, 259-202, 234-228, 225-247, 232-206)

#18 Patrick Allen def. #10 Mike Edwards, 4-2
(288-240, 215-212, 206-236, 216-206, 188-257, 200-194)

#3 Wes Malott def. #22 Ryan Shafer, 4-3
(248-203, 247-224, 168-233, 205-254, 224-234, 168-158, 228-196)

#5 Mika Koivuniemi def. #4 Robert Smith, 4-0
(264-189, 211-201, 223-190, 257-192)

300 games - None.

Mile High Classic - Round of 16
Best-of-seven, losers earn $3,500

#17 Brian Himmler def. #1 Tommy Jones, 4-2
(249-182, 238-194, 194-290, 202-192, 192-248, 207-202)

#18 Patrick Allen def. #31 Chris Barnes, 4-3
(205-248, 299-266, 248-239, 219-210, 206-249, 219-235, 225-196)

#3 Wes Malott def. #19 Danny Wiseman, 4-2
(215-248, 279-225, 299-258, 195-237, 227-216, 219-182)

#4 Robert Smith def. #13 Brad Angelo, 4-3
(237-232, 278-205, 260-288, 200-217, 236-206, 220-235, 225-210)

#5 Mika Koivuniemi def. #21 Michael Machuga, 4-3
(246-235, 193-259, 193-241, 206-257, 223-182, 234-172, 206-203)

#22 Ryan Shafer def. #6 Norm Duke, 4-3
(299-239, 257-267, 266-238, 212-243, 280-209, 222-258, 230-200)

#10 Mike Edwards def. #26 Amleto Monacelli, 4-1
(235-196, 234-215, 244-213, 219-235, 227-200)

#8 Patrick Healey Jr. def. #24 Chris Loschetter, 4-1
(259-257, 208-225, 236-226, 236-227, 258-235)

300 games - None.

Mile High Classic - Round of 32
Best-of-seven, losers earn $2,500

#1 Tommy Jones def. #32 Dino Castillo, 4-1
(212-168, 239-216, 262-279, 215-199, 232-224)

#31 Chris Barnes def. #2 Jeff Carter, 4-0
(257-224, 233-203, 203-174, 183-174)

#3 Wes Malott def. #30 Chris Johnson, 4-2
(258-237, 257-182, 196-207, 258-215, 208-226, 185-183)

#4 Robert Smith def. #29 Tim Criss, 4-0
(259-219, 258-199, 248-176, 225-210)

#5 Mika Koivuniemi def. #28 Christopher Collins, 4-1
(235-216, 213-184, 218-213, 143-236, 209-189)

#6 Norm Duke def. #27 Doug Kent, 4-3
(229-157, 173-194, 235-245, 243-207, 232-170, 207-211, 240-238)

#26 Amleto Monacelli def. #7 Brian Kretzer, 4-1
(182-204, 216-184, 269-207, 224-178, 203-203 [10-9})

#8 Patrick Healey Jr. def. #25 Jason Hurd, 4-3
(234-235, 268-246, 263-247, 180-236, 216-211, 153-225, 210-182)

#24 Chris Loschetter def. #9 Tom Daugherty, 4-3
(254-204, 206-193, 220-240, 210-268, 212-184, 215-226, 206-184)

#10 Mike Edwards def. #23 Dale Traber, 4-0
(266-189, 245-195, 279-237, 255-206)

#22 Ryan Shafer def. #11 Mike Wolfe, 4-2
(233-187, 232-212, 226-226 [7-10], 200-166, 200-225, 235-215)

#21 Michael Machuga def. #12 Mike Scroggins, 4-2
(187-196, 266-259, 247-207, 258-217, 199-259, 278-233)

#13 Brad Angelo def. #20 Jason Couch, 4-1
(205-229, 216-213, 216-193, 228-191, 227-213)

#19 Danny Wiseman def. #14 Michael Fagan, 4-2
(237-256, 211-227, 236-203, 257-213, 258-184, 254-248)

#18 Patrick Allen def. #15 Tommy Delutz Jr., Flushing, N.Y., 4-2
(202-182, 204-258, 194-247, 252-201, 207-158, 235-191)

#17 Brian Himmler def. #16 Rick Lawrence, 4-0
(278-210, 268-233, 259-215, 225-193)

300 games - None.

Tommy Jones targets to win third consecutive PBA title

Looking to become just the fourth bowler to win three consecutive Denny's Professional Bowlers Association, PBA, Tour events, Tommy Jones heads into the 2005 Mile High Classic match play Round of 32 as the top seed. Jones, Simpsonville, S.C., finished qualifying with a 3,304 14-game pinfall Thursday at Brunswick Zone Lakewood, including a 226.71 over his second seven-game set.

"It never crosses my mind," said Jones of his chances to become the first bowler to win three consecutive Tour singles events since Johnny Petraglia in 1971. "There are three matches tomorrow and I'll take them one at a time."

Jones' second qualifying set began slowly as he averaged just 191.0 over his first two games. The 27-year-old responded by shooting 225, 268 and 258 over his next three games. Jones will face Dino Castillo, Carrollton, Texas, in the Round of 32 after Castillo beat out Blaise Bedolla, Roseburg, Ore., by four pins for the final match play spot.

Jeff Carter finished second with 3,265 and will face Chris Barnes, Flower Mound, Texas,, who was 31st with 3,030, in the Round of 32. Carter, Springfield, Ill., barely qualified for the Round of 64, beating out Bob Learn Jr. by five pins in Wednesday's Denny's PBA Tour Qualifying Round to advance.

Both Castillo and Bedolla shot 300 games, as well as Chris Loschetter, Olmstead Falls, Ohio, who finished 24th with 3,056. Friday features all match play with the rounds of 32, 16 and 8 starting at 9 a.m. MST. Match play is single-elimination, best-of-seven games.

The final four will bowl for the $40,000 top prize and an exemption for the 2006-07 Denny's PBA Tour season on Sunday. ESPN will air the final rounds live on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m. MST.

2005 Mile High Classic - Round of 64
Players with position, hometown, 14-game pinfall and average
Top-32 advance to match play, places 33-64 earn $2,000

1. Tommy Jones, Simpsonville, S.C., 3304, 236,00
2. Jeff Carter, Springfield, Ill., 3265, 233,21
3. Wes Malott, Austin, Texas, 3215, 229,64
4. Robert Smith, Thousand Oaks, Calif., 3211, 229,36
5. Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich., 3196, 228,29
6. Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 3189, 227,79
7. Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, 3156, 225,43
8. Patrick Healey Jr., Flower Mound, Texas, 3147, 224,79
9. Tom Daugherty, Tampa, Fla., 3131, 223,64
10. Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla., 3128, 223,43
11. Mike Wolfe, New Albany, Ind., 3121, 222,93
12. Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas, 3120, 222,86
13. Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y., 3117, 222,64
14. Michael Fagan, Greenlawn, N.Y., 3109, 222,07
15. Tommy Delutz Jr., Flushing, N.Y., 3099, 221,36
(tie) Rick Lawrence, Celina, Texas, 3099, 221,36
17. Brian Himmler, Cincinnati, 3096, 221,14
18. Patrick Allen, Tarrytown, N.Y., 3092, 220,86
19. Danny Wiseman, Baltimore, 3080, 220,00
20. Jason Couch, Clermont, Fla., 3079, 219,93
21. Michael Machuga, Erie, Pa., 3074, 219,57
22. Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 3063, 218,79
23. Dale Traber, Cedarburg, Wis., 3061, 218,64
24. Chris Loschetter, Olmsted Falls, Ohio, 3056, 218,29
25. Jason Hurd, Titusville, Fla., 3055, 218,21
26. Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, 3053, 218,07
27. Doug Kent, Newark, N.Y., 3049, 217,79
28. Christopher Collins, Fayetteville, N.C., 3044, 217,43
29. Tim Criss, Bel Air, Md., 3036, 216,86
30. Chris Johnson, Garland, Texas, 3031, 216,50
31. Chris Barnes, Flower Mound, Texas, 3030, 216,43
32. Dino Castillo, Carrollton, Texas, 3021, 215,79
Top 32 advanced to match play.

Missed Cut:
33. Blaise Bedolla, Roseburg, Ore., 3017, 215,50
34. Steve Jaros, Yorkville, Ill., 3011, 215,07
35. Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 3007, 214,79
36. Lee Vanderhoef, Greenville, S.C., 3001, 214,36
37. Bill O'Neill, Levittown, 3000, 214,29
38. Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., 2997, 214,07
39. Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 2996, 214,00
40. Henry Gonzalez, Colorado Springs, Colo., 2988, 213,43
41. Shawn Lee, Centennial, Colo., 2986, 213,29
42. Tom Baker, Buffalo, N.Y., 2984, 213,14
43. Steve Wilson, Lake Worth, Fla., 2983, 213,07
44. Dave D'Entremont, Middleburg Heights, Ohio, 2977, 212,64
45. Andres Gomez, Orlando, Fla., 2972, 212,29
46. Ritchie Allen, Columbia, S.C., 2968, 212,00
47. Randy Weiss, Irmo, S.C., 2949, 210,64
48. Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 2934, 209,57
49. David Traber, Hebron, Ill., 2930, 209,29
50. Nathan Bohr, Wichita, Kan., 2928, 209,14
51. Joe Ciccone, Buffalo, N.Y., 2921, 208,64
52. Brian Voss, Alpharetta, Ga., 2918, 208,43
53. Jim Pratt, Glendale, Ariz., 2914, 208,14
54. DJ Archer, Mineral Wells, Texas, 2878, 205,57
55. Paul Fleming, Bedford, Texas, 2877, 205,50
56. Michael Haugen Jr., Las Vegas, Nev, 2868, 204,86
57. Ben Laughlin, Maricopa, Ariz., 2865, 204,64
58. Rudy Kasimakis, Tupelo, Miss., 2864, 204,57
(tie) Tony Reyes, San Bruno, Calif., 2864, 204,57
60. Rick Steelsmith, Wichita, Kan., 2862, 204,43
61. Mike DeVaney, Escondido, CA, 2857, 204,07
62. Jim Tomek Jr., Camp Hill, Pa., 2848, 203,43
63. Ray Edwards, Middle Island, N.Y., 2847, 203,36
64. Tore Torgersen, Norway, 2812, 200,86

300 games - Blaise Bedolla, Chris Loschetter and Dino Castillo.

Tommy Jones leads after first session in Lakewood

Fresh off winning back-to-back titles to start the 2005-06 Denny's PBA Tour season, Tommy Jones continued his torrid pace and leads after the first block of qualifying in the Round of 64 Thursday in the 2005 Mile High Classic at Brunswick Zone Lakewood.

Jones, who finished with a 1,717 seven-game pinfall, is looking to successfully defend a title for the second time this season. He won the Dydo Japan Cup 2005 in September to defend his 2004 Japan Cup title. He won the 2004 Denver Open last season for his first career Tour title on U.S. soil.

"I definitely like the bowling center here and have met a lot of people in the area, so coming back is a little bit of a home field advantage," said Jones, who is looking to become just the fourth bowler in Tour history to win three consecutive titles. "It's a long tournament but hopefully I can keep the momentum going."

Jones, Simpsonville, S.C., was nearly perfect in winning last week's 2005 Tulsa Championship, 289-248, over Wes Malott, Austin, Texas,. Malott finished the first session with 1,633 and is currently tied for fifth.

Looking for his seventh career Tour title, Jones started the day with a 224, then averaged 262.67 over his next three games to take the lead. Jones finished his session with a 268.

Just behind Jones is a pair of PBA legends in Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., and Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela,. Duke, owner of 22 Tour titles, is second with 1,654, while 19-time titlist Monacelli is third with 1,647.

The 64 bowlers will return at 6 p.m. MST for the second seven-game session. The top 32 bowlers based on 14-game game pinfall advance to Friday's Round of 32.

The final four will bowl for the $40,000 top prize and an exemption for the 2006-07 Denny's PBA Tour season on Sunday. ESPN will air the final round live from Brunswick Zone Lakewood in Lakewood, Colo., Sunday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m. MST.

2005 Mile High Classic - Round of 64 first Session
Players with position, hometown, 7-game pinfall and average

1. Tommy Jones, Simpsonville, S.C., 1717, 245,29
2. Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 1654, 236,29
3. Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, 1647, 235,29
4. Jeff Carter, Springfield, Ill., 1643, 234,71
5. Tim Criss, Bel Air, Md., 1633, 233,29
(tie) Wes Malott, Austin, Texas, 1633, 233,29
7. Tom Daugherty, Tampa, Fla., 1603, 229,00
8. Robert Smith, Thousand Oaks, Calif., 1583, 226,14
9. Mike Wolfe, New Albany, Ind., 1582, 226,00
10. Jason Couch, Clermont, Fla., 1577, 225,29
11. Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla., 1564, 223,43
12. Patrick Allen, Tarrytown, N.Y., 1560, 222,86
13. Rick Lawrence, Celina, Texas, 1559, 222,71
14. Patrick Healey Jr., Flower Mound, Texas, 1556, 222,29
15. Blaise Bedolla, Roseburg, Ore., 1546, 220,86
(tie) Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich., 1546, 220,86
17. Steve Wilson, Lake Worth, Fla., 1543, 220,43
18. Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 1539, 219,86
19. Christopher Collins, Fayetteville, N.C., 1536, 219,43
20. Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y., 1535, 219,29
21. Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y., 1523, 217,57
22. Michael Machuga, Erie, Pa., 1512, 216,00
23. Danny Wiseman, Baltimore, 1510, 215,71
24. Chris Loschetter, Olmsted Falls, Ohio, 1508, 215,43
25. Lee Vanderhoef, Greenville, S.C., 1507, 215,29
26. Andres Gomez, Orlando, Fla., 1505, 215,00
27. Tony Reyes, San Bruno, Calif., 1504, 214,86
28. Brian Kretzer, Dayton, Ohio, 1502, 214,57
29. Tommy Delutz Jr., Flushing, N.Y., 1500, 214,29
30. Bill O'Neill, Levittown, 1499, 214,14
31. Jason Hurd, Titusville, Fla., 1498, 214,00
32. Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 1497, 213,86
33. Tom Baker, Buffalo, N.Y., 1492, 213,14
34. Chris Barnes, Flower Mound, Texas, 1486, 212,29
35. Paul Fleming, Bedford, Texas, 1484, 212,00
(tie) Walter Ray Williams Jr., Ocala, Fla., 1484, 212,00
37. Brian Himmler, Cincinnati, 1483, 211,86
38. Dale Traber, Cedarburg, Wis., 1477, 211,00
39. DJ Archer, Mineral Wells, Texas, 1474, 210,57
40. Chris Johnson, Garland, Texas, 1472, 210,29
41. Michael Fagan, Greenlawn, N.Y., 1469, 209,86
42. Steve Jaros, Yorkville, Ill., 1467, 209,57
(tie) Doug Kent, Newark, N.Y., 1467, 209,57
44. Mike Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas, 1453, 207,57
45. Rick Steelsmith, Wichita, Kan., 1451, 207,29
46. Ritchie Allen, Columbia, S.C., 1442, 206,00
47. Randy Weiss, Irmo, S.C., 1440, 205,71
48. Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 1436, 205,14
49. Ray Edwards, Middle Island, N.Y., 1433, 204,71
50. Nathan Bohr, Wichita, Kan., 1431, 204,43
51. David Traber, Hebron, Ill., 1427, 203,86
52. Joe Ciccone, Buffalo, N.Y., 1423, 203,29
53. Brian Voss, Alpharetta, Ga., 1421, 203,00
54. Rudy Kasimakis, Tupelo, Miss., 1414, 202,00
55. Jim Tomek Jr., Camp Hill, Pa., 1407, 201,00
56. Jim Pratt, Glendale, Ariz., 1406, 200,86
57. Dave D'Entremont, Middleburg Heights, Ohio, 1404, 200,57
58. Dino Castillo, Carrollton, Texas, 1403, 200,43
59. Shawn Lee, Centennial, Colo., 1398, 199,71
60. Mike DeVaney, Escondido, CA, 1380, 197,14
61. Henry Gonzalez, Colorado Springs, Colo., 1374, 196,29
62. Ben Laughlin, Maricopa, Ariz., 1330, 190,00
63. Michael Haugen Jr., Las Vegas, Nev, 1327, 189,57
64. Tore Torgersen, Norway, 1295, 185,00

300 games - None.

Lee Vanderhoef wins Qualifying Round in Lakewood

Lee Vanderhoef held off Jim Pratt with a 214 in his seventh and final game to lead the Denny's Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour Qualifying Round with a 1,589 seven-game pinfall Wednesday in the 2005 Mile High Classic at Brunswick Zone Lakewood.

The top four non-exempt PBA members and top amateur advanced into the 2005 Mile High Classic's Round of 64, which begins Thursday at 11 a.m. MT.

Vanderhoef entered the final game with a six-pin advantage over Pratt, who was looking to lead the Denny's PBA Tour Qualifying Round for the second straight week. Pratt shot 205 in his last game to finish second with 1,574.

"I just want to have a good day [tomorrow]. I feel like I have the ability to win every time I put my shoes on," said Vanderhoef, who averaged 240.75 over his first four games. Jim Tomek Jr. (Camp Hill, Pa.) took third with 1,562 and advanced to his second standard event of the season.

Jeff Carter finished fourth with 1,545 and beat out five-time Tour title winner Bob Learn Jr. by five pins, despite shooting just 182 in his final game. Shawn Lee was the top amateur, finishing 7th overall with 1,533, using scores of 257 and 258 in games four and five, respectively, to finish in the top 10.

The final four will bowl for the $40,000 top prize and an exemption for the 2006-07 Denny's PBA Tour season on Sunday. ESPN will air the final rounds live on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m. MT.

PBA Mile High Classic - Qualifying Round
Players with position, hometown, 7-game pinfall and average. Places 1-4 and top amateur advance to the Round of 64; places 5-6 and 8-16 cash.

1. Lee Vanderhoef, Greenville, S.C., 1589, 227,00, (advanced)
2. Jim Pratt, Glendale, Ariz., 1574, 224,86, (advanced)
3. Jim Tomek Jr., Camp Hill, Pa., 1562, 223,14, (advanced)
4. Jeff Carter, Springfield, Ill., 1545, 220,71, (advanced)
5. Bob Learn Jr., Erie, Pa., 1540, 220,00, $1,000
6. Chris Wimpey, North Glenn, Colo., 1536, 219,43, $800
7. Shawn Lee, Centennial, Colo., 1533, 219,00, (advanced)
8. Scott Sloane, Longmont, Colo., 1528, 218,29, $700
9. Lonnie Waliczek, Wichita, Kan., 1519, 217,00, $600
10. Dave Wodka, Las Vegas, 1517, 216,71, $550
11. Troy Wollenbecker, Toldeo, Ohio, 1509, 215,57, $500
12. Tyler Jensen, Wheat Ridge, Colo., 1499, 214,14, $450
13. Paul Enright, Henderson, Nev., 1496, 213,71, $400
14. Daryl Stone, Westminster, Colo, 1494, 213,43, $350
15. Mike Dias, Lafayette, Colo., 1479, 211,29, $325
16. Walter Schaub II, Schaumburg, Ill., 1478, 211,14, $300
17. Antonio Garcia, Thornton, Colo., 1477, 211,00
18. Ricky Schissler, Henderson, Colo., 1476, 210,86
19. Sean Rash, Wichita, Kan, 1465, 209,29
20. Mark Scroggins, Amarillo, Texas, 1460, 208,57
(tie) Brian Hayes, Lakewood, Colo., 1460, 208,57
22. Henry Moralez, Denver, 1459, 208,43
23. Terry Weddel, Denver, 1458, 208,29
24. Del Ballard Jr., N. Richland Hills, Texas, 1457, 208,14
25. Scott Myers, Denver, 1437, 205,29
26. Rick Schafer, Centennial, Colo., 1432, 204,57
27. Patrick Cahalan, Gilbert, Ariz., 1420, 202,86
28. Chris Hayden, Orlando, Fla., 1413, 201,86
29. Frank Kebis, Denver, 1411, 201,57
30. George Eason, Fort Collins, Colo., 1407, 201,00
31. Aaron Howard, Westminster, Colo., 1405, 200,71
32. Randy Allen, Lakewood, Colo, 1402, 200,29
33. Royce Rusher, Tulsa, 1401, 200,14
34. David Newcomer, Pearcy, Ark., 1397, 199,57
35. David Trujillo, Thornton, Colo., 1389, 198,43
36. Frank Guccione, Highlandsranch, Colo., 1384, 197,71
37. Matt Emmons, Loveland, Colo., 1383, 197,57
38. Steven Gallegos, Denver, 1377, 196,71
39. Wayne Stellick, Denver, 1376, 196,57
40. Jay Ashbaugh III, San Marcos, Texas, 1375, 196,43
41. Robert Carlson, Lakewood, Colo., 1367, 195,29
42. M McCrary, Silt, Colo., 1363, 194,71
43. Dean Weiman, 1362, 194,57
44. Steven Badovinac, Parker, Colo., 1356, 193,71
45. John Slavich IV, Schaumburg, Ill., 1353, 193,29
46. Brett Cooper, Aurora, Colo., 1347, 192,43
47. Isaac Hernandez, Commerce City, Colo., 1340, 191,43
48. Marvin Nezvensky Jr., Pueblo, Colo., 1336, 190,86
49. Thomas Marquez, Denver, 1335, 190,71
50. Clark Frison, LaSalle, Colo, 1333, 190,43
51. Daniel Romero, Commerce City, Colo., 1321, 188,71
52. Duane Steinmetz, Evans, Colo., 1318, 188,29
53. Darrin Cisar, Grand Jct. Colo., 1315, 187,86
54. Michael Honeyman, Westminster, Colo., 1311, 187,29
(tie) Mike Lewellen, Scottsbluff, Neb., 1311, 187,29
56. Michael Smith, Thornton, Colo., 1284, 183,43
57. Jeremiah Witherwax, Lakewood, Colo., 1260, 180,00
58. Craig Carpenter, Westminster, Colo., 1235, 176,43
59. Adam Philp, Thornton, Colo., 1229, 175,57
60. Robert Low, Thornton, Colo., 1222, 174,57
61. Robert Henle, Bailey, Colo., 1211, 173,00
62. Dennis Sandoval, Thornton, Colo., 1158, 165,43
63. Brian Benedict, Lakewood, Colo., 1143, 163,29
64. Eliot Moore, Littleton, Colo., 1139, 162,71
65. Travis McIntyre, Lakewood, Colo., 1122, 160,29

300 games - Dave Wodka.