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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Johnson’s incredible run ends in PBA finals

Associated Press

WYOMING, Mich. – Liz Johnson made bowling history Sunday afternoon, but still was disappointed.

Johnson, 30, of Cheektowaga, N.Y., became the first woman to advance to the championship match of a Professional Bowlers Association tour event, but she lost by 27 pins to Tommy Jones of Mauldin, S.C., in the final of the PBA Banquet Open at Spectrum Lanes.

Johnson spent eight seasons on the Professional Women’s Bowling Association tour, winning 11 events including the 1996 U.S. Open as a rookie and earning more than $500,000. She also made bowling history Thursday when she became the first woman to advance to the round of 32 in a PBA Tour event.

“There is a slight bit of disappointment because I don’t like to lose, but I made it to the finals as a player and as the first female,” Johnson said. “I made the big show. I have to be proud of myself for that.”

Johnson, who collected $20,000 for her runner-up finish, earned the final tournament berth Wednesday in the PBA Tour Qualifying round, then finished 11th overall Thursday in the Exempt Qualifying round and advanced to the field of 32.