After rolling a 299 game against Tom Daugherty of Wesley Chapel, Fla. in the semifinal match, Koivuniemi threw another 10 strikes on 12 tries against Smallwood to become the first international player ever to win the PBA's signature tournament.
"I can't even say what this title means right now," Koivuniemi said. "It was my third major and I have nine titles now. I hope I can win a few more and secure a spot in the hall of fame. And my oldest daughter is starting college next year, so the money will help.
Koivuniemi earned the nickname "Major Mikaâ"after winning the 2000 United States Bowling Congress Masters and the 2001 U.S. Open - both major championships - for his first two PBA titles after a highly successful international career where he won titles in 15 different countries.
"Mika bowled great. He won," said Smallwood, who earned $100,000 as runner-up. "He out-bowled all of us. He had a great look at the lane condition and he made the shots. And winning $100,000 can make you a good loser."
In the semifinal match, Koivuniemi came within a wobbling 10 pin of becoming the first player in PBA history to shoot two nationally-televised 300 games. The 42-year-old right-hander rolled a perfect game against Jason Couch of Clermont, Fla., in Windsor Locks, Conn., in 2003.
The first prize and total prize fund were the richest in bowling history. The finals, which aired in high-definition for the first time in PBA history, returned to ABC for the first time in 14 years.
