After three intense rounds of best-of-seven-games elimination match play, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in the PBA Illinois Classic Stepladder Finals.
The finals will be aired live on FS1 this Sunday at 2 AM CET, promising a nail-biting experience for bowling fans.
Marshall Kent, the No. 1 seed, is one game away from securing his first PBA Tour singles title since 2017. Kent, who led the 18 games of qualifying, showcased resilience in the Round of 8, securing the top seed.
In pursuit of his first career PBA Tour title, Sean Lavery-Spahr snagged the No. 2 seed by defeating the formidable Jason Belmonte.
AJ Johnson, a local from Oswego, earned the No. 3 seed after sweeping Tom Daugherty in the Round of 8. Having secured victory at the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters to conclude the previous season, Johnson is eager to clinch his second career title in his hometown.
Jake Peters, fighting through a seven-game barnburner against EJ Tackett, claimed the No. 4 seed, but will meet EJ again in the stepladder match one, as EJ advanced as round's highest-eliminated qualifier.
The PBA Illinois Classic is the third PBA Tour event this year. Bill O'Neill won Players Championship and the season-opening major title at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, while Kyle Troup emerged triumphant at the 2024 U.S. Open.
