Marshall Kent said winning the PBA Tournament of Champions was "a lifelong dream come true."
Kent won four matches Sunday, including a 205-201 victory over Anthony Simonsen in the title match, to win the TOC. The televised finals took place at Riviera Lanes in Fairlawn.
"It's just a roller coaster," Kent said. "I have a lot of good things go my way today, and sometimes you need that to win some matches on TV. I still can't even put it into words right now. It's been an unbelievable ride."
Kent opened with a 195-157 win over Jason Sterner in a match that began with four consecutive open frames by Sterner.
In match two vs. Matthew Ogle, Kent started with six straight strikes before putting his first seven-frame shot in the gutter. He recovered to get a spare and went on to win 267-226.
Facing reigning PBA bowler of the year E.J. Tackett in the semifinal, Kent was in control until leaving an open frame in the ninth. However, he hung on for a 212-192 victory.
The final came down to the 10th frame. Kent rolled 7-spare-strike in the final frame to finish at 205, which left Simonsen with a chance to win with two strikes and four pins.
Simonsen got a strike on his first ball, but left the 10-pin up on his second shot, giving Kent the title.
Marshall Kent throws his ball as he takes on Anthony Simonsen (not pictured) during the final round of the PBA Tournament of Champions at AMF Riviera Lanes, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Akron, OhioMarshall Kent throws his ball as he takes on Matt Ogle (not pictured) during the final round of the PBA Tournament of Champions at AMF Riviera Lanes, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Akron, OhioMarshall Kent reacts to his split during the final round of the PBA Tournament of Champions at AMF Riviera Lanes, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Akron, OhioEJ Tackett reacts after failing to pick up a spare in the tenth frame sealing his fate against Marshall Kent during the 2024 PBA Tournament of Champions at AMF Riviera Lanes, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Akron, OhioJason Sterner competes against Marshall Kent during the PBA Tournament of Champions at AMF Riviera Lanes, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Akron, OhioA Matt Ogle fan shows support with a sign as he warms up during the PBA Tournament of Champions at AMF Riviera Lanes, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Akron, OhioBowling fans cheer during the final round of the PBA Tournament of Champions at AMF Riviera Lanes, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Akron, OhioBowling fans crowd around lanes 27 and 28 at AMF Riviera Lanes as Marshall Kent works his way towards a win during the 2024 PBA Tournament of Champions, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Akron, OhioMarshall Kent, facing, hugs Anthony Simonsen after beating him to win the 2024 PBA Tournament of Champions at AMF Riviera Lanes, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Akron, OhioEJ Tackett watches his ball down lane 28 as he competes against Marshall Kent during the PBA Tournament of Champions at AMF Riviera Lanes, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Akron, OhioMarshall Kent, left, watches Jason Sterner closely as he approaches the lane during the final round of the PBA Tournament of Champions at AMF Riviera Lanes, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Akron, OhioMatt Ogle competes against Marshall Kent during the PBA Tournament of Champions at AMF Riviera Lanes, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Akron, OhioAnthony Simonsen competes against Marshall Kent during the final round of the PBA Tournament of Champions at AMF Riviera Lanes, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Akron, OhioMarshall Kent, center, takes a victory lap through the fans after winning the 2024 PBA Tournament of Champions at AMF Riviera Lanes, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Akron, OhioCassandra Daleski, left, embraces her boyfriend Marshall Kent, right, after he beat Anthony Simonsen to win the 2024 PBA Tournament of Champions at AMF Riviera Lanes, Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Akron, Ohio
