LAS VEGAS, NV - Cheektowaga's Ryan Ciminelli lost to Sean Rash 239-205 in the championship match of the PBA Tournament of Champions on Sunday.
Ciminelli qualified in fourth place for the finals and won his opening match against Player of the Year contender, Mike Fagan 190-182 to advance to the semifinals.
In the semis Ciminelli faced Jason Belmonte, who is seen as the leading contender in the PBA player the year race. After missing a 7 pin in the opening frame, Ciminelli striked on nine of his next ten shots for an impressive 257-223 win.
It's the fifth career title for Rash, who took home the $80,000 first prize.
Ciminelli won $40,000 for finishing in second place overall.
WGRZ