November 25, 2001, 4:00 PM UPDATED

Pete Weber wins his second title of the year to reach a milestone in the PBA Greater Louisville Open at Executive Strike and Spare Sunday afternoon Weber, of St. Ann, Mo., stood two strikes away from a perfect game while capturing his 27th PBA title by defeating Michael Haugen Jr. in the title match, 289-279.

"I'm happy as hell," Weber said. "I'm so ecstatic and the win feels so good."

The win, which earned the PBA Hall of Famer $40,000, puts him one title ahead of his legendary father Dick Weber. It was only five weeks ago that Pete tied his father in championships in Grand Rapids, Mich.

"I know my dad is probably more excited right now than I am," said Weber. "Every game I bowl on TV and every shot I throw, I know my dad is with me."

Haugen, of Victorville, Calif., put up a fight throughout the match and didn't give Weber any slack. The fourth-year pro, who was shooting for his first title, struck through the entire match with one exception, a 10-pin spare he converted in the third frame and finished first with a 279 game.

"A 279 game is usually good enough to beat any mortal man," said Haugen. "But I guess it's not good enough to get Weber."

Weber struck through the first nine frames and amazingly did not shut out his opponent. He needed the first strike in the 10th frame to win the game and only two more strikes to roll the 15th televised 300 game and an earn a $10,000 bonus.

The first ball was a strike but the next ball left the 4-pin standing.

"I hate that 4-pin," said Weber. "It was a great game but that four pin stinks."

In his first win of the year, five weeks ago in Grand Rapids, Mich., Weber bowled a 299 game in the semifinal match and also left a 4-pin.

Haugen, who was competing in his first-career title match, earned his largest paycheck ever, $20,000.

"It's weird – I know I should be upset but I'm so happy," said Haugen. "It was a great game and I'm glad I got to bowl Weber for the title. I consider him one of the most talented players to ever lace them up so if I had to lose, I'm glad it was him."

Weber is now tied with Mike Aulby and Parker Bohn III for fourth on the PBA's all-time win list with 27 titles.

Weber defeated Norm Duke in the semifinal match, 260-227, to advance to the title match. Duke, of Clermont, Fla., received $10,000 for tying for third. The 19-time PBA titleholder was making his second consecutive championship round appearance.

In the first semifinal match, Haugen defeated Ryan Shafer, 257-246. Shafer, of Elmira, N.Y., who qualified as the No. 1 seed, also finished tied for third, worth $10,000.

In the wild card match, Weber defeated wild card qualifier Brian Himmler, of Cincinnati, 204-188. Himmler settled for fifth and a $9,000 check.

The PBA Tour will head to Fountain Valley, Calif., for the prestigious U.S. Open. The event will run December 2 through December 9 and is the second PBA major of the year. The winner will receive a $100,000 check, which ties the highest-paying first-place prize in the history of professional bowling. ESPN will air the finals live Sunday, December 9, from 1–2:30 p.m. (ET).

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND RESULTS

PBA GREATER LOUISVILLE OPEN

Executive Strike and Spare, Louisville, Ky.

Sunday, Nov. 25, 2001

Pos. Name, City & State Total/Games Money

1. Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo. 753 (3 games) $40,000

2. Michael Haugen Jr., Victorville, Calif. 536 (2 games) $20,000

3. Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla. 227 (1 game) $10,000

(T) Ryan Shafer, Elmira, N.Y. 246 (1 game) $10,000

5. Brian Himmler, Cincinnati 188 (1 game) $ 9,000

PLAYOFF RESULTS – In the wild card match, Weber def. Himmler, 204-188; in the semifinals, Haugen def. Shafer, 257-246, and Weber def. Duke, 260-227; and in the championship match, Weber def. Haugen, 289-279.