January 3, 2002 – Mika Koivuniemi was selected Bowling Writers Association of America Bowler of the Month for December by a select panel of the organization, BWAA President Fran Deken announced today.

Koivuniemi, a 34-year-old right-hander from Finland, became the first foreign-born player to win Bowling’s U.S. Open when he defeated Patrick Healey Jr. of Mexico City 247-182 in Fountain Valley, Calif., to earn the winner’s green jacket and the $100,000 top prize.

Kim Terrell of Daly City, Calif., who captured the largest-ever first-place check ($55,000) in a women’s pro bowling event by winning the Women's U.S. Open Bowling Championship in Laughlin, Nev., was runner-up in the balloting.