Latham, N.Y. -- In a battle of power, Robert Smith defeated Jason Couch to capture his third PBA title in the PBA Empire State Open at Bowlers Club Sunday afternoon. Smith, Simi Valley, Calif., earned his third career title and $40,000 by winning, 243-226, in the title match. “I knew it was going to be a tough match,” said Smith. “But I’ve been ready for a win for a while now.”

The match went back and forth until the last couple frames of the game when Smith was able to shut out the nine-time PBA titleholder. “I love having to close the match and throw the ball for the clutch,” said Smith, who was forced to finish first by Couch.

Smith and Couch, Clermont, Fla., both started the title match with a double to get the game going. In the third frame the two power-players both converted single-pin spares (Smith, 4-pin; Couch, 9-pin). Couch, who was making his ninth championship round appearance of the season, started to pull ahead of Smith with a double in the fourth and fifth frames.

In the fourth frame Smith left the 2-8 combination and picked it up but followed it with a seven-count, leaving the 3-6-10 combination. The 28-year-old converted. “Those frames were strictly physical, I was getting lazy,” said Smith. “I didn’t want to give up another win. I had to pull myself back together and refocus.”

Couch broke his string in the sixth frame when his ball went to far left and left the 2-pin. After converting the spare, the 32-year-old left-hander struck on the right lane and returned to the left lane with another nine-count (8-pin), which he also picked up. “The lanes started to transition, the left lane was a lot tighter, and I didn’t make the right moves,” said Couch, who was using a different ball on each lane.

Smith got back in the groove and strung together a four-bagger in frames six through nine. Heading into the 10th frame Smith needed only a mark to shut out Couch. Smith struck on the first ball to collect his first win in 16 months. “I came into this week with a whole new attitude,” said Smith, who was making only his third championship round appearance of the season. “I have a fresh outlook and actually enjoyed bowling this week for the first time in a while.

Couch doubled in the 10th frame and left a nine count to earn his $20,000 check for second. “I felt better about my bowling today though, said Couch. “It always hurts to lose but I’m taking the positive out of it instead of the negative.”

Smith, who qualified as the wild card, advanced to the title match by defeating Dave Traber in the semifinal, 225-224. Traber, Woodstock, Ill., received $10,000 for his third-place (tied) finish. Couch made it to the title match by winning over reigning PBA Player of the Year Norm Duke, 245-237. Duke, who was looking for this 20th PBA win, also got $10,000 for third place (tied). In the wild card match Smith bested Bryon Smith, 278-201. Bryon Smith, Roseburg, Ore., settled for $9,000 and a fifth-place finish.

Robert Smith will head with the tour to Erie, Pa., for 11th consecutive Flagship Open at Eastway Lanes as Smith defends his second PBA title. ESPN will air the finals live on Sunday, Feb. 24, from 12:30-2 p.m. (ET).

PBA TOUR
PBA Empire State Open
At Bowlers Club, Latham, New York
Sunday, Feb. 17, 2002

Pos. Name/Hometown Total/Games Money
1. Robert Smith, Simi Valley, Calif. 746 (3 games) $40,000
2. Jason Couch. Clemont, Fla. 471 (2 games) $20,000
3. David Traber, Woodstock, Ill. 224 (1 game) $10,000
(T) Norm Duke, Clermont, FL 237 (1 game) $10,000
5. Bryon Smith, Roseburg, Ore 201 (1 game) $ 9,000

PLAYOFF RESULTS – In the wild card match, R. Smith def. B. Smith, 278-201; in the semifinals, Couch def. Duke, 245-237, and R. Smith def. Traber, 225-224; and in the final, R. Smith def. Couch, 243-226.