Marshall Kent clinched his sixth PBA Tour title at the Illinois Classic. It was his first singles title since 2017, when he won Grand Casino Hotel & Resort PBA Oklahoma Open.
Kent, the top seed, dazzled the crowd with a 214-180 win over recent Storm Lucky Larsen Masters winner AJ Johnson in a nail-biting final. A pivotal moment in the final match saw Kent rally from a setback, throwing four consecutive strikes to secure the win.
After the final match, Kent expressed gratitude to Holly Lanes in Michigan, where he practiced during the winter, calling it a "career saver." The win, just 30 minutes from his college stomping grounds, added a sentimental touch, with memories from his college days providing subconscious inspiration.
Marshall Kentr won not only PBA Tour title but also $25,000 prize.
The PBA Illinois Classic was the third PBA Tour event this year. Bill O'Neill won Players Championship and the season-opening major title at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, while Kyle Troup emerged triumphant at the 2024 U.S. Open.
