David “Boog” Krol capped off an extraordinary journey by claiming the 2024 PBA Playoffs title over Jesper Svensson at AMF Kissimmee Lanes.
David Krol capped off an incredible run by winning the 2024 PBA Playoffs title at AMF Kissimmee Lanes, marking his second career PBA Tour title in just two months.
Krol clinched his first PBA Tour title earlier this season by winning PBA Delaware Classic.
28 year-old's journey from pre-tournament qualifiers (PTQs) to Playoffs champion is already named as one of the most remarkable stories in PBA Tour history, demonstrating his resilience and skill in the competitive world of professional bowling.
“All I can say is it's been a dream come true,” Krol said after the win. “I fought so long for this and I finally trusted myself this year to bowl everything as much as I could. We're reaping the benefits right now. Not even winning a title or winning this, just knowing and feeling that I can beat these guys every week and this could be a career that I could hold for another 10 years out here.”
In the first semifinal, Krol faced Bill O’Neill. O’Neill started a game with splits in first and third frames, while Krol's consistent strikes built an advantage and led to a 243-202 victory.
The second semifinal saw Jesper Svensson, a two-handed lefty from Sweden, overcome two-time defending champion Kyle Troup. Troup started strong with five strikes but faltered with a split in the sixth frame and a missed 10-pin spare in the eighth after hitting his ankle, which opened a window for Svensson to shut him out. Svensson capitalized on these mistakes, delivering a clutch performance with three strikes and a nine in the final two frames to secure a 224-211 victory.
The championship match featured a Race-to-Two format. Svensson won the first game 220-213, but Krol rebounded with a 204-194 win, forcing a roll-off. In the decisive roll-off, Krol struck first with a strike, putting immediate pressure on Svensson. The Swede spared an 8-pin and then added a strike and a spare. Krol, needing a mark to win, delivered a perfect strike to clinch the victory, completing his improbable and inspirational journey from PTQs to Playoffs champion.
Final standings saw Krol take home not only the one of the greatest underdog stories in PBA history. "Boog" won $75,000 grand prize, followed by Svensson with $50,000, and both O'Neill and Troup earning $25,000 each.
Championship Round Scores:
Semifinal 1: No. 9 David Krol vs. No. 4 Bill O’Neill, 243-202
Semifinal 2: No. 10 Jesper Svensson vs. No. 6 Kyle Troup, 224-211
Championship match: No. 9 David Krol vs. No. 10 Jesper Svensson, 2-1 (213-220, 204-194, 48-40)
