BOWLING SENIORS AT LAKEWOOD : Stus Stunned by Handegard

Gene Stus’ two-year reign as Cal Bowl champion came to an end Thursday as John Handegard defeated the defending champion, 221-199, to win the $18,000 championship in the $100,000 Pacific PBA Senior Open at Cal Bowl in Lakewood.

Stus, of Allen Park, Mich., had won eight consecutive TV games, including a 300 that was worth a $100,000 bonus last year, and two titles at Cal Bowl.

Stus defeated Handegard, 225-216, last year for the Cal Bowl title when the right-hander from Las Vegas failed to carry the 10 pin on a solid hit in the 10th frame. Thursday, Stus failed to carry a 10 pin on a similar solid hit in the final frame.

“I’m not happy with my performance as the top seed,” Stus said. “I’ve won only once in five TV shows, including last week in Las Vegas.”

It was Handegard’s seventh senior title, tying him with Teata Semiz for the tour record. “I stayed after the final game Wednesday night to work on my timing,” said Handegard. “It paid off. My timing was a lot better today.”

In the semifinal game, Handegard defeated Jim Brenner of Leclaire, Iowa, 240-199.

The senior tour moves to Springfield, Mo., Sunday for the seventh and final summer stop.