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Johnson wins European Bowling Tour title

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, October 5, 2006

Liz Johnson, a Niagara-Wheatfield High School graduate now living in Cheektowaga, defeated Yoan Alix from France two games to one in the championship match of the second Gutperle Viernheim Open 2006 to become the first American woman to win a European Bowling Tour tournament.

Johnson made Professional Bowlers Association history when she became the first woman to appear in a championship round in a PBA Tour event and the first woman to win a PBA Regional event.

According to Bowling News USA and Storm Products, Johnson started the first game with three strikes and never looked back, winning the game 239 (including eight pins handicap) to 215.

Johnson used the Storm Paradigm Passion bowling ball during the entire tournment.

The second game was a close one that was decided in the 10th frame. Alix opened the door for Johnson when he failed to convert the 6-9 combination in the 9th, but rebounded with a double in the 10th frame to force Johnson to spare the bucket (2-4-5-8).

   
Liz Johnson (photo courtesy stormbowling.com)

The 11-time PWBA champion came up light again, but the shot resulted in a spare that sealed the victory. Johnson pocketed the huge 25,000 Euro first-place check (approximately $31,700), while Yoan Alix was consoled with 12,500 Euro. Sean Rash of the United States received 5,500 Euro for finishing third.

Johnson is a member of the Niagara-Wheatfield Athletic Hall of Fame after a high school career as a bowler and softball player.