Latest Link: Hartland Pro Bowler Finishes Second in U.S. Open After Missing Spare

Mika Koivuniemi of Hartland nearly won his second major professional title of the year Sunday, but lost after missing the 10 pin in the finals of the U.S. Open to Norm Duke, according to an article on Professional Bowlers Association Web site.

Koivuniemi, considered one of the game's best spare shooters, fell flat on the approach after his ball dropped into the gutter to lose 225-216 at Brunswick Zone-Carolier in North Brunswick, NJ. (To watch coverage of the match, click on the video here).

“Duke is one of the greatest players ever. I knew it was going to be a tough match,” Koivuniemi said in the article. “I took the biggest shot of my life in the 10th frame and left the 10 pin, but unfortunately I didn’t make my spare. It was my nerves, I guess. I was thinking about the wrong things. This is the first time in my life I’ve lost a title like that.”

Koivuniemi, who won the earlier this year, takes home $40,000 for second place, the article said. His appearance Sunday marked the first time anyone in PBA history made the TV finals in bowling's four major tournaments, the article said.

The Finnish native reached the championship game by defeating Ryan Shafer 236-222 and Tommy Jones 241-158, the article said.