Sean Rash was the winner of yesterday's PBA Tournament of Champions.  The tournament that was held at Red Rock Lanes and was won by Rash, his first victory in five years.  He finished off Ryan Ciminelli 239-205 in the title match.

The last time Rash won was in 2007 at the United States Bowling Congress Masters, but it was all Rash from the outset.  He bowled a fantastic title match and took home the hardware, not to mention a cool $80,000.

“This one ranks right up there with the most important titles I’ve ever won,” Rash said. “Your first title is always special, and so is your first major, but this tournament is special because everyone who bowls in it is a champion. The other guys in the finals are all great young players."  He also said, "the great thing about winning a title like this is we’re all family out here. Every other player wants the other guy to succeed. It really feels good.”

Along with the title Rash is also starting to appear in the conversation for PBA Player of the Year.  This conversation has been spurned by Rash's unofficial lead on Tour in earnings, average and competition points all the while being in the top ten in 11 of 14 tournaments. With his title, Rash also inserted himself into the PBA Player of the Year chase. He unofficially led the Tour in earnings, average and competition points while finishing in the top 10 in 11 of 14 tournaments.

Ciminelli was all positive after the match giving all the credit to Rash for the victory, noting that he eliminated two top players in order to get to the title match.

Ciminelli's competition to get to the final match was pretty tough too.  He beat Jason Belmonte who is one of the best bowler's in the game, 257-223 and he also bested Mike Fagan, 190-182.

The bowling season has ended, but a special post-season PBA Summer Shootout is in the works for Memorial Day weekend.  The details should be released soon.