Prior to the 2013 U.S. Open, Wes Malott already accomplished plenty in his PBA Tour career. He had seven career titles, won the PBA Player of the Year Award in 2008-2009 and won the King of Bowling title, in a way making him bowling royalty. But one thing continued to alude him: a major title.

His most recent chance came in February at the USBC Masters, when Malott defeated Parker Bohn III and Stuart Williams before falling to Jason Belmonte in the finals.

Malott was not happy to come so close without winning, and this time, in a rematch of that battle, Malott came out on top, defeating Belmonte and capturing his first career PBA Tour major title.

Malott, the fourth seed, climbed the stepladder to the title.

Stepladder Match 1: Marshall Kent vs. Wes Malott

Marshall Kent’s first stepladder appearance in a PBA Tour event went pretty well, although he wound up on what he would say is the wrong side of it. Facing Wes Malott, Kent had an early lead after Malott left the third frame open.

Kent couldn’t capitalize though, making spares in four straight frames before striking in the eighth. By that time, Malott had a slight lead, and when Kent left one from the bucket in the ninth, Malott just needed a mark in the 10th to advance. Even with Kent striking all three times in the 10th, Malott’s spare was enough to propel him to the next match.

Final scores: Malott 200, Kent 193

Stepladder Match 2: Pete Weber vs. Wes Malott

One of the big stories from the week was the amazing performance of Pete Weber.

At 50 years old, already the defending champion from last year’s incredible run, Weber qualified second overall and was looking for his sixth career U.S. Open title (he already holds the record, alone, with five).

For many, Weber was the sentimental pick. People wanted to see history made. With 10 career major titles, Weber is tied with Earl Anthony for the most ever. One more would give him yet another feat no one else had ever accomplished.

Unfortunately for Weber, he was up against Malott, who only missed once during the whole match. Malott had so much room on the lanes, it was nearly inconceivable. While Weber struggled with consistency, it really didn’t matter. There was no beating Malott in this match.

Final scores: Malott 279, Weber 182

Stepladder Championship Match: Jason Belmonte vs. Wes Malott

This was the fourth PBA major title up for grabs this year, and the fourth time we saw Jason Belmonte in the title match. Belmonte fell to Parker Bohn III in the World Championship, then won the USBC Masters and came up short against Pete Weber in the Tournament of Champions.

Never before had anyone made it to the title match of every major in a season, and Belmonte is now four for four. Even more impressive, Belmonte ran away with the lead in qualifying. He averaged around 230 through qualifying, and even after match play, still held a 220 average. Belmonte qualifying as the top seed was never legitimately in doubt.

Qualifying first doesn’t mean you’re handed the title, though. Wes Malott just came through a grind with Marshall Kent, then a near-perfect performance against Pete Weber, and anyone who saw that match had to wonder how Belmonte—or anyone—could possibly defeat Malott.

Belmonte struggled early. Three splits in the first five frames gave Malott a chance to build a lead, which he did. Belmonte’s first strike came in the sixth, and by then, the match was almost over. Malott struck on six of his first seven shots and shut out Belmonte in the eighth frame. That doesn’t necessarily make for a great TV moment, but it definitely made for a great moment in Malott’s career.

Final scores: Malott 214, Belmonte 156

Prize Money

1. Wes Malott, $50,000
2. Jason Belmonte, $25,000
3. Pete Weber, $15,000
4. Marshall Kent, $12,000