HAMMOND | Munster resident and PBA pro Eugene McCune has yet to qualify for a TV appearance in a local tournament in four chances.

But he earned his best local finish thus far in losing to Bill O'Neill in the quarterfinal round of Friday's Lake County Indiana Golden Anniversary Championship at Olympia Lanes.

"I bowled really good, he just bowled better," McCune said. "It's just one shot here or there that makes the difference."

McCune fought throughout the matchup, only losing 244-233, 235-234, 246-239 and 266-228. The 17-year exempt PBA Tour bowler dropped out of last week's tournament because of tendinitis in his shoulder, but said that wasn't the reason he won't be bowling in Sunday's championship round.

"My whole body hurts, but that's normal," McCune said. "But those three games were about the best three games I've bowled all week."

O'Neill did seem to be in the driver's seat during what he called the best games he's ever bowled. But one thing McCune did have control of was the hometown crowd. At one point, O'Neill even gave a sarcastic "thank you" gesture to the audience after his strike found no applause.

"You get that once in a while," O'Neill said. "It almost drives you a little bit to kind of give it to them."

McCune said it was nice to have the Region faithful on his side.

"When you leave a 7-10 or something, you can stay calm with the crowd behind you," McCune said. "I have a temper, and it's nice to have somebody else see that you got screwed."

Also advancing to Sunday's final four are legendary Walter Ray Williams Jr., Anthony LaCaze and Mike Scroggins, who beat Tommy Jones in seven games.

On the senior side, Timothy Kauble and Hugh Miller advance to the championship.

Hammond native Kenny Parks was eliminated in the semifinals.