Phl team’s Chua rules BTA Sinulog bowlfest

CEBU, Philippines — Philippine team member Kenneth Chua bested Cebu’s hometown bet Clarence Tiu in their final match to seize the mixed open masters crown of the 20th Bowlingplex Tenpin Association (BTA)-Prima Sinulog National Open Bowling Tournament on Sunday night at Gaisano Bowlingplex in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City.

Chua enjoyed twice-to-beat advantage in the final shootout after topping the mixed open masters 10-game series with 2,120 pinfalls.

Tiu of BTA-Prima, for his part, had to hurdle four “do-or-die” matches before claiming the last final ticket.

Tiu, however, faltered in his quest for crowning glory after bowing to Chua in their championship duel, 159-173.

Rounding up the top eight cast were TBAM-Prima’s Rachelle Leon, PBAP-Jackson Tour’s Marc Matias, BTA’s Arthur Tapaya, CETBA’s Micmic Miranda, TBAM’s Jomar Jumapao, and PBAP’s Mades Arles.

Last year’s champion Luke Bolongan failed to advance to the shootout after landing only at 14th in the mixed masters finals.

Despite Tiu’s setback, the BTA-Prima bets still have something to cheer about  after they claimed the mixed classified and senior masters titles.

Arthur Tapaya lorded it over the mixed classified masters with 2,029 pinfalls out of the 10-game final series. The next two spots were occupied by Nacario Cabando (2,027) and Wilbert Yu (1,993).

BTA-Prima also scored a clean sweep in the mixed senior masters with Vivian Padawan (1,990) leading the charge followed by Nario Cabando (1,974) and Boy Chi (1,966).

Another BTA bet, Xyrra Cabusas, got two special prizes for being one of the top three mixed open qualifiers along with teammates Aui Padawan, and GJ Buyco and for being one of top three ladies in the mixed open division together with former World Cup champion Krizziah Tabora and Alexis Sy.

Tabora also went away with the highest single scratch game among the female bowlers at 225, while the men’s side had Kevin Cu with 258.

Senior citizens Nario Caando and Zoilo Taruc also got special prizes for qualifying in the premiere class. (FREEMAN)