RIYADH – D'Pirates, despite losing to Air21 in the last game, emerged champions in the just-concluded IBG Friday Afternoon Bowling League 2nd Conference at the Universal Bowling Center (UBC) here. The league was sponsored by Hala Int'l. Mabuhay Mobily in partnership with Globe and organized by the Itqan Tenpin Bowlers (IBG) Advocates. At the culmination of the final match, the game ended 20-17, in favor of the Air21. D'Pirates won the crown by having accumulated total points of 639 against total accumulative points of 610 registered by the Air21. Air21 took the second place. Shawn Rickett led in Air21 by posting 860 points and was followed by Ruel Toledo (834), Thong Asuncion (823), Leo Mabunga (804) and team captain Jerry Austria (785). Celis Viloria and Bembol Velasco, fresh from his triumphant showing in the just-concluded UFTBR 2013 Worldwide Balikbayan tourney held in Manila, top-scored in the D'Pirates quintet. Viloria and Velasco had separate series of 837 and 816. Fareed Aquino and Dennis Gabriel came next by hitting separate series of 796 and 728, while Rodel Molina and Erwin Nacario contributed separate series of 427 and 403 in two outings. On Lanes 7 and 8, Itqan Tenpin Wizards defeated the NBA, 23-16, but their win was only good for fourth place because the NBA team was ahead in the total accumulative points (588–572). NBA team, mentored by Nelson de Vera, took the third place. At the forefront in Itqan Tenpin Wizards, managed by Ric Singson, were Doy del Moral (842) and Ronald Cruz (840). Next to them were Singson (798) and Reynald Medina (772). Arnold Jesena and Nap Torres contributed 417 and 404 series in two games. Multi-Perfect 300 holder, southpaw Ronald Bautista shone in NBA by posting a four-game series scratch of 868 while Joel Batolina knocked down 821 points. Bandar Al-Marshad and De Vera chipped in with 797 and 761, while Joe Garrido and Mike Ecalnir sealed 414 and 403 series in two matches. Final standings of other teams: 5. Itqan Tornado, 6. Great Balls of Fire, 7. Salyng Kits, 8. Roll and Bowl, 9. Pinbusters, 10. SACO, 11. Xperts, 12. Magnificent-5, 13. SABB Strikers and 14. Bankrun. League achievers: Most Valuable Player – Ernee Noto; Most Improved Player – Andy Carasig; Perfect 300 Holders: Ric Urrutia Jr. and Doy del Moral; Individual High Game Scratch: Ric Urrutia Jr. and Doy del Moral; Individual High Game Scratch and Handicap: Fernie Balano; Team High Game Scratch and Handicap: D'Pirates; Team High Series Scratch – D'Pirates; Team High Series Handicap: Great Balls of Fire. Battle of Elite Players: Champion – Thong Asuncion; 1st runner-up – Leo Mabunga; 2nd runner-up – Ronald Bautista. During the Battle of Elite players, Leo Mabunga rolled a Perfect 300 in the first game of action. Special recognition will be awarded to him. Cash prize, trophies and attractive items will be awarded to the winners during the awarding ceremony to be held on March 1 at the Universal Bowling Center. Invited to grace the gathering are representatives from Hala Int'l. Mabuhay Mobily and Globe. Right after the awarding ceremony, the IBG Friday League 3rd Conference will follow. Those who would like to participate in the league may contact the IBG Advocate Ian Choco at 055-1868667. — SG
