RIYADH — Underrated bowlers Dennis Durens and Irene Pua both of Class C ruled the Masters Event and grabbed the limelight in the UFTBR 2013 Philippine Independence (Kalayaan) Cup here recently. It was a fitting conclusion to a tournament that was full of surprises as rated and veteran bowlers struggled with difficult and challenging lane condition. Durens topped the Masters' Elimination round coming from behind to edge highly-rated and multi-awarded bowler Ernee Noto in the sixth and last game. Noto himself struggled with his game the first two days but found his form on the third to qualify for the Masters' Event. In the Masters' elimination it was Noto all the way until Durens pulled off a surprise by edging Noto. In the first game of the step-ladder match of the Masters' Event, Sammy San Juan won over Fernie Ballano and Marvin Arocena. Noto, however, was on a roll and easily defeated San Juan in the next game to move into the final, which as everyone expected was a foregone conclusion despite Durens' twice to beat advantage. Noto easily won game one, but the underdog Durens, who was rooted and cheered by almost everyone, delivered another lucky strike in the 10th frame to bag the crown. Pua who only started bowling last year completely dominated the Masters' elimination round for ladies, but was up against two veterans and rated lady bowlers Ellen Bernabe and Cecille Solomon in the finals. Solomon won over Bernabe in the first step-ladder match and earned the right to challenge Pua. The final match was a battle of nerves. Pua seemed to have lost her winning touch, but Solomon also struggled with her game as both bowlers wilted under the championship pressure. The match went down the wire with Solomon needing only one quality shot in the 10th frame to win. However, an error in Solomon's release proved costly as her ball just rolled and skidded to the side of the lane and managed to knock down only three pins giving the crown to Pua, who was awestruck and in tears as she was declared the champion. Earlier on day one, Joel Batolina, who has just been upgraded to Class A, delivered the first upset when he emerged as champion in the Male Division. Armin Isles (Class B) took the 1st runner-up award, followed by Clem Salazar (Class C) as all the rated bowlers tumbled. In the Ladies' Singles Event, Nina De Vera, a neophyte bowler, blazed the lanes and took the title followed by Precy Ojena (also a new bowler) at second and Solomon at third. In the team competition on day two, Team Vigan (Buddy Balisi, Doy Del Moral, Fhel Ramos and Joel Lambo) bagged the crown. It was followed by Team Negros (Arnold Jesena, Resty De Jesus, Rodel Molina and JauUrbano) in second, Team Puerto Princesa (Isles, Ballano, Rico Feria and Art Yukong) third, Team La Union (Noto, Joe Garrido, Celis Viloria and Stephen Solomon) fourth and Team Palawan (Ronald Bautista, Edwin Atienza, Rudy Usudan and San Juan) fifth. The Doubles Event crown was clinched by the tandem of Del Moral and Ramos (Team Vigan), followed by Usudan/San Juan of Team Palawan in second and Ric Urrutia and Jess Ambon of Team Sorsogon third. Batolina maintained his performance all throughout the competition and bagged the All Events title for men, followed by Ramos in second, Velasco third, Isles fourth and Edgar Buenaventura fifth. In the ladies All Events competition, De Vera emerged as the winner, followed by Pua (second) and Bernabe (third). A total of 30 teams participated in this year's event comprising more than 120 bowlers to include those who played on the singles event only. The event was held in celebration of the Philippine Independence Day. Team names were taken from Philippine provinces, cities and historical sites and was highlighted in the team parade during the opening ceremonies. Companies which sponsored and supported the event were: Interkey Holding Company, Saudi Telephone Company, Qatar Airways, Fursan Travel, Saudi Gazette, Mega World International, Adwa Al-Shehaab Co., Meral Crown Hotel, 3M Saudi Arabia, Skyfreight, Pepsi Cola, NADEC, House of Donuts, McDonalds, Gandour Chocolates and Riyadh Pro-Shop. Individual donors included Fathi Abdulaziz, who provided sandwiches and drinks, and Art Yukong, who donated two mobile phone units which were raffled off to bowlers and spectators. Representatives from Saudi Gazette, Qatar Airways and Mega World graced the opening and the awarding ceremonies. Ernee Noto, UFTBR chairman, and Cesar de Mesa, the event chairman, thanked the sponsors and the participating teams for their support and generosity. They also thanked UFTBR officers and working committee members — Rita Sison, Pau Feria, James Frizzle, Phines Pingol, Fe Ballano, Bong and Cecille Solomon, Fred Zacarias, Dennis Durens, Armin Isles, Art Palustre, Cristy Jesena, Liza De Vera, Johnny De Asis, KC Enriquez and Steve Perez. — SG
