Calipay defies odds, wins Masters crown

CEBUANO Dante Calipay of 55-Above 1-Bowlingplex Tenpin Association (BTA) dominated the Masters event of the recently concluded 13th Sinulog Open at the Gaisano Bowlingplex.

Calipay, 61, showed his best form and went on to defeat heavily favored Philippine Team members who competed in the four-day tournament. He finished with a total of 2,246 pinfalls, averaging 224.60 pinfalls in the 10-round competition.

“I started bowling just for fun,” he said. “I never thought that it would come to this. But I am very glad of the outcome,” said Calipay.

As a senior citizen joining the tournament, Calipay had a five handicap point privilege added to his current 30 handicap points.

Grabbing the second and third spots were junior bowlers and teammates from PRIMA Team 4  Samantha Lagcao and Xyra Cabusas, respectively.

Lagcao downed a total of 2,196 pins while Cabusas finished with 2,156 pinfalls.

Multi-awarded Cebuano bowler Jomar Jumapao settled for fourth with 2,146 followed by Luke Bolongan with 2,136 pinfalls.

Asian Games gold medalist and World Bowling Cup campaigner Biboy Rivera of the Philippine Team settled for eighth spot with 2,126 pinfalls.

With the win, Calipay won P50,000 cash prize.

Meanwhile, 55-Above 2 of BTA topped the team event with 2,492 pinfalls after four rounds.

The team is composed of Dory Enoveso, Boy Gacho and Bing Barile.

D’ Dream of Alex Lagcao, Omar Marsangca and Ruel Zuniga grabbed second spot with 2,469 pinfalls followed by Alberto’s Pizza at third with 2,464 pinfalls.

At fourth was team BTA of president Bede Llano, Lolong Uy and Johnson Tan with 2,463.

MTBA of Clutario, Lingling De Guzman and Layoso settled for fifth place with 2,453 pinfalls while Prima 6 placed sixth with 2,433./CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL