Cebuano is youngest winner of BTA Classic

FIFTEEN-year-old Cebuano junior kegler Heber Alqueza topped the 12th Bowlingplex Tenpin Association (BTA) Classic Nationals Singles Open held last weekend becoming the youngest-ever champion of the annual tournament held at the Gaisano Bowlingplex in Banilad, Cebu City.

Alqueza of the Cebu Tenpin Bowling Association (CETBA)-Prima Juniors beat the country’s best bowlers to advance to the final round of the two day tournament where multi-titled Cebuano Jomar Jumapao of PRIMA Bowling was waiting.

However, Alqueza showed poise and determination beyond his years in the tense two-game final, beating Asian Schools champion Jumapao, 376-367 to bag the gold. Alqueza actually lost to Jumapao in the aggregate score but the youngster banked on his higher handicap points to win.

“I was shocked at first but after it I realized that I played my best that’s why I won the title. My father was always at my side cheering for me,” said Alqueza who is also CETBA’s bowler of the month for May.

“He has some good exposure in major tournaments that’s why he can bowl head-to-head with the veterans. I am so proud of him,” said Alqueza’s dad Edgar.

Alqueza beat Cely Adolfo of BTA in the semifinals, 383-377, Carl Lim of SJBA-Ateneo of Manila in the quarterfinals,433-381, veteran Jun Nierva of Imus, Cavite in the second round, 434-405 and fellow CETBA bowler Tess Regino in the first round, 420-389.

Adolfo claimed third place honors followed by CETBA’s Geff Buyco.

The annual tournament was presented by DMP Diesel Fuel System Cleaner of Rommell Castillo and Caravan Coffee.