RIYADH — Art Yukong and May Tumbagahon emerged as the Masters Champions and Team Unica Dos clinched the Team Event plum in the 2013 Hajj Friendship Games at the Universal Bowling Center (UBC) here recently. Yukong once again showcased his much improved game outlasting Alfred Valencia in the finals match with a 2-game series of 452 against 423 to claim the Men's Masters Crown. On the way to the finals, Yukong also crushed highly rated bowlers Ernee Noto in the quarterfinals and Stephen Solomon in the semifinals. Other winners, besides Valencia (first runner up), were Solomon and Zaldy Bacero from Filipino Tenpin Bowlers of Jeddah (FTBJ), both 2nd runner-up and Noto, Erwin Nacario, Joe Garrido and Andro Tismo, 3rd runner-up. In the ladies' Masters Competition, Tumbagahon also from FTBJ, had to overcome some of the Riyadh's top-ranked lady bowlers to clinch the crown. Tumbagahon comfortably outclassed Fe Agbisit (1st runner-up) in the finals match (437 against 353). Other lady masters winners were Merlen Pamintuan (FTBJ) and Irene Aril (both 2nd runner-up) and Tess Paciano, Rachel Tismo, Cely Mendoza and Irene Pua (3rd runner-up). The Team Event Champion, Unica Dos, was composed of Yukong, Armin Isles, Fernie Ballano and Marvin Arocena. Other winners in the team competition were 1st runner-up Habagat Uno (Noto, Solomon, Garrido and Celis Viloria), 2nd runner-up Rotunda Dos (Fhel Ramos, Jess Ambon, Doy Del Moral) and Nap Torres, 3rd runner-up Habagat Dos (Valencia, Rudy Usudan, Steve Perez and Dennis Durens) and 4th runner-up EVOJ (Jove Marano, Joel Batolina, Atoi Ramos and Reynald Medina). The tandem of Edwin Atienza and Andro Tismo (Unica Uno) grabbed the Doubles Event crown with Clem Salazar and Ronald Cruz (Interbank) finishing 1st runner-up and Ramos and Medina (EVOJ) 2nd runner-up. Fernie Ballano rolled a perfect game of 300 and completely dominated the singles competition, Men's Division scoring a record breaking 1,294 in five games (259 per game average). The other winners in the men's singles were Cruz (1st runner-up), Valencia (2nd runner-up) and Ramos (3rd runner-up). Ballano received a brand new bowling ball for his perfect game feat. The Ladies' Singles crown went to Rachel Tismo, winning by a single pin over Aril (1st runner-up), with Agbisit 2nd runner-up. All Events Men's Division winners were Ballano – champion, Cruz – 1st runner-up and Tismo – 2nd runner-up. The ladies All Events winners were Tess Paciano – champion, Rachel Tismo – 1st runner-up and Irene Aril – 2nd runner-up. The Hajj Friendship Games is an annual invitational event aimed at providing a highly competitive and challenging tournament where bowlers' skills and craft are tested. The Unified Filipino Tenpin Bowlers of Riyadh (UFTBR) in collaboration with the Filipino Bowlers Group of Riyadh (FBGR) organized the event. A total of 33 teams participated in the tournament. Aside from cash prizes, winners received also medals, trophies and special gifts. The organizers thanked the sponsors — Al Rabie Juice, McDonalds, Rey Bautista, Art Yukong, Fathi Abdulaziz, Art Palustre, Ric Ventura, Irene Pua and lots of individual bowlers who helped make the event a success. In the closing ceremonies, Randy Mata the head of the Jeddah delegation pledged continued support and participation in this annual event, thanking the Riyadh Bowling Community for their hospitality and friendship. Mata in passing also invited bowlers to participate in the upcoming worldwide Balikbayan Bowling Tournament to be held in Manila Dec. 27, 2013. Rey Bautista, the Event Chairman, also thanked the participants and sponsors and pledged to continue organizing more exciting and challenging bowling competitions.
