Luke Bolongan (center) is joined on the podium by Clifford Tan (left) and Jay-Ar Tan (right).
contributed
Bolongan bags Open Masters title of Sinulog Nat’l bowling
Feeling a bit pressured because of the presence of National Team bowlers, Luke Bolongan tried his best to stay focused on the task at hand.
And his efforts paid off.
The 27-year-old Bolongan came out on top in the Open Masters category of the 19th Bowlingplex Tenpin Association (BTA)- Cebu Sinulog Open National Tournament last Sunday at the Gaisano Bowlingplex in Banilad, Cebu City.
Bolongan of BTA-Prima was the top placer after the qualifying round with 2,159 pinfalls. He then triumphed over Clifford Tan, 189-160, to emerge as champion of the week-long tournament.
“The visiting national team members are very good,” he said. “Everybody kept telling me that I can do it so I said to myself ‘Okay, I will do my best’.”
Clifford Tan settled for second place while Jay-Ar Tan finished third.
Bolongan took home P70,000 for his victory.
Bolongan, who is now engaged in a car wash business, also said he used the pressure to his advantage.
“I looked up to them, which inspired me to level up my performance so I could cope.”
‘Best moment’
Bolongan, who resides at Juana Osmeña, actually tried out for the national team in 2007 but failed to qualify. Nonetheless, it did not stop him from dreaming to become one of the country’s best bowlers.
In 2016, he competed in the Sinulog Open and finished eighth place.This year’s stint was his second try.
“So far, this one is the best moments in my bowling career,” Bolongan said.
Meanwhile, last year’s champion Aui Padawan admitted he had a hard time this year. But he vowed to get back up on his feet with the help of coaches Biboy Rivera and Doctor Bede Ilano.
This May, the youngster looks forward to playing in the Philippine Bowling Federation (PBF) International Open in Manila.
“The bowlers who won now really understood the lanes and performed well,” Padawan said.
Among the National Team players who joined the tournament were World Champion Krizziah Tabora, Kevin Cu, Cebuano Jomar Jumapao, JR Tan, JB Vargas, Marky del Carmen, Kenzo Umali, Rachelle Leon and Rica Macatula.