Datba Bowlers Sweep Doubles Podium at 19th Araw ng Dabaw Invitational Open
The Davao Tenpin Bowlers Association (Datba) showcased their home-lane supremacy by capturing the top three positions in the doubles event of the 19th Datba Araw ng Dabaw Invitational Open, held recently at the SM Lanang Bowling Center. This impressive sweep highlighted the association's depth and skill in a fiercely competitive tournament.
Doubles Champions Emerge with Late Surge
Datba's dynamic duo, James Young and Kath Lee, clinched the doubles championship with a total score of 2,482, amassing rounds of 1,189 and 1,293. Their performance earned them the top prize of P20,000, as they powered through a nail-biting final stretch to outpace a tightly packed field. Young reflected on the challenging competition, noting, "Tough gyud ang competition. Every day, lain-lain ang mag lead sa score board sa doubles. Sa last night ra mi nakahabol kay both mi ni maam Kath nangbuto ang scores", emphasizing the constant leaderboard shifts and the strong challenge from visiting bowlers, particularly the Kagayhaan Bowlers Association contingent.
Emz Salvador and Kim Salvador secured the first runner-up spot with a 2,411 aggregate (1,214 and 1,197), while fellow Datba pair Jesrael and Ulene Rule completed the sweep by placing third with 2,385 (1,184 and 1,201). The doubles event marked a significant return to the Araw ng Dabaw tournament calendar after several years, adding extra prestige to Datba's victory.
Mixed Masters Event Sees KBA Triumph
In the mixed masters event, Sam Advincula of the Kagayhaan Bowlers Association captured the title and a P40,000 prize after a thrilling step-ladder finals. He defeated Datba's Joshua Disuacido, who held a twice-to-beat advantage but settled for first runner-up. Advincula outdueled Disuacido in two matches, winning 193-180 and 173-140, showcasing his resilience under pressure.
Earlier in the step-ladder rounds, Advincula advanced by overcoming JV Flores (197) and Crystal Chavez (170), before edging Romy Obaob in the semifinals with a score of 224-184. Disuacido, despite his loss, marked his fourth Top 4 finish in the Araw ng Dabaw Open, stating, "I lost in the finals even with the twice-to-beat edge, but it was a good game. Maybe it's not my time to be a champion in the Araw ng Dabaw, although I won the Kadayawan Open twice already." He received P20,000 for second place, while Obaob earned P10,000 for third, with both also receiving trophies.
Additional Highlights and Awards
Datba players JV Flores and Crystal Chavez were awarded P5,000 and P3,000, respectively, for their performances. James Young further demonstrated his prowess by topping the qualifying round, earning a P3,000 bonus and capping a strong all-around showing for Datba in the tournament. This event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also reinforced the vibrant bowling community in Davao, with contributions from various associations adding to the competitive spirit.
