Dumapit leads ‘Rumble’ bowling tournament

Raul Dumapit needed no strikes, just consistency to take the lead in the first round of the Saipan Bowling Association’s Rumble 7-8-9 Bowling Tournament Sunday at the Saipan Bowling Center.

Dumapit carded a total of 827 pinfalls in three games for a 42-pinfall lead over Alex Cacdac, who recorded 795 pinfalls.

Sunday’s tournament, which drew 19 participants, is a fundraiser with proceeds going to the Saipan delegation which will be competing in the Intercity Bowling Championships in Macau, China from Nov. 28 to Dec. 6.

The unique tournament gives a bowler a strike if he downs seven balls in Game 1, eight in Game 2 and nine in Game 3.

Dumapit failed to record a strike, but was consistent in Games 1 and 2, knocking down 268 and 263 pins. He saved the best for last with his 296 pinfalls in Game 3.

Cacdac had a perfect game in Game 1 and remained in contention for the No. 1 spot in Game 2 with his 277 pinfalls. But he muffed his bid for the lead, when he scored only 218 pinfalls in Game 3.

Three other players made a perfect game. The list include youth bowler Raphael Zapanta (Game 2), Raymond Angeles (Game 1), and Marge Mendiola (Game 1).

Zapanta started slow with 220 pinfalls in Game 1 and close out with 264 pinfalls in Game 3 to finish third with a total of 784 pinfalls.

Completing the Top 5 were Diana Chong (752) and Angeles (716).

Angeles faltered in the last two games after a perfect start. He scored 206 in Game 2 and 210 in Game 3. Chong had a good start with 275 pinfals, but like Angeles, she slowed down in the last two games, making 253 and 224 pinfalls, in Games 2 and 3, respectively.

Making it to the Top 10 were Elena Soll (692), Yho Villavicencio (683), Roman Antonio (633), Marion McKenzie (621), and Mendiola (621).

Other bowlers who competed in the first round were Carol McKenzie (619), Ralph Torres (602), Toti Limpin (568), Jonah Delos Reyes (540), Troy Verdaguer (534), Kevin Royal (509), Tom McKenzie (481), Jacob Delos Reyes (457), and Marcel McKenzie (369).

The second round will be played this Sunday and if Dumapit’s score is unbeaten, he gets to keep the championship and the guaranteed cash prize of $300.

Other prizes include a bowling bag from Marpac and Budweiser and gift certificates. The bowling bag will go to the bowler with the most perfect games.

Gift certificates from Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan and Saipan Grand Hotel, chair from Marpac/Budweiser, a 50-lb sack of rice, Sony DVD Player, and a 13” Sylvana Color TV will be given as raffle prizes.

Organizers would like to thank SBC, Fiesta Resort, SGH, D&Q, Micronesian Brokers, Inc., and Eli Arago for donating prizes for the fundraiser.

For more information on the tournament, contact Ross or Gigi Zapanta at 288-5627 or via email at zapanta@pticom.com.