Back-to-back wins for Zapanta

Raphael Zapanta has started a streak in the Fiji Water Prince/Princess of the Lanes Tenpin Bowling Tournament, topping the February roll-off Sunday at the Saipan Bowling Center.

Zapanta knocked down a total of 761 in four games to win the February plum, his second monthly title after ruling the January tournament. Counting last year’s last three roll-offs, Zapanta has yet to lose in the last five monthly roll-offs.

The Saipan Southern High School student had an average of 190.25 pinfalls, knocking more than 200 pins in Game 1 (208) and 3 (224). He had 169 in the second game, before slowing down in the last with 160 pinfalls.

Marion McKenzie, who was third last month, performed better this month placing second with his 658 pinfalls. McKenzie’s best game was in Games 3 (178). He netted 159 in Game 2, 154 in Game 3, and 167 in Game 4 for an average of 164.5.

Reigning Prince of the Lanes Zack Cruz settled for third with his total 655 pinfalls. Cruz started slow recording only 124 pinfalls in Game 1. He found his form in Game 2 with his 186 pinfalls and closed out in the 170s in the last two games (175 and 179) for an average of 163.75.

Six other youth keglers joined the February roll-off. They were Nikko Gutierrez (589), Leeanne Yarobwemal (571), Troy Verdaguer (524), Shelley Sablan (521), Marcel McKenzie (398), and Toby Verdaguer (369).

In the Budweiser King and Queen of the Lanes Tenpin Bowling Tournament, Percy Omechelang boosted his chances for a second monthly plum after leading Sunday’s roll-off.

Omechelang took the January title after beating the score of first day leader Raymond Zapanta. This month, Omechelang was the first day leader with his 835 pinfalls in four games. If his score went undefeated in last night’s roll-off, Omechelang gets to keep the February award.

Participants in the King and Queen roll-offs have an option to bowl twice [Sunday and Monday], but only the highest score is counted.

Behind by 43 pinfalls was first day second placer Rusty Musca (791), followed by Kitz Barja (777), Edward Baluyan (764), Raymond Zapanta (756), Jon Eparwa (734), Ray Cruz (700), Simon Manacop (698), Robert Talavera (698), Jorge Soledad (686), Ariel Dumapit (682), Wellington Ang (618), Jared Guitierrez (602), Raymond Angeles (583), Tony Yarobwemal (572).

The first day of the Queen of the Lanes race was a close battle with Ron Cal ahead by only one pinfall against January winner Yho Villavicencio.

Cal saved the best for last making 202 pinfalls in Game 4 for a total of 703 pinfalls. She had 137, 169, and 195 in the first three games for an average of 175.75.

Villavicencio totaled 702 pinfalls, tallying 181 in Game 1, 157 in Game 2, 180 in Game 3, and 184 in Game 4.

Others who joined the first day of the January roll-offs were Diane Camacho (700), Diane Chong (686), Gloria Omechelang (661), Elena Soll (639). Linda Yarobwemal (631), Mindy Taitano (590), Gigi Zapanta (589), Eileen Schardt (565), and Cora Muna (503).