Hasltead: Sure bet to top SBA rankings

Mark “The Shark” Halstead is swimming alone at the top of the Bowling Ranking System of the Saipan Bowling Association with only the December Pepsi King of the Lanes Tenpin Bowling Tournament left on the schedule.

Halstead, which has long been regarded as the No. 1 bowler of the Commonwealth, has so far accumulated a whopping 1,712 points. He has earned 327 points from 11 Pepsi King of the Lanes events.

The left-hander also got 100 points for topping the February Philippine Bowling Association Classified Tournament, 80 points from the Saipan Bowling Center Wednesday League last March, 80 points from the SBC Friday League also last March, 80 points from the Capitol Bowling Center Thursday League last June, 80 points from the SBC Tuesday League last July, 80 points from the SBC Saturday League also last July, 100 points from the annual PBA Classified Tournament, 160 points from the 2004 PBA Bowler of the Year Tournament, 80 points from CBC Friday League last September, 75 points from the SBC Friday League last October, and 70 from the ABC Classified Tournament last month.

But Halstead’s biggest breakthrough of the year came in the SBC May Masters Tournament, where he picked up 395 points, which included 200 points from winning the masters event.

Brothers Raymond and Ruselle Zapanta are a far second and third behind Halstead in the BRS. Raymond is 622 points short of Halstead’s total with his 1,090 points. His victories include triumphs in the March King of the Lanes, 2004 PBA Bowler of the Year, and the ABC Classified last month.

Older brother Ruselle is a mere 74 points behind Raymond with 1,016 points. The Northern Marianas College student won both the February and April editions of the Pepsi-sponsored tournament and also did well in a handful of competitions. Both Raymond, who studies at Kagman High School, and Ruselle are members of the CNMI Youth Bowling Team.

Currently running fourth in the BRS is veteran kegler Dannie Robles. He has several strong performances in the year and is in striking distance of third place with 922 points. Former youth bowler Simon Manacop occupies the fifth spot with his 856 points. Manacop won the January and August Pepsi King of the Lanes tournaments.

Making up the rest of the BRS Top 10 are Paul Pangelinan (810), Ronald Epan (760), Ador Dimaano (704), Arnel Del Rosario (694), and Robert Talavera (694). On the outside looking in are Alex Cacdac (882), Jonathan Hensley (625), Michael Guirey (580), John Santos (561), and Edgar Talavera (495).

Halstead gets to add to his considerable lead starting today when SBA holds its December King of the Lanes competition at the CBC in Garapan.

SBA officer and tournament director Ross Zapanta said that today’s roll-off would begin as early as 4pm, while Monday’s competition starts at 6pm. Awarding ceremonies immediately follow the end of competition on Monday.

For more information on the Pepsi King of the Lanes Tournament, e-mail SBA through Zapanta at zapanta@vzpacifica.net or Dimaano at ador_dimaano@tanholdings.com.