CNMI bowlers leave for Guam

The CNMI delegation to the 20th Asian Intercity Bowling Championship is ready for the competition and the invaluable experience they will get from the tournament.

Before boarding a plane for Guam yesterday, members of the delegation took time to share their thoughts about the coming competition against the best from Asia.

First-timer Richard Leong, who currently ranks No. 2 on Saipan, explained that because this is his first off-island competition, what he is really gunning for is experience.

“For me, it’s going to be pretty exciting. I’m going to see a lot of bowlers from off-island and I know they’re pretty good so it’s going to be a very tough competition, but we’ll try. But experience is going to be the biggest thing for me. I’m hoping to learn more and through this experience, hopefully it will help me to improve my game.”

Leong joins tournament veterans Kitz Barja, Raymond Zapanta, and Simon Manacop on Saipan Men’s Team.

It will be Manacop’s fourth appearance at the competition, and the law enforcement officer is looking to put up better performances.

“It might be a little different this time because this year, we were working with Sarah [Yap]. I’m very excited especially now that we have a coach with us and standing behind us. Unlike the previous games…we didn’t really have one that’s really experienced.”

For his part, Zapanta, who has competed in the event four times, explained that what he enjoys the most about the competition is the opportunity to meet new people and learn from them.

“The best part is seeing other bowlers in the tournament because just from watching them and talking to them, I can learn some stuff,” he said. “I think my experience will help, and also the training with Sarah [Yap]. That training is the biggest difference going into this tournament.”

Meanwhile, Bai is also making his debut in off-island competition and is looking to savor every moment of it.

“I’ve been very excited anticipating the experience with all the great bowlers,” he said. To go, I’m very happy for the opportunity. Some great bowlers from Saipan couldn’t go, so I’m very fortunate to be going with this team and its just exciting and it’s a once in a lifetime thing for me.”

Bai explained that he is really interested in learning from other bowlers, seeing what they do for preparation, as well as their approach during delivery of the ball.

“I’ve been bowling for only two and a half years, so yes this will be a big boost for my bowling.”

Bai joins youth bowlers Raymond Angeles, Jeremy Williams, and Tony Cruz on the Capital Hill Team.

Angeles will make his second appearance in the competition, and like Zapanta and Manacop, views the training with Yap as a huge plus.

“I would say I did improve thanks to Sarah’s [Yap] coaching. She helped me, and with my experience last year, now I understand the competition better.

Top-ranked female youth bowler Jerrie Vales also joins the group as she, Emi Williams, Gloria Omechelang, and Ron Cal lead the Saipan Women’s Team.

“I think it’s my lucky year,” Vales said. “I think Sarah really helped a lot and my parents have been very supportive and of course what God has given me. So I’m looking to do my best and meeting new people and learning a lot. No matter what I finish, I’ll be happy. It’s very exciting.”

Team manager Ross Zapanta and Gigi Zapanta also accompanied the delegation yesterday and will serve as the support team.

“For me, it’s good to organize this every year,” Ross Zapanta said. “It’s good for the kids and the first timers are very excited. We’ll be there to support the teams with whatever we can.

Team coach Sarah Yap awaited the delegation on Guam as she was there competing in the Guam Bowling Open, and according to Ross Zapanta, she placed third.

“It’s very good because the bowlers know their trainer is a good bowler,” he said. “As a good bowler, she can be a good coach. It gives credibility to trainer and they’ll have more confidence in her.

The delegation will be up against 15 other cities in the competition, which will be held from Nov. 7 to Nov. 15 at the Central Lanes Bowling Center.

Organizers of the event recently released the list of confirmed teams as Korea will be represented by teams from Daegu, Uiwang, Pohang, and Busan; the Philippines will be represented by Pasay, Paranaque, and Antipolo; Taiwan will be represented by Taipei and Kaoshiung; Hong Kong will be represented by Hong Kong Island, Victoria, and Kowloon; and Guam will be represented by Tamuning, Hagatna, and Dededo.