Crystal Chavez wins big in 14th Itba-Imus bowling championship
DAVAO Tenpin Bowlers Association (Datba) player Crystal Chavez emerged champion in the 14th Imus Tenpin Bowlers Association (Itba)-Imus NBT Open Tenpin Bowling Championships 2019
held at Paeng's Freedom Bowl, Robinson's Place Imus in Imus, Cavite Sunday, October 6.
Chavez, with a handicap of 28, struck for a total of 2,190 pinfalls after 10 games to clinch the open masters title over 35 other finalists from different bowling clubs in the country.
The 36-year-old Chavez outclassed Jhun Baculod of Itba-Imus, who grabbed the runner-up honors after rolling 2,174 pins and Annie Ramirez of Pearl Bowling Association of Paranaque (2,103) who placed third.
Chavez, who works as a junior officer at the Philippine National Bank (PNB), said, "I didn't expect that I will win the open masters division kasi po mabibigat po mga kalaban ko, ang iba po may malalaki pa na handicap. Honestly po, kulang ako lately sa practice since busy po ako sa work. Pero nagpray lang po ako sabi ko sana mapagbigyan muli ako ni Lord na manalo sa Itba."
The feat was the fifth Itba title for the Dabawenya ace in different divisions in previous years but in the same venue.
Ric Crisologo of Cavite South Bowlers Association (Casba) (2,097), Mark Varona of Itba-Imus (2,090), Joanne Bonifacio of MTBA (2,087), Edwin Avelino of Casba (2,067), Sol Bagalay of Manila Tenpin Bowling Association-Monday Strikers Bowling Club (2,045), Marwin Santiago of Dagupan Association of Tenpin Bowlers Inc. (2,041) and JR Bañez of Casba (2,032) trailed behind.
"Masarap ang feeling to be able to win po again despite all odds," Chavez added.
She started competing in Itba events since 2014. She won her first ladies division title in Imus as well.
Her dad told him to focus on her game, to bend down, back swing a bit more and follow through. "And if ever there will be a bad game, just regroup and aim again," her father reminded her during the finals.
Over 100 pintopplers competed but the top 36 after the qualifying round advanced to the open masters finals.
Chavez was sixth after the qualifying.