VETERAN kegler and businessman Steve Williamson Ong Bahani stormed back into the local bowling spotlight, clinching the Sugbuanon Bowlers United (SUGBU) Bowler of the Month (BOM) title on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the SM Seaside City Cebu Bowling Center.
A dominant force in the 2000s, Bahani has been making a statement since his return earlier this year, turning heads with a SUGBU shootout win that proved his game is still sharp enough to challenge the best.
During the stepladder round, Division B’s Celestino Viloria led the field with 215 pinfalls, followed closely by Division C qualifier Steve Williamson Bahani, who tallied 207 to secure the second finals berth.
The two advanced at the expense of former national team standout Jomar Jumapao, who opened strong but lost steam in match play, finishing with 174 pinfalls.
Further, Division A bowler Richard Turner, fresh off a championship win at the MTBA Open Tenpin Bowling Championships in Manila on May 2, recorded 193, while fellow Division C qualifier Romy Mauro ended with 179.
Bahani sealed his comeback in style, firing a scratch 180 to outscore Viloria’s 167 in the championship match, with his 30-pin handicap boosting him to a 210–192 victory.
Bahani’s win is a clear reminder that his talent and competitive fire haven’t faded, and it sets him up for what could be an exciting run toward SUGBU’s year-end showdown. / Glenn C. Tan