RP TEAM member Joone Gatchalian stole the limelight from Paeng Nepomuceno after ruling the first eight games of the Squad II competition of the 9th Sinulog Cup bowling tournament last Thursday night at the Gaisano Bowlingplex.

By ruling the Squad II competition, Gatchalian also moved up to the number one spot of the overall standings after two days of battle.

Gatchalian, who is affiliated with the Manila Tenpin Bowling Association (MTBA), toppled 1,781 pins with an average of 222.63 a game.

Gatchalian was at his best elements in Game Six where he came up with a game-high 259 pinfalls.

Squad I leader Junjun Gothong of Bowlingplex Tenpin Association (BTA)/Prima is in second place 1,735.

Tenpin Bowling Association of Makati (TBAM) stalwart and RP Team member Jeff Chan occupied the third spot with 1,733.

Nepomuceno, on the other hand, struggled with his game to drop to the 13th spot with 1,664.

Nepomuceno only had three 200-plus points in the eight-game series with his best output coming in Game Six where he tallied 244.

The elimination round, which is being competed by 54 pinbusters, was still being completed as of press time yesterday with the top 36 bowlers advancing to the championship round, which will start at 1 p.m. today Correspondent Calvin D. Cordova