Marc Dylan Custodio rules the e 10th DIBC-Delta Open Bowling Tournament. –Philippine Bowling Federation Inc.
MANILA, Philippines–Marc Dylan Custodio climbed the international medal platform twice in a fledgling career and in both occasions, he wasn’t alone on the podium.
The 20-year-old De La Salle University accounting major claimed his first individual bowling title overseas on Monday in the 10th DIBC-Delta Open Bowling Tournament at the Dubai International Bowling Centre.
“This is definitely one of the biggest milestones of my career,’’ Custodio told the Inquirer in a Viber call.
Seven months ago, Custodio and teammates Zach Sales Ramin, Stephen Luke Diwa and Artegal Barrientos ruled the boys team of four at the Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, a first for the Philippines since 1981.
Custodio also teamed up with Diwa in copping the doubles bronze medal in the 2022 International Bowling Federation World Youth Championship in Sweden.
“I haven’t won an individual tournament overseas, so yes this is the first. Of course, I’m looking forward to a couple of more tournaments this year and hopefully again make the country proud,’’ said Custodio.
While his medal placings in Thailand last year and Sweden in 2022 were borne out of a cohesive team effort on the youth level, the Dubai meet is Custodio’s first in the men’s elite category.
Custodio rolled 1837 in the eight-game series finale, nipping Hafiz Zainuddin (1827) and Ahmad Muaz (1824) of the host nation.
“This is an individual victory, but I didn’t accomplish it all by myself,’’ said Custodio.
Ramin, the Philippine Sportswriters Association awardee this year for bowling after a historic win at the 2023 Singapore International Open, was a beacon throughout the medal round.
“Zach acted as my coach (in the final). He was able to guide me in every frame, reminded me of focusing on every attempt and did everything he could for me to have a better ranking,’’ said Custodio.
Next stop for Custodio and his teammates is another high-caliber meet in Singapore in April followed by another tournament in Malaysia.