Macatula triumphs, Paeng fourth

JP Macatula —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Team Pilipinas bowler JP Macatula demonstrated skill and composure to claim victory in the 9th GMTBC ICS/Kwikprint Open Championship on Sunday, edging out teammate Merwin Tan in a hard-fought final at Sta. Lucia East Bowling Center.

Macatula began his path to the title by defeating fellow Team Pilipinas member Patrick Nuqui in the first stepladder match, 245-183. The victory set up a championship showdown against Tan, who had led the 10-game finals stage.

With the stepladder format requiring him to defeat Tan twice, Macatula faced a significant challenge. But the seasoned competitor, a champion in multiple local and international tournaments, maintained his composure. He took the first game 242-226, forcing a decisive match.

The final game turned into a thrilling contest. Macatula stumbled early with an open frame in the second but quickly recovered. A string of five consecutive strikes kept him in contention, and a second five-bagger in the closing frames secured a narrow 247-245 victory over Tan.

“I’m happy that my ball executions worked, which helped me keep my releases steady and on target,” said Macatula after receiving his trophy and cash prize.

Bowling legend Paeng Nepomuceno, representing Sletba-GMTBC, finished fourth after delivering strong performances in the final rounds. Michael Lacerna, another Team Pilipinas bowler, rounded out the top five.