Rivera wins 7th GMTBC-NP Open; De Guzman notches second division title

WINNERS’ GALLERY – Biboy Rivera is flanked by Lara Wong (left) and Art Barrientos

Former National Team coach and top bowler Biboy Rivera of TBAM-Cuisiniers stamped his class to win the Masters division of the 7th GMTBC-Nilo Penado Open Championships Sunday at the Sta. Lucia Bowling Center in Cainta, Rizal.

Rivera, who has distinguished himself in local and international bowling competitions, rolled a score of 2226 in the 10-game finals, beating National Youth team member Art Barrientos of Sletba (2151), and National Women’s Team member Lara Posadas-Wong of PTBA (2115).

Rivera actually topped the elimination rounds and enjoyed a twice-to-beat advantage over Barrientos in the stepladder stage. Barrientos won the first game, 188-179, and then engaged the multi-titled Rivera in a close fight which the latter won, 218-212.

Kevin Cu of Sletba wound up 3rd runner-up with 2112, while Jules Mariano of MBA was 4th runner-up with 2047.

Jun de Guzman of Sletba, meanwhile, made history in the GMTBC-NP Open by scoring a double win, topping the Mixed Classified Masters finals on Saturday. He earlier ruled the Seniors Open held on Friday.

(left) Jun de Guzman flashes a big smile after winning his second division title; (right) Youth champion Charlize Calamba poses with her trophy and cash prize

Karl Barbosa of STAI placed second with 1544, followed by Miguel Pardo of TBAM with 1526, Rico Feria of MBA with 1512, and Mar Serac of TBAM with 1497.

The winners in the other divisions:

Mixed Senior Associate — Willie Pablo of Sletba, champion (1597 pinfalls in the 8-game finals); Resty Barrientos, Sletba, 1st runner-up, 1560; Ricky Tagulinao, Sletba, 2nd runner-up (1551); Jules Pedrajas, USBC, 3rd runner-up (1512); and Charles Calamba, Sletba, 4th runner-up (1471).

Mixed Youth Masters — Charlize Calamba, Sletba, champion (1575 in the 8-game finals); Sean Esmilla, PBA, 1st runner-up (1443); Lawrence Tucay, Sletba, 2nd runner-up (1417); Wilberto Dolosa, Sletba, 3rd runner-up (1365); and Charleen Calamba, Sletba, 4th runner-up (1365). — Abel Ulanday

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