Sunday, September 29, 2019 – CENTRAL LANES BOWLING CENTER, Tamuning, Guam
The Guam Senior Bowlers Association senior tournament crowned a two time winner for the second month in a row as association president and defending GSBA champion John Salas matched vice president Rick Torres’ two titles by beating second seed Nick Guttierez in two straight games. Oddly enough was that he won from the same tenth seed spot as Torres did in his title run in August.
The tournament oil pattern had mixed results during the opening shootout rounds as twelfth seed Alex Kloulubak fell to sixth seed Manny Tagle 171-158 in the even number bracket. Tenth seed Salas opened his title run with a 230-188 win over his wife, eighth seed Liz Salas.
The odd number bracket had similar results as fifth seed Josie Catbagan ran over eleventh seed Remy Matanane 243-195. Meantime ninth seed Edgar Nalandasan had a narrow 176-156 victory Nori Catbagan,
In round two of the shootout, Salas continued by blistering the lanes for a 229-168 win with handicap over tournament director Tagle. Josie Catbagan managed a close victory over Nalandusan 173-167 to continue her title quest.
The quarterfinals began with Catbagan gaining a forfeit win over fourth seed Virgil Toledo who was a no show. Salas continued with his third 200 plus game with handicap with a 220 over third seed Lito Teodoro.
Salas continued in the semi-finals by upsetting number one seed Zaldy Ponce 197-180 and 205-143 by the “lower seed must beat the higher seed twice to advance” tournament format. Second seed Nick Guttierez ended Josie Catbagan’s title hopes with a 208-177 win to head into the finals.
The championship format of the first to take two of three games began with Salas remaining consistent with his sparing to edge out Guttierez and take the first game 190-187. His good fortune continued in the second game as his handicap was enough to hold off Guttierez form coming back with a solid 217-209 game to take the September crown. This certainly served noticed that the defending champion intends to return for a shot at a second straight Senior Bowler of the Year championship in December.
The top twelve bowlers will be announced and/or posted on the Friday prior to the tournament on Sunday. For complete information, see the tournament rules posted on the bowling counter or see Manny Tagle during the Friday Night Senior League.
Guam Bowling 