SBA’s Rumble ‘7-8-9’ Bowling Tourney

The Rumble 7-8-9 is a “just for fun” tournament to be held at the Saipan Bowling Center on April 22, 28, and 29. There will be cash awards to be determined based on the number of entries with a minimum of $400 guaranteed for the champion.

Each entry will be for a 3-game series and bowlers can play as many times during the tournament provided they pay the $20 entry fee. Should there be 300 entries, the champion will win $1,000, and additional cash awards will be up to twelfth place. Winners will be determined based on total pinfalls for each 3-game series.

The tournament is called “Rumble 7-8-9” because of the way the three game will be bowled. For the first game, it will be considered a strike if the bowler down 7 or more pins, in the second, 8 or more pins, and in the third, 9 or more pins. Bowlers, therefore can win because of luck rather than skill. Good bowlers therefore do not necessarily have any advantage.

Bowlers are encouraged to join early. On Sunday, April 22, the first 20 bowlers will get a 50% discount or just pay $10. The first shift of the tournament will start at 10am.

SBA is also reminding bowlers of the forthcoming May Masters Tournament to be held on May 25 to 27, 2001 at the Saipan Bowling Center. This annual event have regular sponsors so bowler can expect good prizes.

SBA’s Featured Bowler of the Month

Saipan Bowling Association’s featured bowler of the month embodies the true lover of the sport. Ben Aizon used to be one of the best bowlers on Saipan and he was bowling right handed. Unfortunately, his right hand was crushed and later amputated when Ben had a terrible accident with the heavy equipment he was operating.

For most bowlers, the enthusiasm for the sport would have been lost. But Ben is different. He practically relearned the sport by practicing with his good left arm. If you bowl against him nowadays, you’ll probably have no idea that he used to be a righty. You’ll also be surprised that he can still bowl a 160 pins and above average.

He may be older, handicapped, and throwing slower, but he still enjoys the sport, and is still excited competing in leagues or tournaments. Ben’s resilience, however, is not only reflected in his bowling game. He maintains a very normal and relaxed life, a fairly modest living standards, and most of all, he is everybody’s friend.

You may also wonder how he can drive his 4-wheel truck. But for now, let us just wonder how he can still bowl.