Del Rosario is February King of Lanes

Arnel Del Rosario was just plain sensational during the recent Pepsi February King and Queen of the Lanes Tenpin Bowling Tournament at the Saipan Bowling Center in Oleai, surging above everyone to take top honors.

After falling short and finishing runner up in last month’s tourney, the 39-year-old Garapan resident came in focused on Sunday, with his mind set on bowling the best he could.

That’s just what the Luen Fong Enterprises employee did as he set the bar high for other competitors, knocking down 938 pins en route to a whopping average of 234.5 in the four-game series.

Del Rosario did not bowl on Monday, but didn’t have to, as it turned out his total score was too high for rest of the competition.

According to Saipan Bowling Association official Ross Zapanta, not only was Del Rosario’s tally best in the tournament, it was also the highest since the inception of the tournament last year.

“I’m really happy,” a visibly overwhelmed Del Rosario said shortly after being announced the winner. “I didn’t make it in 2004 and when I saw my scores, I was just thinking that it was my lucky day. I just focused on my play and gave it my best shot.”

Del Rosario indicated he only picked up the sport in 1998 as a way to relieve stress, a way for him to relax, and a source of gaining more friends.

Del Rosario got off to a hot start, knocking down 222 pins in his first game. He continued to heat up the lanes, hurting 248 pins in his second game and 254 pins in the third. He then closed with 214 pins.

SBA president Jerry Tan presented Del Rosario his first place $150 prize after the conclusion of the tourney Monday night.

Finishing a distant second was Jess Rebusada with a total pinfall of 853 for a respectable average of 213.25 per game on Sunday. The well-known voice of Magic 100.3 had a decent start and battered 213 pins in his first game. He then followed with a 224 but struggled in the third game and wounded up with 181 pinfalls. Rebusada finished strong, knocking down 235 pins. He also took the lanes Monday in hopes of surpassing Del Rosario but still finished short with 844 pins. Rebusada was awarded $70.

Alex Cacdac placed third, taking home $45 with 836 pinfalls, rolling a series of 214, 235, 199, and 188 for a 209 average, while Raymond Angeles and Raul Dumapit followed with scores of 823 and 819 for $35 and $30 prizes.

Rounding out the Top 10 are Robert Talavera (801, $25), Joe Sablan (799, $20), Mark Halstead (793, $15), Mike Guirey (791), and Edgar Talavera (775).

The February Pepsi King of the Lanes attracted a total of 64 entries. The monthly bowling competition is sponsored by Pacific Trading Company and organized by SBA. It culminates with a championship tournament at the end of the season.