Leong wins third King of the Lanes

Kegler Richard Leong continues to have a memorable year as he emerged as champion of the November Pepsi King of the Lanes Tenpin Bowling Tournament Monday night at the Capital Bowling Center.

The win was Leong’s third of the 2005 season as he also topped the July and September editions of the monthly tournament.

The 36-year-old sales manager of Multi-Line Supply got off to a frigid start as he knocked down 194 pins in his opening game, but came back with the hot hand as he left his mark on 242 pins to boost his chances for the title.

His chances slimmed after the third game as he bowled a pedestrian 181, but with his back against the wall and the title still within his grasp, the As Lito resident settled down and secured another title with a 251 for a total of 868 pins and an average of 217 pins per game.

Finishing a close second was Kitz Barja, who fell just five pins shy of tying Leong as he recorded a total of 863 pins for a 215.75 average during his Sunday night push.

Like Leong, Barja, who recently represented the CNMI in the Asian Intercity Bowling Championship in Jakarta, had a slow start and only bruised 182 pins in his first game. The cold start soon turned into a sizzling performance as Barja knocked down 214 pins in his second game and followed with 231 in the third game. He then closed out his campaign with 236 pins in his fourth game.

Barja returned on Monday in hopes of bettering his numbers, but tattooed only 815 pins—11th best in the tourney.

Orlie Ebuen took third place but not before giving Leong a run for his money as he finished with 854 pins for an average of 213.5 per game. A decent start of 215 was followed by a tournament-best 257 pins in his second game. He continued to surpass the 200-mark by drilling 201 pins in his third game, but his luck turned sour in the final game as he slowed down to record 181 pins.

Capping the other top finishers were Alex Cacdac (835), Mark “The Shark” Halstead (829), Rusty Musca (825), Edgar Talavera (822), and youth bowlers Raymond Angeles and Raymond Zapanta with 816 pins apiece.

With the win, Leong went home with another shiny trophy and $150, while Barja and Ebuen won $70 and $40. Cacdac ($35), Halstead ($30), and Musca ($20) also took home cash prizes.

The monthly bowling competition is sponsored by Pacific Trading Co. and organized by the Saipan Bowling Association. It culminates with a season-ending championship tournament.