RIYADH, 19 April — Unicorn of Willie Termulo pressed for their stronghold of the No. 2 spot by beating Tsamba Konnection of John Harris in a 3-1 match on the 19th Week of the Marhaba Bowling tournament being played Saturdays at the FAL Bowling Center in Riyadh.

Unicorn snatched the best output of 240 points (from 150 winpoints and 90 bonus points) behind the sizzling games of Efren Abuyo who led with 766 pinfalls in 4 games. Abuyo had the support of Julian Corro who canned 745 also in 4 games. Joe Concepcion rolled 691 while Rene Dimapilis had 589 also in 4 games. Dennis Albano and Saud Egil bowled 2 games each to aid in Unicorn’s triumph that gave them another Team of the Week award.

Unicorn now enjoys a 98-point lead over the 3rd-placed Hunks of Rod Basilio who squeezed out 210 points from a similar 3-1 win over Al Humaidi Trading.

At this point of the tourney, the Unicorn’s goal is clear and simple enough: To defend the 2nd spot at all cost. Because the virtual champions Mavericks of Ben Carriaga are miles away with a dizzying gap of 631 points.

Tsamba Konnection meanwhile settled at No. 8 and will have to work hard to fight for their share of the medals. That day, the quintet was composed of captain John Harris, William Ybay, Leo Laudencia, Romy Goliat and one blind.

Tsamba Konnection actually pulled the rug from the under the surprised Unicorn with a close 884-872 in Game One through the efforts of John Harris and William Ybay. But there was no picnic for Tsamba as Unicorn decisively took the last 3 games with 937-788, 900-821 & 900-817. And Uncicorn were lucky enough to snatch bonus points with their flat 900s in games 3 & 4.

Efren Abuyo dazzled with 211 in his last game that iced their win. Concepcion and Corro also sizzled in the last 2 games, denying Tsamba a breathing room for turnaround.

In the individual front, Noel Morales of the Mavericks showed a sample of his teams’ remarkable talent when he snatched the Bowler of the Week award with his huge 873. Morales beat Rolly Manalang and Clem Salazar, both from Alley Bang Bang, with their distant 818 & 803 respectively. Noel is presently connected with Saudi French Bank and is one of the finest bowlers who have participated in the First Conference of the Marhaba Phone Card Bowling League.

The Mavericks had just made light work of MIB (Mga Ilongo Bowlers) and added some 210 points to pad their insurmountable lead at No.1. MIB managed to snare a win via 839-798 in Game 4.

Morales displayed his superb swing and steel nerves with his scratch games of 189, 212, 203 & 156 that went with his 28 handicap per game. The Mavericks quintet were Morales, Fred Tejado, Benjie Bangug, Gil Hembra and Yusuf Fernandez. The opposing MIB bowlers were captain Beltran Tatoy, Malco Muyco, Mark Corrales, Ricky Bunao and Hannibal Geronimo.

No. 4 Hunks and No. 5 Alley Bang Bang, two teams locked in a 3-way fight for the No. 2 spot along with Unicorn, managed to increase their number with hard-earned 210 & 220 points respectively.

The Hunks beat Al Humaidi in a 3-1 match while Alley Bang Bang banked on their 120 bonus to spice up their 2-2 match with the fighting McDonald of Toffee San Jose.

Meanwhile, Schneider Electric claimed 230 points from the defaulting Sarawat Strikers to stay on course for the medals at No. 7 behind Saudi Oger at No. 6.

The tourney, already nearing the final stage, is sponsored by Marhaba Phonecard. This is under the helm of Dr. Nasser Al Nabulsi, General Manager of Prepaid Card Zajoul Group.