Habagat sizzles in Etihad Bowling League

Team Habagat mentored by UFTBR Chairman Ernee Noto brushed aside Pin Hitters 19-13 at the resumption of the Unified Filipino Tenpin Bowlers of Riyadh (UFTBR)-Etihad Airways Tuesday Bowling League at the Universal Bowling Center (UBC) here.
The win propelled Habagat, which bagged the Team of the Week award, to second spot in the team standings and positioned itself as a strong league contender. Leading the team was Steve Perez with a series of 896 with support from Noel Marquez (821), Art Palustre (783), Stephen Solomon (779) and Cecille Solomon (631).
Not to be outdone, league leader NBA completely outbowled former second placer SABB Advance 16-7 and stretched its lead in the team standings. Defending champion Kamahalan is also regaining its vaunted form with a win over Mandirigma 18-12 and climbed to third place after being buried in the cellar in the early weeks.
In other matches, Pin Pals defeated Yaris X 18-9, Lane Cruiser downed Thrill Seekers 16-9, Unica downed Vinnell Arabia 17-10 and Ayaw Na won over Saco Bolts 14-6.
Johnny De Asis of Pin Pals took the Bowler of the Week award in Group 1 with a series of 957 with Vicky Vitug of Thrill Seekers in Group 2 at 888.
Ronald Bautista remains formidable in his hold of the MVP race Group 1 with an average of 221.06 followed by Noto (216.67) and Arnold Jesena (215.5). In the Group 2 MVP race, Shawn Rickett regained the lead with an average of 190.77 followed by Ferdie Dela Rosa (189.33) and Joe Rafael at third (187.27).
The league’s main sponsor is Etihad Airways, the national airlines of UAE and one of the fastest growing airlines in the Middle East which will offer three return tickets in Coral Economy Class, 2 for Manila and 1 for any Etihad Airways online destination to top individual achievers at the end of the league.
The league management team representing UFTBR is composed of Cesar De Mesa, Armin Isles, Dennis Durens, Ian Choco, Ruby Urrutia, Jim Dela Rosa, Art Palustre, Pau Feria, Torres and Noto.
Team standings as of Week 8: 1. NBA 145 points 2. Habagat 127 3. Kamahalan 126 4. Unica 123 5. SABB Advance 123 6. Ayaw Na 120 7. Saco Bolts 100 8. Lane Cruiser 99 9. Pin Hitters 98 10. Mandirigma 93 11.Vinnell Arabia 90 12. Pin Pals 89 13. Thrill Seekers 71 14. Yaris X 54