Call it beginner’s luck but rookie Eli Arciaga became the first back-to-back champion by winning the OFBC Monthly Tournament for March at Ice Land Bowling Center.

Arciaga’s victory followed his wire-to-wire triumph during the February event. This time though Arciaga qualified fifth during the four games eliminations in Class C and D on 731 but then showed his mettle in the two games with handicap final.

Equipped with a 24 handicap per game, Arciaga took down fellow Class C bowler Jun Pamintuan 423 to 400 pinfalls.

It was all beginners to win podium places in the men’s division with Regino Mendoza second runner-up on 370 and Ross Isabiniano third runner-up on 366.

In the ladies division, Christine Esperancilla won over Delia Javing 357-331for the Bowler of the Month plum. Marlyn Mangunay and Gemma Zuniga, who are both beginning bowlers, rounded out the first four winners on 329 and 312 respectively.

Zikato Construction through Operations Manager Cesar Alberto Zuniga is the tournament sponsor.

Top 3 finalists from Class O, A and B:

1. Hadi Pacheco (Class A) 702 2. Toto Lim (Class B) 677) 3. Bash Langa (Class B) 633

Top 7 finalists from Class C and D:

1. Jeff Magalleanes (Class D) 813 2. Jun Pamintuan (Class D) 786 3. Regino Mendoza (Class D) 778 4. Ric Tibayan (Class C) 754 5. Eli Arciaga (Class D) 731 6. Ross Isabiniano (Class C) 719 7. Louie Pasia (Class C) 691

Top 6 ladies finalists:

1. Christine Esperancilla 727 2. Delia Javing 695 3. Carms Lim 668 4. Fatima Jintarat 646 5. Marlyn Mangunay 591 6. Gemma Zuniga 549