JEDDAH: As expected, Al Murjana led the top three teams into the finals after the positioning matches during the 19th session in the Sarawat Superstores Thursday Bowling League 13th Season Bowling City in Sultanah Center.

Murjana never looked back after reclaiming the lead from Habagat on the 13th week and now becomes the No. 1 waiting finalist, needing only 22 points to preserve its top ranking in the team standings.

About the only drama in the positioning in which RJ Tumbador posted the top tally of 30 points was when defending champion Magnolia edged out Sawary Energy at No. 3 after both teams started the session with a mere 1 point separating them.

Habagat which has had a taste of the lead for the entire run of the eliminations starts the stepladder phase of the tournament at No. 2.

The top three finalists will be joined by three teams to survive the knockout game of three handicap series among the six remaining teams in the 9-team field.

Magnolia, which seemed to be peaking at the right time, collected 27 points in a tie with BCT-Hokbi Fashion, while Habagat tallied 20 points in fifth place on the night.

D’ Barkads had 17points, AL Striker 16, Carling Sport Wear 15 and Sawary 6.

The duo of Rene Ocampo and Jay Bengco led Murjana on 641 and 603 respectively with Jojie Manalansan on 563. Sharing two games each were Elo Manalo 179-167, Archie Santos 244-199 and Mhon Laxamana 146-179.

Over at Magnolia Bandar Al Dossary and team captain Igna Salgado took charge on 651 and 641. Jowett Carrion and Gerry Mandanas added 584 and 555 while Mohd. Al Amri had 214-172 and Jay-R de Dios made 194.

Habagat used a six-man team rotation, led by Rommel Cagampan and Richard Antonio on 667 and 605. Med Ramos and Manny Tibay were the other players to complete three-game series on 570 and 525. Geo Mangaliman returned 163-180 and Jimmy Aragones contributed 197 to round out the scoring.

The night’s top point-getter, Tumbador, drew 617 from Rommel Agbayani, 610 from Tommy Kamal, 556 from team manager Richard Junio, 238-224 from Joel Nidoy, 171-190 from Pancho Cuevas and 207-178 from Ruben Grino.

Team standings after the 19th week:

1. Al Murjana 452.0 points 2. Habagat 433.0 3. Magnolia Ice Cream 433.0 4. Sawary Energy 401.5 5. BCT-Hokbi Fashion 400.0 6. D’ Barkads 398.0 7. RJ Tumbador 339.5 8. Carling Sport Wear 322.5 9. AL Striker 261.5