RIYADH: SABB remained the team to beat as it sealed the top spot and toppled Alinma Bank Aspire team during the mid-positioning match at the Interbank Tenpin Bowlers of Riyadh (ITBR) league.

SABB crushed Alinma Aspire in three games 375-80 increasing its lead by 583 points against the second placer. The right manpower maneuvering gave captain Ahmed Qarquosh the advantage in toppling their opponent. Southpaw Arnold Jesena took the helm for SABB with four-game series of 812 while Mohammed Abu Al Saud, Gerry Austria, Luis Bonguit and Jaffer Al Kathiri contributed 778, 765, 764 and 727 respectively.

In Alinma Aspire captain Jojo de Silva failed to match up with their opponent even with a full-strength team of eight bowlers. Nayef Al Saud and Abdulrahman Ahmed fired a four-game series of 762 and 751 each while Jerry Barce contributed 487 in three games. De Silva, Lito Tolentino, Koko Torres and Rainier Torres rolled 399, 331, 303 and 288 in two games each while Willie Bondoc had 288.

Third placer Banque Saudi Fransi defeated Saudi Hollandi Bank 340-140. With a five-man team, BSF regained composure after losing the first game lost to win the the next three games of the match. Captain Jun Bantug led his team to victory on 801. He was assisted by Noel Morales (777), Angel Diaz (770), Abet Minosa (710) and Edwin Timango (700).

SHB dropped to fifth place with the loss to BSF. The trio of captain Greg Antonio, Arnel Bernabe and Clem Salazar rolled 775, 740 and 693 in a losing effort. Eckart Gayeta, Val Baraquio and Gerry Ayonon tallied 420, 385 and 309 in three games while Gil Hembra and Rommel Caluncagin contributed 195 and 144.

The match between the defending champion Riyad Bank and Alinma United ended in a 2-2 draw but it was the latter that emerged on top with extra bonus points 370-290. Veteran Bernie Torres led the Alinma United charge, shooting the high series of 833 to take home the Bowler of the Week award. He was supported by Vic Agregado, Jun Macarandan and Teody Zulaybar on 788, 768 and 733. Captain Bobby Ting and Allan Ofreneo had 411 and 311.

Riyad Bank improved its position in the team standings having overtaken SHB at the fourth spot. Freddie Solomon was the highest scorer on 780. He was assisted by team captain Zohair Oqilan, Sonny Alviso, Mixi Lechuga and Ric Singson on 742, 731, 721 and 704 in that order.

As the bye team, SAIB managed to score high with 370 win points. The trio of Jonathan Avenido, captain Eddison Austria and Gil Catulay inspired their team members with 788, 779 and 758. Veteran Joey Salem and Karl Octavio contributed 559 and 490 while Renato Torres rolled 397 in two games.

The tournament is played Monday nights at its new venue, Universal Bowling Center (UBC), and is sponsored by all participating banks.