Shirley Sagmit rolled two brilliant games to bag the crown, as no one from the other finalists threatened during the 2-game finals in the FEDBG Haj Bowlfest at the Bowling City here.

Qualified No. 9 after the 12-game qualifying stage topped by Evelyn Santoc on 2353, Sagmit ruled the 4-game series elimination on 779 well in front of fellow survivors Aileen Miralbuna 764, Pinky Acato 754, Lourdes Punzalan 732 and Ester Santoc 723. They joined outright finalist Evelyn who went straight to finals as No. 1 qualifier beating top favorite Susan Patayan by 28 pins with 2325.

With the six finalists playing on lanes 13 & 14, Sagmit, seemingly in top form, readily found her groove to open with 222 from strings of bags and series of spares. Nearest to her was Punzalan on 206, followed by Evelyn 204. Acato, Ester Santoc and Miralbuna kept themselves in contention on 197, 184 and 180 respectively. Sensing a rally from Ester Santoc on the ultimate salvo, Sagmit stayed on track to fend off the persistent offense from the tenacious new pursuer.

Approaching the homestretch, Sagmit still held the advantage with precise shots although Ester narrowed the lead. With two frames to conclude the contest, Sagmit held on to clinch the title at a final score of 440 including her last game of 218.

From fifth place, Ester climbed to second place with a strong final game of 214 for 398 total while Evelyn kept third place on 395. Acato, Punzalan and Miralbuna fillled the last three spots on 377, 366 and 356 in that order. FEDBG tournament winners will be feted at the awards night on Dec. 12 at La Parilla Restaurant.

Prior to this tournament was the FEDBG Ramadan Special wherein Pinky Acato emerged champion in 4-game sudden death totals of 756. Alma Bacero competed well to be at second on 752. Malou Gime and Shirley Sagmit made the winning column on 747 and 347 respectively. FEDBG champions of past tournaments will play against each other in the Tournament of Champions on a date to be announced.