PAENG BAGS 129th MASTERS TITLE
SIX-TIME world champion Paeng Nepomuceno flashed his usual deadly form anew as he ruled the 6th SCTBA (Summer Capital Bowling Association) Prima Pasta Eye Bowl for a Cause Championships for his 129th career Masters title last Sunday night at the Playdium Center in Quezon City.
“I’m happy to have been able to hold my own against Philippine team members who are half my age,” said the 58-year-old Nepomuceno after he subdued top qualifier Kenneth Chua, 2-0 (236-221, 217-199) in the final match.
The only four-time winner of the Bowling World Cup so far, the lefty Nepomuceno earned a shot at Chua by knocking out Paulo Darroca in a one-game shootout, 224-216.
“I would like to thank PRIMA and Alex Lim for the opportunity to play for them,” said Nepomuceno, who has won various Masters titles every year since 1972.
Nepomuceno came in second out of 36 participants in the 10-game Masters eliminations with 2384 pinfalls, 49 pins behind topnotcher Chua (2433), as he rolled nine 200s, including big games of two 269, 267, two 247, 232 and 230.
Chua, Darroca and two others in the top five – Kevin Cu and Jeff Carabeo – are all members of the national team.
Darroca finished third with 2351, followed by Cu (2340) and Carabeo (2334).
Although he’s only two years short of turning into a senior citizen, Nepomuceno has managed to remain competitive and focused on bowling. He still vies in big local and international events.
More important, he has become a a key member of the United States Bowling Congress’ coaching staff, where he conducts lectures and classes for future instructors.