Alex Damole emerged as the first monthly center winner under the 7th SM Cup Bowling Tournament at the SM City-Cebu Bowling Center.
Damole ruled the first edition by the narrowest of margins, edging out Boy Gacho by just a hairline. Damole knocked down 1, 968 in the nine-game series, just a matchstick ahead of Gacho who nailed 1, 967 pins.
Ruben Ramirez, who hails from Iloilo, landed third with 1,964 pins, Cynthia Kua wound up fourth with 1,929 pins followed by Benjamin Jarantilla with 1, 898.
The sixth to 16th placers were Henry Obligacion (1,846), David Schmitz (1,845), James Zuluaga (1,821), Nestor Ponteres (1,818), Jake Yap (1,818), Rey Velarde (1,794), Inday De Gracia (1,778), Nestor Longcanaya (1,709),Manny Sevilla (1,669),Gerardo Gasataya (1,500), and Allan Morrice (1,205).
The 16 1st Center qualifiers now have a chance to be part of the Cebu team for the 1st National Finals of the event in Manila this September against the Luzon finalists.
A brand new Nissan Sentra awaits the national champion, while exciting cash prizes are at stake for the other top performers.
To be able to join the next Center finals, one has to join the ongoing qualifying round that will wind up on August 4.
The top 30 qualifiers will then proceed to the 2nd monthly Cebu Center finals on August 5. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol