Paeng claims 122nd Masters stories

MANILA, Philippines - Six-time world champion Paeng Nepomuceno whipped Jeff Carabeo in the best-of-three finals Sunday at the Playdium Center in Araneta Avenue to rule the 5th Henrich Cup Bowling Masters for his 122nd career victory.

The lefty Nepomuceno, the only four-time winner of the prestigious World Cup, triumphed 236-167 and 256-220, in the finals after finishing second in the 10-game eliminations with 2386 on lines of 299, 224, 193-237, 235, 267, 269, 197, 228 and 237.

“It was a tough match all the way,” said Nepomuceno, who carried the colors of Nutrilite/Amway.

The legendary bowler took home the top prize of P100,000.

Nepomuceno subdued Jong Enriquez, 213-192, to earn a title shot at Carabeo, the top elimination finisher with 2397, after Enriquez had won the first match with 237 over Benshir Layoso (189) and Alex Ngoi Jr. (178).

Forty bowlers actually made it to the finals but only five advanced to the stepladder shootout.

Nepomuceno also represented the Philippine Bowling Congress while Carabeo played for the Bowling Association of Las Piñas.