AUI Padawan captured his second straight Bowler of the Month title in the BTA-Prima Monthly Open Tournament in the Gaisano Bowlingplex, Banilad.
Padawan, 19, also won last May and dedicated his win to his late father Mauricio Padawan, who died three years ago. He considers his father as his greatest influence in the sport of bowling.
He said he didn’t expect to win after a poor performance in the National Bowling Tour in Bacolod last month.
“I wasn’t able to qualify for the masters during the NBT last month and this win was unexpected. Perhaps, a visit to my father’s grave before competing gave me the boost to play my best because I am dedicating my game today to him as we celebrate Fathers’ Day,” said Padawan.
The win earned Padawan, who has been playing for 10 years and finished second in the Bevida International Tournament, a spot in the Bowler of the Year tournament in December.
Yesterday, Padawan dropped 1,387 to beat Bede Ilano, who had 1,257. Luke Bolongan got 1,238 pinfalls for third and April winner Dante Calipay settled for fourth after scoring 1,227 pinfalls. Clarence Tiu got fifth place with 1,208.
Meanwhile, Ilano, who is a former BTA president, said they are planning to hold a BTA Open before the year ends and they hope to attract bowlers from different clubs around the country.
“Bowling in Cebu is growing. We hope we can attract more bowlers and organize more tournaments,” said Ilano.