Win gives Joquico confidence for bigger events

DUBAI Dubai-based international bowler Paolo Joquico said his triumph at the 3rd Dubai Filipino Bowling Club Masters Championship should strengthen his confidence as he prepares for bigger tournaments next year.

“It’s a very important and prestigious tournament to win. I’m happy with the way I played. Now my focus will be for next year,” said Joquico.

Joquico earned the top seed for winning the DFBC Elite Bowlers Showdown in June which gave him a direct qualification to Round of 16 at the Dubai International Bowling Centre in Mamzar.

Joquico was up for the challenge immediately eliminating Xanthie Fronda with a comfortable 41 pin lead, 440-399. In the Round of 8 Quarterfinals, Professional Bowlers Association (PBA USA) player Joquico fought a close match with Dindo Fernando before ousting after a second-round marvel.

The Round of 4 Semifinals saw Joquico take on JB Vargas. Secure with a 41-pin cushion from the first half of the semifinal, Joquico faced difficulty in the second game and finished with a 167. Vargas, with the door to the Final round wide open, needed only a spare to advance but failed as he left an impossible 4-6-7-10 split in the final frame. Joquico narrowly escaped with a win against the teen bowling sensation, 382-374.

In the final, he defeated Mario Magdaluyo 206-190, who demolished more accomplished bowlers, including multiple title holder Ricky Reyes on his way to the ultimate round.

“The semi-final was a close one. But thankfully I managed to pull it off. The final was a big more comfortable and it feels great to win the title,” he said.

“I’m planning to play a few tournaments in the Middle East including the Emir Cup in Qatar in February. But my ultimate focus will be the World Series that will be held in October 2014.”

Over 240 players play the prestigious tournament held in the US and Joquico, who had a disastrous outing during his first time, said he was better prepared this time around.

“It’s going to be very challenging and you don’t a chance to commit too many mistakes. Last time it was my first time and they were players who do it for full time. But this year I’m confident and should put up a good show.”

Joquico said more tournaments should be encouraged in the region that can help bowlers grow. “We don’t have enough prize money in the tournaments that can help us pay our bills. So we can’t do it full time. It would be great if we get more quality tournaments which would encourage more players to take up the sport.”