By MARK REY MONTEJO
Teen bowling sensation Zach Sales Ramin is up for another tough mission as he defends his crown in the 2024 54th Singapore International Open at Singapore Bowling @Rifle Range slated May 25 to June 8.
The 18-year-old Ramin is determined to retain the title that enabled him to produce several firsts – including becoming the first Filipino male player to achieve the feat.
And he was the youngest player to win the blue ribbon event at 17 as he dethroned Swede Kim Bolleby (208-199) in the semifinals before capping his dominant show with a stunning 189-182 win over Asian Games medalist Yannaphon Larpapharat of Thailand in the finals.
More than the fame he earned, Ramin pocketed the handsome prize of $25,000 (around ₱1.4 million).
“Winning the Singapore Open last year was an incredible experience and quite unexpected. It was an honor to represent my country and achieve such a milestone,” Ramin said.
“Balancing school and bowling has been challenging, but it’s something I’ve learned to manage with the support of my family and coaches,” he added.
From his academics to his sport responsibilities, Ramin managed his time very well after fulfilling his International Baccalaureate (IB) exams this month, giving him enough time to focus more on his bowling career.
“With my exams now behind me, I’m looking forward to focusing entirely on my training and competing in Singapore again. I hope to give my best performance,”
He already making waves in his previous crusades, winning the golden honors in the men’s team event of the 21st Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championship in Bangkok, Thailand where he teamed up with fellow youngsters Art Barrientos, Marc Dylan Custodio and Stephen Diwa.
Thanks to his gallant run last year, Ramin became the youngest member of the Philippine national bowling squad.
He hopes to keep his spot in the PH team that will see action in the Asian Bowling Championships and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in October and November, respectively.
