In a display of steady nerves and precision, businessman James Young emerged as the champion of the Davao Tenpin Bowlers Association (Datba) November 2025 Monthly Finals. The thrilling conclusion unfolded on November 30, 2025, at the SM Lanang Bowling Center in Davao City.
A Stepladder Climb to Victory
Young, 51, engineered a remarkable comeback after qualifying in fourth place. He entered the finals stepladder and began his charge by defeating JV Flores with a score of 202–168. His momentum continued as he then ousted Roger Geonzon, 202–148, setting the stage for a dramatic title showdown against the top seed.
Crystal Chavez had dominated the six-game qualifying series, amassing an impressive 1,232 pinfalls to secure the number one position. Geonzon qualified second with 1,167, followed by Flores (1,151), Young (1,150), and Art Galendez (1,121) in the top five.
Overcoming the Top Seed
The championship match pitted Young against the formidable Chavez under a twice-to-beat advantage for the top seed. Demonstrating composure under pressure, Young swept both games. He secured the first win 184–177 and then delivered a commanding performance in the second game, winning 284–157 to claim the title.
In a conversation with SunStar Davao on December 4, Young humbly credited his opponent and a calm mindset for his success. "Crystal is a very strong and multi-awarded bowler, so you really can’t help but feel nervous," he admitted. "I didn't expect anything... I just stayed calm and focused. I stopped looking at the scores. I didn't expect to win, but by God’s grace, I did."
Rewards and Future Prospects
For his championship performance, James Young received the champion's purse of P8,000. Crystal Chavez, as the runner-up, was awarded P5,500. The other top finishers, JV Flores and Roger Geonzon, took home P3,500 and P2,500 respectively.
Beyond the prize money, this significant victory has secured Young a coveted spot in the Datba grand finals. His win caps a campaign defined by poise and timely execution, proving that consistency and focus can overcome a qualifying deficit. The event highlights the competitive spirit and talent within Davao City's bowling community.
