Breakthrough U.S. Win For Ong

Singaporean bowler outdoes over 200 pros for PBA title, adding 3 perfect games en route

- Kimberly Kwek

A smile, a fist pump and a wave to the crowd. Darren Ong was a picture of calm before hoisting the prestigious Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Viper Championship trophy on March 17.

While this was no small feat, it was the 29-year-old's ability to maintain his composure that allowed him to come up on top against some of the world's best bowlers and become the first Singaporean to win a PBA Tour event.

Ong, the top seed in the stepladder finals, was up against American three-time PBA Player of the Year E.J. Tackett in the decider.

He held his nerve to beat the 25-time PBA Tour winner by 10 pinfalls (215-205), capping an impressive outing at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada.

His efforts, which earned him a cheque of US$20,000 (S$26,600), also made him the tour's first Asian winner since Thailand's Annop Arromsaranon at the PBA-WBT Busan Cup in 2018.

On his breakthrough, Ong said: "It means the world to me. Being able to compete at this level and come away with a win is truly a dream come true.

"All the hard work and sacrifices are truly worth the end result."

He had a strong start in Reno, leading the 12-game qualifying round with a 2,897-pinfall total, which included three perfect games.