Darren Ong Makes History with First PBA Tour Title Win

Singapore’s Darren Ong Claims PBA Viper Championship Victory

For the second consecutive night at the World Series of Bowling (WSOB) XVI, an international bowler has secured their first PBA Tour title. Singapore’s Darren Ong emerged victorious in the PBA Viper Championship, defeating EJ Tackett 215-205 in the finals at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada. With this win, Ong not only earned the $20,000 top prize but also became the first-ever player from Singapore to win a PBA Tour title.

“I still can’t believe that this actually happened,” Ong said after the win. “Through the days of qualifying and match play rounds, each step made it more achievable. For it to finally all come together, it’s incredible. I hope this achievement inspires other bowlers, not just in Singapore, but across Southeast Asia and Asia as a whole. We are capable of coming on tour and competing at the highest level.”

Historic Moment for Singapore Bowling

While Singaporean women have achieved success on the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour, Ong is the first male bowler from his country to win on the PBA Tour.

“Being the first male bowler to win a PBA title adds to the list of great things that the women’s team has already accomplished,” Ong said. “They’ve paved the way for us. Even though their success came on the PWBA Tour, they showed us that winning internationally is possible, and that has really inspired us.”

Ong’s path to the championship was remarkable. As the top seed in the stepladder finals, he only needed one match to secure the title. Meanwhile, Tackett had an incredible run, defeating Jason Belmonte, Zach Wilkins, and Kris Pratherin consecutive matches before facing Ong in the final.

Tackett’s Strong Run Falls Short

EJ Tackett, one of the most dominant bowlers in the world, was close to securing another title. He started his climb by defeating Jason Belmonte, the most decorated bowler in WSOB history, in an intense match where early strikes dominated. Tackett then eliminated Canada’s Zach Wilkins 254-237 and overcame Kris Prather 224-207.

However, the right lane ultimately cost Tackett the championship. Needing to close out Ong in the ninth and tenth frames, Tackett left a 4-10 split in the ninth, which he failed to convert. Though he responded with two strikes in the tenth, Ong only needed a mark in the final frame to secure the victory. He delivered a crucial strike, sealing his first career title as his Singaporean teammates Jaris Goh and Nu’Man Syahmi Yusri celebrated from the front row.

“I wish my whole team was here, but I’m still very grateful that the three of us could compete on tour and bowl against the world’s best,” Ong said.

What’s Next at the WSOB XVI?

The PBA World Series of Bowling XVI continues this week at the National Bowling Stadium with the following events:

• Tuesday, March 18: PBA Chameleon Championship
• Wednesday, March 19: PBA Shark Championship
• Saturday, March 22: PBA World Championship Finals

The PBA Chameleon Championship stepladder finals will be broadcast live on FS1 and the FOX Sports app at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET). International fans can watch via BowlTV.

Ong’s historic victory is a landmark moment for Singaporean bowling and could inspire a new wave of talent from Asia to compete at the highest level of the sport.