FILIPINO bowlers go up against some of Asia’s best in the 2nd Philippine International Bowling Open at the Coronado Lanes in Starmall starting this weekend.
Reigning World Cup champion Krizziah Lyn Tabora banners the Philippine side, whose mettle will be tested by entries from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Australia, among others, during the tournament slated from April 28 to May 13.
Kenneth Chua and Lara Posadas are the defending champions in the men and women’s open singles masters. A Corporate Cup featuring 36 teams serves as the curtain-raiser.
“So imbes na kami ang lalabas, sila ang pupunta rito,” said bowling great Bong Coo, now secretary-general of the Philippine Bowling Federation when she appeared in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Tapa King Restaurant in Farmers Plaza, Cubao along with PBF president Steve Robles, and the 27-year-old Tabora.
“At the same time, this is part of the national team’s training for the coming Asian Games in Jakarta,” added Robles in the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Tapa King, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
“Ang mga darating na countries halos sila rin ang kalaban natin sa Asian Games,” added Coo.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas, Philippine Sports Commission chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez, and Senator Tito Sotto, also current PBF chairman, Asiad chef de mission Richard Gomez, and 2019 Southeast Asian Games CDM Monsour del Rosario are expected to grace the opener of the meet that offers a total of P3 million in prizes courtesy of major backers PAGCOR, Café Puro, Boysen, and Smart.
The Philippine team to the Asiad will be formally presented to the public during the event, according to Robles.