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| Former World Masters champion Biboy Rivera said the team resumed training last July, but it was cut off by the latest surge in coronavirus cases and only restarted last week. (Photo from PH Inquirer Sports) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] The resurgence of Philippine bowling lies on the shoulders of young talents who, not because of their doing, will go into the International Bowling Federation Super World Championships in Dubai short in preparations but long in heart, PH Inquirer Sports reported.
“I would say we still have a long way to go, especially now that we are in this (pandemic) situation,” said former World Masters champion Biboy Rivera, now the national team coach. “Now that the economy is in a decline, we expect a decrease in bowlers.” The squad, composed of women’s team members Rachel Leon, Mades Arles, and Norel Nuevo and Merwin Tan, Kenneth Chua and Patrick Nuqui, and the comeback Ian de Chanco for the men, will fly out on Nov. 1 to cram-train, get acclimatized and be familiar with lane conditions as they seek to take the Philippines back to its lofty standing as a world power in the sport. The event rolls off on Nov. 4.
During the eras of Paeng Nepomuceno and Bong Coo, the country was regarded as a global force, only for the sport to steadily see a decline without much domestic interest and backing. Rivera said they need more foreign exposure and foreign consultants to help keep abreast with the evolving techniques.
