PH keglers out to end long drought

PALEMBANG—Encouraged by the new scoring format, the Philippines seeks to end a 12-year medal drought as the 18th Asian Games bowling championships rolls off on Wednesday at the new Jakabaring Sports City Bowling Center here.

The Filipina keglers take first crack in the six-game women’s trios at 10 a.m. (11 a.m. Manila time) at the state-of-the art, 40lane facility.

Former Asian titlist and reigning Philippine Open bowling queen Liza del Rosario spearheads the country’s challenge, teaming up with Lara Posadas and Alexis Sy in one of the squads. The other team is composed of Dyan Coronacion, Lourdes Arles and Rachelle Leon.

“We’re excited over the scoring system that virtually levels the playing field. May laban na sila,” noted national women’s coach Jojo Canare, referring to the system that awards an automatic 30 points for every strike made.

“The conditions are nearly the same, although the lanes here are new. Dito plantsado pa kung sa ating lanes may gasgas na,” Canare said. “Pero okay pa rin, laban kami.”

Her confidence was shared by national men’s coach and former Asian Games gold medalist Biboy Rivera, who said that “on paper we (the Filipinos) are considered the underdogs. But based on our practice yesterday (Monday), if we can make adjustments and execute properly, we have a chance.”