Cebuana bowler Alexis Sy books ticket to World Cup
Cebuana pinbuster Alexis Sy completed her quest for a chance to compete in bowling’s largest stage by crushing the last of her rivals in the women’s division finals of the Bowling World Cup national finals last
Friday.
Sy, a 26-year-old BPI corporate banking employee, crushed Dyan Coronacion, 196-180, and 232-178, to bag the ladies crown. She will be joined by men’s champion Merwin Tan to the World Cup.
Both members of the Philippine team during the Jakarta Asian Games last August, Tan and Sy hope to pursue much bigger goals when they fight for the flag and country in the 54th Bowling World Cup slated Nov. 4-11 at Sam’s Town in Las Vegas.
“I’m so happy,” said Sy. “I did not expect to overcome the tough opposition because I had short preparation after returning from the Asian Games. But mom’s arrival from Cebu last Thursday inspired me in the finals.”
Sy ranked only third in the semis but made it to the finals by subduing Lara Posadas, 190-174 and striking three times in a row to win the ninth and 10th frame playoff, 60-49, after they had tied in the second game at 195.
Coronacion eliminated multi-titled Liza del Rosario in three games in the semifinals, 187-188, 199-170, 210-181.
It will be the first time for Tan and Sy to compete in the prestigious BWC international finals.
Last year’s Philippine ladies’ titlist, Krizziah Tabora, went on to win the international crown but she was not able to join this time because she’s on medical leave.
Previous Filipino international champions were Paeng Nepomuceno, who holds the distinction of being the only four-time men’s champion, the late Lita dela Rosa, Bong Coo and CJ Suarez.—