Cebu's Kim Lao earns right to represent RP in Bowling World Cup

CEBU - Cebuana Kim Lao upset the more veteran bowlers and some other early favorites to win the 2008 Bowling World Cup national title at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

On top of bagging the grand prize, the 18-year-old Lao gets a chance to represent the country to the World Cup Finals in Hermosillo, Mexico on November 7 to 15.

Lao faced Liza del Rosario and Krizziah Tabora in the final showdown.

In match 1, Lao defeated Tabora, 2-0, in their best-of-three duel.

Thus, the UP Diliman Linguistics student set up a final battle with veteran international campaigner del Rosario.

Lao pulled a good start to take the first game, 219-128. Del Rosario, however, got back in the second frame, 124-188, to forge a rubbermatch. In the decider, Lao gave her all to stun her favored foe, 207-174, for the crown.

In the men’s division, Jeff Carabeo, a 34-year-old businessman who bowls “just for fun”, shocked reigning world champion Biboy Rivera in the finals via two-game sweep, 206-194 and 248-192.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Peping Cojuangco congratulated Lao and Carabeo and wishes them both the best of luck in the World Cup Finals in Mexico. – Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (The Freeman)