Rivera: PHL needs to mold new breed of bowlers

CEBU, Philippines - For the Philippines to sustain its impressive showing in international bowling competitions, the country's stakeholders of the sport should develop a younger generation of players who are potential enough to fill in the shoes of the old turks in the future.

This is the judicious insight of World Bowling champion and Asian Games gold medallist Engelberto "Biboy" Rivera, admitting that there is indeed a wide gap between the present crop of PHL bowling stars and the aspiring ones.

"Kailangan natin na mag-develop nang mga bagong players kasi malayo talaga ang disparity ng current team sa mga susunod" said Rivera.

"Naiintindihan ko naman na yung younger generation ay mas inu-una nila ang pag-aaral kaya ang pagpa-praktis hindi nila priority. Pero I advised them to just give it a try at malay natin sila naman ang papalit sa amin para magbigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa," added the BS Tourism graduate from the University of Sto. Tomas.

The 37-year-old Rivera was in town over the weekend to join the 13th Bowlingplex Tenpin Association (BTA) Sinulog Open where he placed eighth overall in the masters division.

As far as his career is concerned, Rivera said he already felt a sense fulfillment have won numerous titles here and abroad. But he quickly pointed out he is still yearning to add a World Cup trophy in his treasure vault.

"As of now, fulfilled na ako sa lahat ng mga na-achieve ko. Kung palarin na manalo ako sa World Cup, bonus na yun," said Rivera, a two-time Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Athlete of the Year awardee.

Rivera has already competed in the World Cup twice, finishing third in France in 2010 and fifth last year when the annual event was held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Rivera was also credited for producing PHL's first gold medal during the 16th Asian Games held in Gaungzhou, China two years ago.

But Rivera's most shining moment came when he won the Men's World Championships on September 9, 2006 at the Asiad Bowling Center in Busan, South Korea. He pinned down the seasoned Achim Gwarobski of Germany, 300-212, to take home the masters gold medal.

When asked on what are the key ingredients to his success, the 2001 Asia Masters champion quickly replied:"Discipline, patience and perseverance."

These are the virtues that Rivera wants the young athletes to inculcate in their hearts and minds if they wish to succeed in whatever sporting endeavors they would undertake.  (FREEMAN)