Keglers launch RP bid in Asian Youth

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines pins its hopes on bowlers with vast international experience as it kicks off its campaign in the first Asian Youth Games in Singapore today.

The RP youngsters, who did not see action on the first day of hostilities Tuesday, are entered in six of nine events on the second day with former national team member and Asian Schools’ silver medalist Dyan Coronacion along with Louie Chuaquico, Collins Jose and five others slugging it out with the fancied bets from Japan, Korea and Singapore in the boys and girls’ singles.

They will play six games to immediately determine the top three for the gold, silver and bronze medals.

Six other gold medals in athletics (girls’ pole vault, triple jump and shot put), diving (girls’ 3m springboard and boys’ platform) and shooting (girls’ air rifle 40) are up for grabs in the day.

The other bowlers are Bryan Gabay, Jason Tubid, Marie Alexis Sy, Lingling De Guzman and Madeline Llamas.

Coronacion, 16, is the most seasoned member of the team, having competed in various local and international tournaments. She actually made it to the elite RP squad last year but was relegated to Team B this year.

“I told them not to expect too much from the lane condition and just concentrate and stay focused,” said coach Caloy de Leon, who is also banking on Chuaquico, who had five perfect games to his name.

Team RP is also hopeful of its medal chances in shooting with sisters Dianne and Isabelle Eufemio, Jayson Valdez and Allen Pinlac hoping to come up with solid stints in the boys’ and girls’ air rifle events.

Diver Natassia Marie Nalus makes her debut in the international arena in the 3m springboard starting at 10 a.m. at the Tao Payoh Swimming Complex.