TenpinDev match play unfolds at Valley lanes

MANILA, Philippines - A big bowling match play event launches the Tenpin Bowling Sports Development of the Philippines (TenpinDev) today at the 32-lane Green Valley Bowling Center in Pasig City.

Led by former Pasig Mayor Mario Raymundo, chairman, TenpinDev aims to bring bowling to schools and create a new breed of champions in the country.

Four-time World Cup champion and Asian Games gold medalist Biboy Rivera will see action in the bowling festival together with promising youth and senior bowlers.

TenpinDev will be funding bowling scholars to be trained by former champions Rene Reyes, Angelo Constantino, Marcus Reyes, Bonnie Solis, Botchock Rey, Mar Serac and Caloy de Leon.

The fledgling association will also be partnering with local bowling groups in promoting the sport.

Invited to roll the ceremonial ball are newly elected Philippine Bowling Congress president Toti Lopa, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia, and Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.

Former World Cupper, Sen. Tito Sotto, and PBA chairman Rene Pardo will also grace the event.

“This is a very admirable project and PBC will support this event,” said Lopa.

Raymundo has vowed to introduce bowling to the youth by staging inter-schools and inter-city tournaments, and by batting for the sport’s inclusion in the UAAP and NCAA calendar.

Bowlers seeded in the first round of match-play are Nepomuceno, Rivera, Paulo Valdez, Liza del Rosario, Ritchie Poblete and Lara Posadas.

Only the first 64 players will be accommodated in the competition. Interested bowlers may register at www.philippinebowling.com or call Marcus Reyes at 671-2436 loc. 211.