Phl needs new breed of bowlers

CEBU ,Philippines  – For the Philippines to sustain its impressive showing on the world bowling stage, the country’s stakeholders need to develop a younger generation of players to ensure the smooth transition of talents for future international competitions.

World champion and Asian Games gold medallist Biboy Rivera stressed the need to plug to growing gap between the present crop of national bowlers and the upcoming stars.

“There’s a big disparity between the current team and the new ones, so we need to develop a new breed of players,” said Rivera in Filipino.

He added that while the younger crop of players have made studies their priority, Rivera advised them to give the sport a try, saying “who knows they may be the next to give honors to our country.”

The 37-year-old Rivera, a BS Tourism graduate from UST, 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, having won a number of local and international titles.

But he quickly pointed out he is still yearning to add a World Cup to his wide collection of trophies.

“As of now, I’m already fulfilled for my achievements. A World Cup win would be a bonus,” 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 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He was also cited for producting the country’s first gold medal in the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China two years ago.

But Rivera’s most shining moment came when he won the Men’s World Championships in the 2006 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea where 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 to his success, the 2001 Asia Masters champion said: “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.