R.J. paces bowling WC nat'l finalists

MANILA, Philippines - Former Asian Games gold medalist R.J. Bautista flashed his old form recently to lead the second center finalists in the ongoing Bowling World Cup national championship.

Bautista, Busan Asiad gold winner and eighth-placer in the 1995 BWC international finals in Las Vegas, served a strong notice of his serious bid for another chance to carry the Philippine colors by shooting a sizzling 12-game series of 2754 pinfalls at Astrobowl.

Bautista pulled away from Rene Rodelas, who tallied 2228, Jhun Gella (2187) and Ernesto Berroya (2178) in the Astrobowl center finals.

Other qualifiers were:

Men – Randy Revenque, 1825; Walvine Rata, 1822; Christian Cabacungan, 2445;

Jay-Ar Tan, 2495; Edwin Mazo, 2139; Franz Ronald Catolico, 2043; Antonio Albuquerque, 2027; Joseph Emmanuel Ang, 2432; Jorel Simbulan, 2326; Sidney Ngo, 2190; Mark Pana, 2153; Anton Alcazaren, 2609; Richie Poblete, 2439; Caloy Guitones, 2274; Barrie Manalo, 2246; Nikko Jayson Go, 2065; Alex Ngo, 2331; Lawrence Ang, 2103; Fitz Bonus, 2098; Ben Pacheco, 2013; Simple Villajin, 1015; Francis Manalaysay, 2586; Pros Surell, 2514; Tommy Eusebio, 2376; Rodel Bagohin, 2137; Nicco Olaivar, 2294; Dennis Ramirez, 2165; Oswaldo Agoncillo, 2126; Jhert Santos, 1930; Jeff Carabeo, 2324; Chester King, 2292; Aaron Dee, 2124; Roger Baluyot, 2084; Ric Pacana, 2028; Lito Eusebio, 1939; and Raul Imperial, 1912.

Ladies – Rachelle Leon, 1860; Malou Bacar, 1317; Sharon Joan Luzon, 1350; Popee Bagamasbad, 1643; Leah Naorbe, 1510; Cynthia de Jesus, 1323; Lilian Teano, 1458; Maryann Catolico, 1433; Elsa Cruz, 1420; Ma. Elena Ramos, 1770; Joselle Sarad, 1400; Virgie Keh, 1500; Jingle dela Rosa, 1788; Pinky Buenaflor, 1743; Perla Pacheco, 1637; Susan Viray, 1587; Bernadette Ipapo, 1754; Andrea Laureano, 1911; Sol Bagalay, 1635; Farah Onasa, 1611; Jean Pagapong, 1499; and Tess Eusebio, 1528.

The national finals featuring the first and second center finalists will be held on Sept. 15-16 at Coronado Lanes, Sept. 18-19 at Paeng’s Midtown and Sept. 21 at SM Bowling North EDSA.

The national men’s and ladies’ champions will earn the right to represent the Philippines in the 48th Bowling World Cup international finals slated on Nov. 24-Dec. 2 at the Sky Bowling Centre in Wroclaw, Poland.