82 keglers brace for World Cup national finals

MANILA, Philippines -  Eighty-two leading and upcoming Filipino bowlers open their respective bids for the 2012 Bowling World Cup men’s national championship on Saturday at the Coronado Lanes in Makati.

Former Asian Games gold medalist and World Cup international finals campaigner R. J. Bautista leads the long list of contenders. But the world’s only four-time World Cup champion, the legendary Paeng Nepomuceno, is conspicuously missing.

Nepomuceno had to skip the much-awaited three-day local finals because he’s undergoing a coaching course in the US.

Another top-rated bowler who is not vying this year is former world titlist Biboy Rivera, who also had BWC international final stints.

Bautista shot 2754 pinfalls in 12 games in the second elimination period to emerge as one of the early favorites. 

Other well-known bowlers in the field are Paulo Valdez, Jong Enriquez, Benshir Layoso, Joonee Gatchalian, Kap Aguila, Raoul Miranda, Richie Poblete, Jeff Carabeo and Chester King.

The ladies’ finalists will see action on Sunday, also at Coronado.

The second round of the finals will be played on Sept. 18 for men and Sept. 19 for ladies at Paeng’s Midtown with the final day set on Friday, Sept. 21 at SM Bowling North EDSA.

The other men’s finalists are:

Norman Lising, Scott Uy, Gonzalo Roman, Gerome Vergara, Eric Aranez, Larry Leyes, JP Posadas, Rjay Magana, Jun Garcia, Patrick Manalili, Don Evangelista, Kurt Mendoza, Ding Malvar, Raf Manalo, Jesson Ong, Mac Macaisa, Peter Go, Christian Cabacungan, Wilson Sua, Victor Ortiga, Ronnie Javier, Larry Tinio;

Joe Tomagan, Don Domalaon, Robert Plucena, Sammy Say Sy, Victor Agui, Jerold Santos, Ronald Cruz, Alexander Duque, Michael Mijait, Joe Cabactulan, Nonoy Tabaosuarez, Ramon Camba, Alex Ngoi, Rodel Bagohin, Randy Rebenque, Walvine Rata, Nicco Olaivar, Rene Rodelas, Jhun Gella, Ernesto Berroya, Jay-Ar Tan;

Edwin Mazo, Franz Ronald Catolico, Antonio Albuquerque, Joseph Emmanuel Ang, Jorel Simbulan, Sidney Ngo, Mark Pana, Anton Alcazaren, Caloy Guitones, Barrie Manalo, Nikko Jason Go, Bernard Baluda, Lawrence Ang, Fitz Bonus, Ben Pacheco, Simple Villajin, Francis Manalaysay, Pros Surell, Tommy Eusebio, Dennis Jalandoon, Puring Batin, Dannis Ramirez, Oswaldo Agoncillo, Jhert Santos, Aaron Dee, Roger Baliyot, Ric Pacana, Lito Eusebio and Raul Imperial.