Tan, Sy clinch BWC nat’l plums

MANILA, Philippines — Asian Games veterans Merwin Tan and Alexis Sy completed their quest for a chance to compete in bowling’s largest stage by crushing the last of their rivals in the finals of the men’s and women’s divisions of the Bowling World Cup national finals Friday. Marist School student Tan, 19, blasted veteran Raoul Miranda, 279-248 and 258-204, to stash away the men’s title, while Sy, 26-year-old BPI corporate banking employee, crushed Dyan Coronacion, 196-180, and 232-178, to bag the ladies’ crown.

Both members of the national team to the Jakarta Asiad last August, Tan and Sy hope to pursue much bigger goals when they carry the Philippine colors in the 54th BWC international slated Nov. 4-11 at Sam’s Town, Las Vegas.

“I’m so happy,” said Sy. “I did not expect to overcome the tough opposition because I had short preparation after returning from the Asian Games. But mom’s arrival from Cebu last Thursday inspired me in the finals.”

After hurdling the 24-game qualifying round in second place, reigning Cebu Open and TBAM Open champion Tan showed remarkable form to finish No. 1 in the quarterfinals. But it took him three games to oust Eric Aranez in the semifinals, 235-182, 299-237, 236-200, and arrange the title match with Miranda, who advanced at the expense of Kenneth Chua, 210-179, 193-191.

Sy ranked only third in the semis but made it to the finals by subduing Lara Posadas, 190-174 and striking three times in a row to win the ninth and 10th frame playoff, 60-49, after they had tied in the second game at 195.

Coronacion eliminated multi-titled Liza del Rosario in three games in the semifinals, 187-188, 199-170, 210-181.

It will be the first time for Tan and Sy to compete in the prestigious BWC international finals.

Last year’s Philippine ladies’ titlist, Krizziah Tabora, went on to win the international crown but she was not able to join this time because she’s on medical leave.

Previous Filipino international champions were Paeng Nepomuceno, who holds the distinction of being the only four-time men’s champion, the late Lita dela Rosa, Bong Coo and CJ Suarez.